Godfather of ultra lightweight rifles has passed

[Scott E. Mayer]

Melvin Forbes, age 77, of Granville, West Virginia, passed away at home surrounded by his family on June 5, 2024. He was born on November 25, 1946, in Morgantown, West Virginia, to Leland Nelson Forbes, Sr. and Helen Ponka Forbes.

Melvin was a lifelong resident of the Morgantown area and graduated from Morgantown High School in 1965. He married his loving wife Patty later that year. They bought a house in Granville and worked together to make it a home where everyone was welcome. Over the years Melvin masterfully remodeled every part of the home and was happy to help others with their projects. He began his career as a mold maker in the glass industry. Notably, Melvin made molds for the dinnerware for the John F. Kennedy presidency which are still on display at the White House. His interest in firearms led him to become a part-time gunsmith. Melvin built and repaired guns for hunters, competition shooters, and law enforcement throughout the state. He was an expert machinist and taught machine shop at the Monongalia County Vocational School for several years but left in 1984 to start his revolutionary rifle company, Ultra Light Arms. His rifles were recognized by hunters and shooters as the pinnacle of what a rifle could be, and he sold them throughout the world. Melvin and his company were featured in countless outdoor magazine articles and books. He was awarded the National Rifle Association's Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award in 2011, an award given for innovation in the firearms industry. In 2022, Melvin sold his beloved company to Bill Wilson and Wilson Combat to continue to build his rifles. Recognizing the importance of education, Melvin and his family partnered with Montgomery Community College in North Carolina to establish the Melvin Forbes Next Generation Scholarship for gunsmithing students.

Melvin was active in the community and served on the Granville town council where his insight as a small businessman was impactful. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent his time hunting at "the Farm" and fishing at "the Cabin." First and foremost, though, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Forbes, son John Forbes (Sarah) and grandson Wesley Forbes; daughter, Lisa Price (Edwin), and grandchildren Hannah Metz (Broc), Amanda Bradley (fiancé Joseph Yarzab), Courtney Price, Brandi Strawser, Samantha Strawser (fiancé Carl Roncaglione), and great-grandson, Carson Metz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Leland Nelson Forbes Jr. and Robert Forbes and in-laws Dorsey and Iona Rose.

[Wambli Ska]

We’re slowly losing outstanding figures in the gun community and it feels like the replacement file is mighty thin.

May he RIP.

[PFD45]

Sounds like he led a long and happy life while doing something he loved.

G&A used to run articles on his rifles.

RIP.

[Scott E. Mayer]

He was a good friend. His son and my cousin roomed together in college. I called him "Uncle Mel."

[Wambli Ska]

So sorry for your loss Scott.

[GrapeApe]

My condolences to his friends and family