Tough as! Lithgow LA102 Outback rifle test

[@aussienscale]

Great review, finally good to see something on this model, have been waiting. High on the list !

[@SportingShooterMag]

Glad you liked it!

[@GTAintheWILD]

Awesome rifle and love the fluted bolt, my LA105 has a fluted bolt and I love it. Also great to see the SCSA Chassis, great review and now I have a new item on the list of must haves!!

[@shamainkamal8516]

It’s a very solid chassis. I’ve felt it. Good value for money if you ask me.

[@WarwickPayne]

Great review, thanks mate. Are you doing a video on the Hunter model? Cheers

[@SportingShooterMag]

We published one in the April 2024 edition of the magazine, before he got started with this new round of video reviews, and at this stage we don't plan to revisit it. The brief summary: "The Hunter is a straightforward, top-quality and supremely accurate rifle. Throughout the whole test it didn’t falter at all, proving itself utterly dependable in every respect. Lithgow has done a very good job of making a lighter rifle from its LA102 platform and any hunter would be extremely happy with the way it performs." Accuracy in the 6.5 CM test rifle was sub-MOA for three-shot groups with four types of factory, from 95gn to 142gn. You can read the full test in that issue via Zinio: www.zinio.com/au/publications/sporting-shooter/8641/issues/635519.

[@WarwickPayne]

Thanks mate, yes I read that article when it came out. I am interested in seeing the size of the gap between the stock and the barrel as you mention that they have kept the stock the same as the crossover. Will try to find one in stock at a shop. I have an LA 101 Crossover, fantastic rifle with superb ergonomics. I appreciate you guys giving the brand a bit of press, surprised that there are no other reviews of these new rifles on KZbin. Cheers

[@bsftc-w6p]

Don't think this is directed at the right market, myself I'm not looking for a new $2900 rifle to replace my $1000 Taipan or my $500 Lee Enfield sporter (both 2nd hand) as my "it's going to get bashed around in the back of the ute" hunting rifle, but would love this in a longer barrel to keep us from buying a Tikka TAC A1 for target shooting hey, maybe in 10 years I'll pick one up 2nd hand as my knock around gun.

[@jakerice6584]

What does it weigh without the scope?

[@SportingShooterMag]

4.6kg with brake and empty magazine

[@glennllewellyn7369]

Nice. Good to see some more Aussie innovation! Has the governments stance changed on the old suppressor debate? Glenn

[@SportingShooterMag]

Slow progress on the suppressor scene but there has been progress. As I understand it, in at least two states there has been discussion about it between shooting organisations and governments with positive outcomes but no imminent changes - yet.

[@glennllewellyn7369]

@@SportingShooterMag Thank you!

[@Christoph1888]

Every Facebook forum seems to rubbish Lithgow as junk. Love Australian made, whats wrong with them?

[@SportingShooterMag]

Lithgows shoot well, they are tough and reliable, and they're Australian made. It's fair to say the Crossover model was a bit heavy for a stalking rifle but Lighgow has addressed that with the LA102 Hunter. The LA101 rimfire has a trigger that would be better if it were adjustable. A lot of people don't like the shape/style of the Crossover stocks, though there's nothing wrong with them in a practical sense. A greater range of calibres would be nice. Most criticisms I've heard are of a personal/biased nature and often overlook the many excellent things about these rifles, which have good (centrefire) triggers, good barrels and lots more. And with the new range of models now available, there are fewer reasons to moan. I own an LA102 Varmint and it performs brilliantly. I also sold a lot of Crossovers back in the day when I worked in a gun shop and never had anyone come back and complain, let alone bring one in for warranty work. Anyone who reckons they are junk is simply wrong.

[@fossilfuel71]

I find that that a lot of Facebook forums are filled with imbeciles.

[@terrylennard3536]

My LA102 in .223 has been a mixed bag. Bad mag, which would misfeed every 3rd round..replaced by Lithgow, but not before having to buy another. The action was not bedded properly, which led to flyers as it shifted. Groups were atrocious. Again corrected, but not before a lot of fault finding and much head scratching, and ultimately losing confidence in the rifle. Finally, the trigger was so heavy that another shooter asked if the safety was on constantly. Yep fixed again, but all in all a robust rifle with too many flaws for me. And yes I'm persisting with it, but would much rather use my 6.5 Creedmore Howa 1500 precision in MDT Oryx chassis. Now that really is a

[@rossholmes178]

Would prefer a longer barrel...

[@SportingShooterMag]

I can understand that! Southern Cross sells this chassis as an accessory so you could achieve your aim by starting with a Crossover or Varmint and putting the barrelled action into the TSP X chassis, though of course it'll push the overall cost up. Or you could write to the factory and ask. Nothing ventured...

[@maburumman427]

You could buy a used Crossover and put it in the same chassis or even an MDT.