{"id":1206,"date":"2024-07-30T22:48:47","date_gmt":"2024-07-30T22:48:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1206"},"modified":"2024-07-30T22:48:48","modified_gmt":"2024-07-30T22:48:48","slug":"wilson-combat-nula-review-continuing-a-legacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1206","title":{"rendered":"Wilson Combat NULA Review: Continuing A Legacy"},"content":{"rendered":"<div> <!-- image --><\/p>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\"> <noscript><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-feature-768x496.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson Combat NULA Review: Continuing A Legacy\" title=\"Wilson Combat NULA Review: Continuing A Legacy\"\/><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-we-test-out-a-wilson-combat-nula-model-20-rifle-and-discuss-how-the-company-is-continuing-melvin-forbes-legacy\"><strong>We test out a Wilson Combat NULA Model 20 rifle and discuss how the company is continuing Melvin Forbes\u2019 legacy.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In 1985, a West Virginia gunsmith named Melvin Forbes introduced the world to the lightest and most accurate bolt-action hunting rifle ever made. Not only was this rifle light and accurate, but it also earned the distinction of being the pound-for-pound most accurate rifle of all time. In 2022, the company Forbes started\u2014New Ultra Light Arms\/NULA\u2014was purchased by Wilson Combat. It marked the end of a nearly 40-year dynasty of lightweight hunting rifles. But now Wilson Combat is continuing the legacy with a modernized version of Forbes\u2019 famous rifle and carrying on the NULA name.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/original-NULA-rifle-vs-Wilson-Combat.jpg\" alt=\"original-NULA-rifle-vs-Wilson-Combat\" class=\"wp-image-294950\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/original-NULA-rifle-vs-Wilson-Combat.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/original-NULA-rifle-vs-Wilson-Combat-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/original-NULA-rifle-vs-Wilson-Combat-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/original-NULA-rifle-vs-Wilson-Combat-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/original-NULA-rifle-vs-Wilson-Combat-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Top: Original NULA Model 20 with a 24-inch barrel. Bottom: Wilson Combat NULA Model 20 with a 20-inch barrel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-wilson-combat-nula\"><strong>The Wilson Combat NULA<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Forbes machined Original NULA rifles by hand. Wilson Combat NULA actions are CNC\/EDM cut. Just like the originals, they\u2019re cylindrical and slim at only 1.22 inches in diameter and made of 4140 steel. The bolt has two lugs and is CNC machined from 4340 barstock, and just like with the originals the bolt is only 0.585 inch in diameter. Perfectly sized and no larger than necessary. The bolt has a Sako-style extractor and a plunger ejector and is fitted with a swappable and grooved bolt knob that\u2019s slightly oversized. There\u2019s also a red \u201ccocked\u201d indicator visible at the rear of the bolt.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt.jpg\" alt=\"WC-NULA-bolt\" class=\"wp-image-294951\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt.jpg\" alt=\"WC-NULA-bolt\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294951\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-bolt-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Unlike many modern bolt-action rifles, the bolt on the Wilson Combat NULA is\u2014just like with the originals\u2014no larger than it needs to be.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Timney made the triggers for the original NULAs, and Wilson Combat worked with Timney to adapt one of their Elite Hunter triggers to their NULA. Just as with the original, the safety\u2014when placed on \u201csafe\u201d\u2014locks the bolt handle down. Another change Wilson Combat made was to drill and tap the action for 8\u00d740 screws as opposed to 6\u00d740. But the action still accepts the same style of one-piece scope rings designed by Forbes and now made by Talley. They only weigh 1.5 ounces per set.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator.jpg\" alt=\"WC-NULA-cocked-indicator\" class=\"wp-image-294952\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator.jpg\" alt=\"WC-NULA-cocked-indicator\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294952\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-cocked-indicator-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There\u2019s a red \u201ccocked\u201d indicator on the bolt of the Wilson Combat NULA rifle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Wilson Combat makes their own barrels from 416R stainless steel. They\u2019re lean and trim and unusually tapered. As opposed to using set contours, Wilson Combat tapers barrels so they all have the same wall thickness at the muzzle. This shaves weight from the original NULA standard contoured Douglas barrels, and every caliber barrel has its unique contour. I know of no other manufacturer doing this. Threading at 5\/8\u00d724 is an option for all calibers and barrel lengths.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle\" class=\"wp-image-294953\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294953\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-Model-20-threaded-muzzle-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you opt for a threaded muzzle on your Wilson Combat NULA Model 20, it\u2019ll come with a thread protector.