Most modern lightweight hunting rifles trace their lineage to the work of West Virginia gunsmith Melvin Forbes, who passed away in June 2024. Forbes’ Ultra Light Arms (later renamed New Ultra Light Arms) was known for rifles that were both sub-6 lbs. and extremely accurate.
While mainly known for its custom M1911 handguns, Wilson Combat is a diverse company with many iconic firearm brands under its umbrella. One of these is New Ultra Light Arms (NULA), which was acquired by Wilson in 2022. New for 2025, Wilson is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the founding of Ultra Light Arms with its NULA Model 20 Melvin Forbes Tribute.
The Forbes Tribute rifle is based around Wilson’s NULA Model 20, albeit with many special features. For starters, its 20-inch, lightweight profile, button rifled, 416R stainless steel barrel is chambered in .284 Win. with a 1-8.5-inch twist rate. The rifle’s aluminum floorplate is laser engraved with a limited edition 40th anniversary logo. It is stocked in an AG Composites carbon-fiber stock with reinforced receiver walls finished in a limited edition MFT (Melvin Forbes Tribute) striped woodland camo. The finished product has an overall length of 39.25 inches with a 13.5-inch length of pull, and the rifle weighs a mere 4 lbs., 15.2 ozs.
The Wilson Combat NULA Model 20 has a base price of $4,995. Only 20 of the rifles will be produced, and each will include a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Bill Wilson and the Forbes family, along with boxes of ammunition. For more information, see the company’s website.
