Lithgow LA101 CrossOver

[jennageit]

I spoke at length to the person who has asked me to do the review, and they know that I have next to no experience.

They want my opinion as far as being new to shooting, new to target shooting, and being female with a light, weakened frame.

I'm with the others regarding wanting to read from someone who has lots of experience, but I will rarely purchase something in this price range without first reading as much as I can.

So it's for the above 3 reasons that I agreed.

In the end, it'll just be my personal opinion given my lack of experience.

Jenna

[bigfellascott]

So you're not doing a review on the Lithgow then more a piece on what its like to be a new shooter to the sport? That makes more sense.

I was wondering how you could put forward an informative review on something you had next to no experience with.

Thanks for clarifying that Jenna, for a minute it sounded like you were reviewing the Lithgow.

[schink]

I was wondering how you could put forward an informative review on something you had next to no experience with.

What, are you kidding?

That's exactly what the internet is for!

[brett1868]

I was wondering how you could put forward an informative review on something you had next to no experience with.

What, are you kidding?

That's exactly what the internet is for!

I thought the internet was a global porn sharing tool....

[RoginaJack]

No more or no less than I would run out and buy a motor vehicle after reading a review from a "motoring expert', would you?

Anyway, I'll reserve my judgement until after I read the review, might be very interesting reading.

[bigfellascott]

No more or no less than I would run out and buy a motor vehicle after reading a review from a "motoring expert', would you?

Anyway, I'll reserve my judgement until after I read the review, might be very interesting reading.

Yep I'll back my own judgement before I rely on anyone else to tell me what I need. But there are plenty out there that haven't got a clue and would accept anything they read in a mag or on the net as being right because they lack the skills and ability to work out s**t for em selves.

[jennageit]

My "review" will have in it that I have only just received my license, that I have next to no experience with firearms, that I'm a new shooter, new to target shooting and new to firearms. There will be absolutely no doubt to my lack of experience and knowledge of firearms.

As I stated above, this person asked for a newbies (plus female, plus handicapped) opinion, how I felt about the rifle; would I buy it for myself; how do I compare it to the other Lithgow that I used that day (50yo); would I, personally, consider it a good option for both hunting and target etc.
I put 30 odd rounds, 6 different brands of ammunition through the CrossOver and the older rifle, as well as about a dozen rounds through the Anschutz that I use, all at 20m (which I've never shot before) and at Benchrest. Not once did I shoot from the shoulder, and the piece will also reflect this.

They know how much experience I don't have.

If I hadn't been asked, I never would have considered it, and I asked before, during and after if the person still wanted my review. They do, so I'll write it. It's up to them if they use it. Who knows, my style of writing might not suit them.

All I can do is offer an opinion, which is what they've asked for and what I'll give them. I mean, I started shooting in August, had to take 6 weeks off from it, and I've only shot a Brno No 2, two Anschutz bench rest rifles, and now the two Lithgows. Not exactly a huge lineup! lol

Jenna

PS. Oh, and I call it a "review" because that is what I was asked. Personally, I would call it an opinion piece.

[ailar]

I'm writing a review for the two I used yesterday, if anyone would like to know what I thought of it, please feel free to PM me. I can't discuss it on an open forum until after I've submitted my review to the magazine and manufacturer.

Post when submitted?

[jennageit]

If I'm allowed, I'll post it on here. I'll have to check first though.

Jenna

[ailar]

Roger, roger.

[1290]

Roger, roger.

whats our vector, Victor?

[Baldrick314]

Roger, roger.

whats our vector, Victor?

Surely you can't be serious?

I am serious, and don't call me Shirley!

[1290]

whats our clearance, Clarence?

[lowb]

dont-call-me-shirley.jpg (8.54 KiB) Viewed 6334 times

[1290]

what a cunny funt he was.......

[kurl]

Naked Gun was gold

[headwerkn]

Given that one of the primary markets for the CrossOver are new, younger generation shooters taking up the sport for the first time, who often are coming in cold (that is, they haven't been introduced via a parent or family member) I don't see how a review from a 'noob' could be a bad thing. Their perspective is no less relevant to a potential buyer than that of an experienced hand (who often brings alongs decades' worth of bias with them).

I've had my review CrossOver for nearly 4 months now (my own still hasn't arrived yet... grrrr Winchester) and have to say, honestly, it is still impressing me each time I take it out the safe. The quality of the materials and finish is great - what you'd expect of a $1000 rifle - and the Cerakoting in particular holds up well again wet Tasmanian springtime evenings in the mud and dew. Quick wipe over with the soft rag and it still looks brand new. After a few hundred rounds the bolt cycles super-smooth, and really really slick and fast - I'm sold on the 60-degree lift.

I'll agree that the flat bottom of the forestock is a little different in feel to the typical rounded sporter profile, though after a while you forget about it... certainly hasn't prevented me taking accurate off-hand shots.

Accuracy is extremely good... under 1" at 50m with regular hunting ammo (Winchester Subs/Power Points, etc.), and half-inch with decent target grade stuff. A mate who's much more serious into benchrest is getting well under 1/2" @ 50m with high grade target ammo and the Lumley 700gr trigger spring installed in his CrossOver.

