One of these...

[hawgon]

I gots me one.

http://www.americanhunter.org/articles/forbes-rifle

A short action 7mm-08 that with a Leupold VX2 2x7 and loaded weighs in under six pounds.  It shoots well and carries great.  I'm really looking forward to using it.  To my way of thinking, the 7mm-08 is the most perfect deer cartridge ever developed.  It is the perfect balance between power and sensibility.

[kodiakisland]

Lot of negative reviews out there so far.  Not much in the way of customer service either.  Hopefully they get their act together, but if I was buying today I'd have to go with a Kimber Montana.  Good luck with it.  I hope it's great.  For the price it should be.

Here is one that comes to mind, but I have read several accounts of the same issues.  http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/8791003/Forbes_20B_7mm_08_delivered#Post8791003

[hawgon]

Lot of negative reviews out there so far.  Not much in the way of customer service either.  Hopefully they get their act together, but if I was buying today I'd have to go with a Kimber Montana.  Good luck with it.  I hope it's great.  For the price it should be.

Here is one that comes to mind, but I have read several accounts of the same issues.  http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/8791003/Forbes_20B_7mm_08_delivered#Post8791003

I've read most of those threads and most of them I ignore.  Those guys over there would fight about anything and some of them absolutely can't be pleased.  All I can say is that I haven't had any of those issues and I prefer the somewhat beefier and slightly shorter tube of the Forbes to the Kimber.  It is exactly what I expected.

The only thing I'm not more or less thrilled with is the coating or finish on it.  I think they would have been better off just to Cerakote it.  But for being the absolute lightest production or semi-production rifle out there, I'm well satisfied.

[kodiakisland]

Good to hear.  Get some pics up when you can.

[CallThemHawgs!]

7-08 does not get much press, but it is one of the most ballistically efficient cartridges on the market.

Currently looking into having a 7-08 AR built. Took my first deer with a 7-08 and would love to have a modern semi auto chambered for it.

Amazing long range capability too

[CallThemHawgs!]

I've read most of those threads and most of them I ignore.  Those guys over there would fight about anything and some of them absolutely can't be pleased.  All I can say is that I haven't had any of those issues and I prefer the somewhat beefier and slightly shorter tube of the Forbes to the Kimber.  It is exactly what I expected.

The only thing I'm not more or less thrilled with is the coating or finish on it.  I think they would have been better off just to Cerakote it.  But for being the absolute lightest production or semi-production rifle out there, I'm well satisfied.

Whats the weight on this compared to the Tikka T3 Light? I cannot imagine having a bolt gun any lighter than that Tikka

[hawgon]

Whats the weight on this compared to the Tikka T3 Light? I cannot imagine having a bolt gun any lighter than that Tikka

Slightly more than a pound lighter.

[CallThemHawgs!]

Slightly more than a pound lighter.

Good lord, I cannot imagine.

That Tikka felt like it would float!

[hawgon]

Good lord, I cannot imagine.

That Tikka felt like it would float!

By the specs, the Tikka weighs 6.3 pounds naked and the Forbes 20b weighs 4.75 pounds.  In reality, the Forbes comes in right at about 5 pounds.

I'm sure the Tikka will outshoot it, but I've never been able to warm up to the stock on a Tikka.  It just doesn't fit me like I want whereas the Forbes stock is pure American classic in style and the whole package looks very traditional.  It doesn't look as light as it is.  One of my favorite things is handing it to someone and watching his expression when he realizes how light it is.  I handed it to my seven year old daughter and she said, "This one is mine.  I can shoot this one."

[Pudgepork]

haha  go girl!!!!   she got dibs!     At that light weight, will you have to tie a sand bag to her
to keep her in sight when she shoots it?

[Rzbakfromwaybak]

7-08 does not get much press, but it is one of the most ballistically efficient cartridges on the market.

Currently looking into having a 7-08 AR built. Took my first deer with a 7-08 and would love to have a modern semi auto chambered for it.

Amazing long range capability too

Agree.  Own two 7mm-08's, very happy with both.  Accurate, efficient & low recoil.  Probably one of the best all round whitetail calibers.

[pigture perfect]

I had a 7-08 TC-Encore. I bought it because I bought into the hype of TC-Encore from the monster Bucks video's. Caliber was pretty good, just don't like the idea of a single shot. I sold it to a buddy so I could buy a 44 mag. I wouldn't mind having a 7-08 in a bolt action. Very good round.

[AcornHunter]

hawgon,

You say that it shoots well . . . how well?

What round do you shoot?

[kodiakisland]

Did the Forbes come with a set of lightweight Talleys?

[hawgon]

Did the Forbes come with a set of lightweight Talleys?

Yes.  My favorite mounts...or rings.

[kodiakisland]

Yeah, I've got four rifles with them.  Hard to beat unless you just want heavy steel rings.

[hawgon]

Yeah, I've got four rifles with them.  Hard to beat unless you just want heavy steel rings.

The only reason I ever use anything else is if I have a rifle with sights and I think I might want to use them somewhat quickly.  Otherwise, Talley Lightweights it is.

[kodiakisland]

I have a couple that I want as much weight as possible, so they have steel rings, plus a few rugers, sakos, and CZ with the factory steel rings.  Otherwise the Talleys are the way to go.

[hawgon]

I have a couple that I want as much weight as possible, so they have steel rings, plus a few rugers, sakos, and CZ with the factory steel rings.  Otherwise the Talleys are the way to go.

You don't bother lapping them or anything do you?  I don't even think you are supposed to do it, but I see where some people do.  I figure that is part of the charm of aluminum, it is strong enough to hold the scope well, but soft enough to not put it in a bind with slight imperfections in the rings or mounting surfaces.

[kodiakisland]

No.  Steel rings need lapped sometimes, but aluminum are undersized on purpose.  If they are lapped they wont hold correctly. 

[hawgon]

No.  Steel rings need lapped sometimes, but aluminum are undersized on purpose.  If they are lapped they wont hold correctly.

That is my thought, although some do differently.

[rickm1976]

Nice rifle.  I got a Ruger American All-Weather Compact in 7mm-08.  It's a little heavier at 6.25#, but it groups less than an inch at 100 yds.  I've always been a fan of short action ultra-lightweight rifles, and it looks like you found the best of them.  Congratulations.