Lightweight 30-06 - Barrett Fieldcraft, Forbes or custom?

I'm looking at both the Barrett Fieldcraft and the Forbes model 24b in 30-06 for a lightweight backcountry gun for short range big game needs - elk, deer, maybe even take on a sheep hunt for some more horsepower in case I run into a bear.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with the Forbes that can attest to the accuracy/reputation of them? In a perfect world, I'd like to shoot 180gr partitions or similar rounds in the rifle.

Thanks for the input!

Can't speak to the Forbes but my Fieldcraft in 30-06 is shooting half MOA with 180 partitions...and that was just with a generic seating depth test! Very happy with the Barrett and with a VX5 3-15, whole package is right at 7lbs.

Very nice, sounds like a great way to go - I'm thinking 4-16 Huskemaw or z5 Swarovski

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I have a Forbes 24b in 270 that's a sub moa gun with a few different forms of factory ammo. Haven't hand loaded for it as I picked it up for a cheap price and it's been in the safe most the time. All the reviews I've read of the fieldcract they're very accurate rifles. Rumor has it, they'll be offered in 280ai this year. The magazine is short on the long action, right around 3.375 I believe, where the short action is on the long side at 3". So in a long action, not much room to seat out with heavy bullets.

I know this is a older post, but might help some with a future purchase.
I have a forbes 24B with the newer fluted bolt, shoots sub Moa with factory ammo. My brother has a barrett fieldcraft 308 that is very accurate. They are both good rifles, barrett fieldcraft are top notch and still in business, sadly forbes rifles are not, but i have read that Melvin will still work on them, for a reasonable price.
Can't go wrong with either

cb4128 said:

I'm looking at both the Barrett Fieldcraft and the Forbes model 24b in 30-06 for a lightweight backcountry gun for short range big game needs - elk, deer, maybe even take on a sheep hunt for some more horsepower in case I run into a bear.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with the Forbes that can attest to the accuracy/reputation of them? In a perfect world, I'd like to shoot 180gr partitions or similar rounds in the rifle.

Thanks for the input!

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I am not sure what your set-up weight goal is but another consideration is a Kimber 84L Hunter. I had mine re-chambered to .30 Gibbs and currently propelling the 190 Berger VDL at 2806 with RL-17 with more room. Still playing around, will be loading the Berger 205s next.