For hunting the standard trigger is perfectly useable, some might find it a little heavier than what they'd prefer, but 1.5kg is safe and sensible for the field. For target shooters a lighter spring will pretty much be a must-do... though this is no different for any sporting type rifle. My only real criticism of the trigger itself is its slightly soft and creepy action; it's not 'bad' by any stretch of the imagination, and is very consistent in its action, it's just I prefer a crisp feel.

There's no doubt that many people don't, won't or can't afford to spend more than $500-$600 on a .22LR, but that doesn't mean that the CrossOver is overpriced. In fact I think it is extremely good value considering the materials, design and finish. With the recent falls in the Aussie dollar it is only going to become better value, as the equivalent CZs and mid-range Savages increase in price against it. When the CrossOver was first released people kept talking about the 'Australian made tax', the extra $$$ you'd be paying to own Aussie rather than imported... but honestly the rifle holds its own, dollar for dollar. The kangaroo swingtag is a free bonus.

I maintain that the only reasons you wouldn't at least consider one is that it is beyond your financial means, or you want something that looks traditional. Both of which are fair enough. There is a factory timber laminate stock option coming soon... I reckon if they paired that with a dark blue/grey Cerakote finish you'd satisfy most people's tastes happily.

image005.jpg (193.35 KiB) Viewed 7736 times

Cheers, Ben.

[veep]

Their perspective is no less relevant to a potential buyer than that of an experienced hand (who often brings alongs decades' worth of bias with them).

It's can be good too to get some feedback from someone on the same level as you too.

Speaking with people too high above your experience or skill to start can mean you don't appreciate the finer details that make or break something for them, or you're just getting biased opinions based on whatever pet peeve they're bitching about or fanboy support they're giving for something even if it doesn't deserve it.

[headwerkn]

Very true. Don't get me wrong... understanding the mechanics of triggers, actions, barrel rifling, ballistics and so forth is useful as one progresses into the sport.... arguably necessary in order to get the most out of it, though plenty of people don't bother and carry on perfectly fine... but worrying about rifle twist rates vs projectile size and that kinda thing is getting ahead of what newcomers need to worry about. For them, ease of operation and comfortable handling are more important, in my opinion.

People coming into the sport these days have access to a helluva lot more information than those from generations before. Back then people learnt from their father, their uncle, their grandfather, or their best mate's father. They also tended to inherit their biases and ideas too. Assuming they read widely and consider individual opinions within a broader context the average kid or twenty-something taking up shooting these days will have a much more rounded knowledge base.

Certainly never under-appreciate the wisdom of an experienced hand, just be wary of comfort bias.... as a general rule, old blokes tend to get a bit set in their ways, given half a chance

[Korkt]

Assuming they read widely and consider individual opinions within a broader context the average kid or twenty-something taking up shooting these days will have a much more rounded knowledge base.

Certainly never under-appreciate the wisdom of an experienced hand, just be wary of comfort bias.... as a general rule, old blokes tend to get a bit set in their ways, given half a chance

It's kind of a double edged sword too though.

It happens everywhere obviously, not just shooting, but with the information at everyone's finger tips there's a few more know-it-all's these days than there have been in days past. Read it, "know it", start spouting off like a pro... You know how it goes.

Kudos to Jenna I think for embracing the fact she's new to it and approaching it as such.

[Combat_Wombat]

Just a heads up I just saw a few photos of Facebook of their centerfire range: 223,243 and 308 in stainless synthetic, stainless laminate and blued timber.

[Combat_Wombat]

Here's the proof

[rsj223]

They were at the Melbourne show on the weekend, they say should be available later in the year.

[stefo]

wowee that is nice !!!

never thought id say it, but might trade the T3 in for a stainless laminate .308

[KWhorenet]

At the show I saw the centerfire with proper wood stock and matte grey steal
Had what looked like a laser etched grip pattern area in stead of checkering.
Metal work seemed very well machined to close tolerances. Bolt smooth and no slop.

Looked nice IMO.

[Wobble]

Had what looked like a laser etched grip pattern area in stead of checkering.

This is it in action. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVUsxIW5JlU

Very cool

[RoginaJack]

Had what looked like a laser etched grip pattern area in stead of checkering.

This is it in action. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVUsxIW5JlU

Very cool

very, very cool..

[Nederlander]

Been told the black barrel version wont be available with threaded muzzle. I'm after a black one and would like the threaded muzzle but in reality will going for the threaded and possibly running a muzzle brake be of any advantage?

[KWhorenet]

Been told the black barrel version wont be available with threaded muzzle. I'm after a black one and would like the threaded muzzle but in reality will going for the threaded and possibly running a muzzle brake be of any advantage?

Not sure I understand what you are asking;
If you wanted it threaded for a muzzle brake surely you know why you want it?

Is that what you asking; why have a muzzle brake? What calibre do you want and have you tried it before?

[sandgroperbill]

muzzle brakes have advantages and disadvantages, otherwise everyone would be using them. Unless you're recoil sensitive, I'm not sure there would be any great advantage to one given the available cals. Can I ask why you want a muzzle brake?