Wilson Combat Acquires New Ultralight Arms

Bill Wilson made a huge announcement today, announcing Wilson Combat’s acquisition of New Ultralight Arms. For the uninitiated, gunsmith Melvin Forbes and his New Ultralight Arms make some of the finest, incredibly lightweight hunting bolt-action rifles in the world. Forbes is credited with essentially creating the true 5-pound .308 hunting rifle, a coveted achievement in hunting circles.

Manufacturing and production of all NULA rifles will relocate from West Virginia to the Wilson Combat plant in Arkansas. Initial product offerings will include the Model 20S and Model 20. Wilson Combat plans to offer the Model 24 and Model 28 in the near future.

Model 20S

• .223 Wylde
• 300 HAM’R
• .350 Legend

Model 20

• .243 Win.
• 6.5 Creedmoor
• 7mm-08
• .284 Win.
• .308 Win.

Forbes will provide Wilson Combat with the necessary technical advice needed for seamless transition, according to Wilson Combat. The company plans to continue Forbes’ legacy of building the highest quality, lightest weight hunting rifles on the market. The move brings NULA under the Wilson Combat umbrella of companies, joining Chip McCormick Custom, Circle WC Ranch, Khumba Bush Camp, Leigh Defense, Scattergun Technologies and Wilson Custom Ammunition.

For more info, please visit newultralightarms.com and wilsoncombat.com.

Editor’s Take:

Wilson Combat continues to make big moves, and this one really gives them a leg up in a new market. Bill Wilson is no stranger to hunting, and Melvin Forbes’ rifles have developed a cult following among those that covet the lightest high-performance game-getter they can shoot. Incredibly accurate, ridiculously lightweight, NULA now sends Wilson Combat up the mountain, both figuratively and literally. The acquisition brings more quality and resonance to the brand, but it also sends Wilson Combat products up elk trails and into sheep camps, wherever lightweight rifle are coveted.