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The barreled action is placed in a pillar bedded AG Composites carbon-fiber stock that\u2019s also fitted with a featherlight (2.6 ounce) hard anodized aluminum floorplate. The barrel is free-floated, and the stock is finished in one of two camo patterns or a speckled charcoal gray. Finally, a Limbsaver recoil pad is expertly fitted and complete, the stock weighs less than 25 ounces. A complete rifle\u2014less scope rings\u2014weighs only 5.17 pounds. Of course, weight will vary slightly depending on barrel length and cartridge. Just the other day I received a new Wilson Combat NULA in .358 Winchester, and with its 16.25-inch barrel, it weighs only 4.94 pounds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock.jpg\" alt=\"WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock\" class=\"wp-image-294954\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock.jpg\" alt=\"WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294954\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-NULA-AG-composite-stock-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Here you can see the pillar bedding used by AG Composites on the stock for the Wilson Combat NULA rifles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-wilson-combat-nula-model-20-specs\"><strong>Wilson Combat NULA Model 20 Specs<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Website:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/wilsoncombat.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WilsonCombat.com<\/a><br \/><strong>Type:<\/strong> Bolt-action centerfire<br \/><strong>Chamberings:<\/strong> .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Remington (tested), .308 Winchester, .358 Winchester<br \/><strong>Barrel:<\/strong> 16.25, 20 (tested) and 22 inches<br \/><strong>Trigger:<\/strong> Timney Elite Hunter, 2.75-pound pull weight<br \/><strong>Safety:<\/strong> Two-position, bolt locking<br \/><strong>Magazines:<\/strong> Internal box with floor plate, 4+1<br \/><strong>Sights:<\/strong> None, drilled and tapped for scope mounts<br \/><strong>Stock:<\/strong> AG Composites carbon fiber<br \/><strong>Finish:<\/strong> Armorlube DLC<br \/><strong>Overall Length:<\/strong> 38.0 to 43.75 inches, 40.25 inches (as tested)<br \/><strong>Length of Pull:<\/strong> 13.5 inches<br \/><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 4.94 to 5.25 pounds, 5.125 pounds (as tested)<br \/><strong>MSRP:<\/strong> $2,995<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-shooting-results\"><strong>Shooting Results<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The 7mm-08 is the third new NULA rifle from Wilson Combat I\u2019ve thoroughly evaluated. The first two were a 6.5 Creedmoor and a .308 Winchester. All were tested with multiple hunting loads from a bench rest at 100 yards, and all three rifles averaged between 1.02 and 1.07 inches when every group fired was considered. This is noteworthy because when it comes to precision, most rifle reviews in gun magazines represent the evaluation of an example of one. It clearly demonstrates that you can expect MOA performance with any new NULA Model 20 rifle for five-shot groups, and less than that for three-shot groups. These rifles will shoot!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle\" class=\"wp-image-294956\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle-650x420.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294956\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-Model-20-rifle-650x420.jpg 650w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wilson Combat Model 20 NULA. Photo credit: Wilson Combat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>But more importantly for the hunter, these rifles handle well. The 20-inch barreled 7mm-08 balanced right at the front guard screw, which puts the weight right between your hands. This is ideal for a rifle that will be shot in field conditions, because it offers the best equilibrium between handling and shootability. Now, adding a suppressor will make the rifle a bit muzzle heavy, which isn\u2019t ideal for shooting running game or snap shooting. But, if that\u2019s the type of shooting you expect to do when hunting, you might want to consider the shorter 16.25-inch barrel option.<\/p>\n<p>The addition of the hinged floorplate Wilson Combat chose to include on their version of the NULA Model 20 is a nice touch on the range and in the field. Thank goodness they didn\u2019t opt for a detachable magazine, which I think is somewhat foolish and even a bad idea on any straight-up hunting rifle. The hinged floor plate makes unloading the rifle much faster, easier and safer than cycling all the loaded cartridges through the action.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine.jpg\" alt=\"WC-Model-20-magazine\" class=\"wp-image-294955\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine.jpg\" alt=\"WC-Model-20-magazine\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294955\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/WC-Model-20-magazine-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The hinged floor plate is one of the modernizations Wilson Combat applied to the NULA rifle after acquiring the design from Melvin Forbes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I can\u2019t say I loved everything about the rifle. Though the ribbed bolt handle provided a solid grip for positive functioning, I prefer the round handle of the original. As for the stock, I think AG Composites currently make the best carbon-fiber stocks. However, I would\u2019ve preferred Wilson Combat to have carried on with the hand-laid carbon-fiber\/Kevlar stock Forbes pioneered. It was the lightest and most stable synthetic rifle stock ever created.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>LOAD TESTED<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>VELOCITY<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>ENERGY<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>PRECISION<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Hornady 139-grain SST American Whitetail<\/td>\n<td>2,802<\/td>\n<td>2,423<\/td>\n<td>1.280<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nosler Trophy Grade 140-grain AccuBond<\/td>\n<td>2,788<\/td>\n<td>2,416<\/td>\n<td>0.972<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lehigh Defense 142-grain Controlled Chaos<\/td>\n<td>2,740<\/td>\n<td>2,367<\/td>\n<td>0.881<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td\/>\n<td\/>\n<td\/>\n<td><strong>AVERAGE:<\/strong> 1.044<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-in-the-field-with-the-wilson-combat-nula\"><strong>In the Field with the <strong>Wilson Combat NULA<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>I\u2019ve hunted all over the world with original NULA rifles, and I\u2019m carrying on that tradition with the Wilson Combat version. In early 2024, I took the Model 20 in 7mm-08 Remington to Texas on a Whitetail deer hunt. This was a hunt hosted by Trijicon, and I mounted a Trijicon AccuPoint 3-18X50 riflescope on the NULA in 30mm Talley rings. This was a high-end hunt; we set in fancy box blinds, and there was no walking and little hunting involved. On the third day, I took a nice buck, but it wasn\u2019t much of a test of the rifle. However, the outfitter had a 600-yard range, and after my hunt, I proceeded to ring 8-inch steel plates from 100 out to 600 yards and never missed a shot.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3\" class=\"wp-image-294958\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294958\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-3-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photographer\/videographer Sabastian \u201cBat\u201d Mann with a blesbok ram he took with the 7mm-08 Wilson Combat NULA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In March of this year, I embarked on a six-week safari in Africa. During the first week, I was in the Eastern Cape with my wife. She used the Wilson Combat NULA in 7mm-08 to take a blue wildebeest, two black wildebeest, an impala, a warthog, a jackal and several rock hyraxes. She never missed, and even with the large Swarovski Z8i 2-16\u00d750 P riflescope and a Silencer Central Banish Backcountry suppressor attached, the rifle was a joy to carry.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20.jpg\" alt=\"jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20\" class=\"wp-image-294957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20.jpg\" alt=\"jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jackal-hunt-Wilson-Combat-Model-20-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author\u2019s wife, Drema Mann, with her first jackal. It was taken with the 7mm-08 Wilson Combat NULA and a 142-grain Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Several weeks later, my son joined me in the Northern Cape. He was there on a photography assignment but had a few days to hunt. He latched on to the NULA in 7mm-08, mostly because I think it was so similar to his original NULA in 6.5 Creedmoor. He took one blesbok ram on the other side of 300 yards, another at about half that distance and used the rifle to whack several warthogs during eradication operations.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2\" class=\"wp-image-294959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-NULA-hunt-2-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-as-good-as-the-best\"><strong>As Good as the Best?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In 2021, I authored an article about <a href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/rifles\/hunting-rifles\/new-ultra-light-arms-the-best-bolt-action-hunter-ever-made\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Forbes\u2019 custom NULA rifles<\/a> for <em>Gun Digest<\/em> and proclaimed them the best bolt-action hunting rifles ever made. My opinion hasn\u2019t changed. However, Wilson Combat\u2019s purchase of New Ultra Light Arms brought the production of those rifles with their magical stocks to an end. The new NULA rifles are slightly modernized and very similar to the originals, and\u2014very importantly\u2014they\u2019re $1,500 cheaper. Are they as good as the originals? I\u2019d not go that far. But since the originals are no longer in production, with confidence, I\u2019ll say the Wilson Combat NULA <em>is now<\/em> the best bolt-action hunting rifle in production.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA.jpg\" alt=\"Melvin-Forbes-NULA\" class=\"wp-image-294960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA.jpg\" alt=\"Melvin-Forbes-NULA\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-294960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Melvin-Forbes-NULA-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Melvin Forbes at the workbench with one of his original NULA rifles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Forbes often said his NULA rifles\u2014the originals\u2014were like his children and that the people who sent him money for them were just renting them, because they\u2019d always be his. If Bill Wilson and Wilson Combat take that same approach with their modernized NULAs, they\u2019ll do just fine at crafting the legendary rifle Forbes created.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-columns gb-layout-columns-2 gb-2-col-equal\">\n<div class=\"gb-layout-column-wrap gb-block-layout-column-gap-2 gb-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pros\"><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Incredibly light and accurate<\/li>\n<li>$1,500 less expensive than an original<\/li>\n<li>Some useful modernizations like its hinged floorplate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cons\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>The author preferred the original round bolt handle to Wilson Combat&#8217;s ribbed version<\/li>\n<li>Stock isn&#8217;t quite as nice as what Forbes used on original NULA rifles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gundigestservice.com\/customer\/subscribe.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h3>More Hunting Rifle Reviews:<\/h3>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-17\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<div style=\"border: 2px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #333; text-align: center;\">Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack<\/h2>\n<p>Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter<\/strong> and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- CONTENT END 1 --><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We test out a Wilson Combat NULA Model 20 rifle and discuss how the company is continuing Melvin Forbes\u2019 legacy. In 1985, a West Virginia gunsmith named Melvin Forbes introduced the world to the lightest and most accurate bolt-action hunting rifle ever made. Not only was this rifle light and accurate, but it also earned [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1207,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gun-reviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1206"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1206\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1208,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1206\/revisions\/1208"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1207"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}