Lithgow LA102 308

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Lithgow LA102 308

Post by Tac308 » 12 Oct 2019, 4:56 pm

Recently bought a Crossover and fitted APC tactical chassis, bipod, extra rails for some illumination on night shoots, Votex 4-24x50 Illuminated Reticle scope, lucky 13 mags, plus some other stuff..

Anyhow, I didn't keep the polymer stock, and in current spec I find it a tad hefty for stalking. Question is, is there any ultra light weight aftermarket lam or polymer stocks available for the lithgow?

Love the rifle other than its weight in current spec.

Cheers
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by Tac308 » 13 Oct 2019, 8:08 pm

Thought I'd post a pic of the rig.

Looking forward to learning about any light weight stocks that are available.
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APC L102
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by solarpak » 14 Oct 2019, 8:02 pm

Tac,
come in spinner !! The LA102 isnt really a stalking rifle even in its bare form!! I have the polymer stocked rifle and with a scope (weighing at 500g) the rifle all up weights around the 4.25 kg mark - an even at that weight is just tolerable to carry in the field - "field" being flat paddocks !! I wouldn't even think to lug that rifle in the rough country - its more suited to shooting from a ground blind or car.
I have looked into after market stocks . The polymer stock on the LA102 weighs in at 1.06 kg and i dare say a carbon fibre stock (made by Bolly Aviation in Adelaide- which will set you back around $1K) could weigh maybe 600-700 grams - so there could be a weight saving of 300 grams or so.

If i could get my rifle under the 4kg mark (scoped) that would be sweet - but would i spend $1K of a carbon fibre stock - probably not.

I had actually advertised the rifle on a couple of websites to see if i could raise funds to buy a lighter 308 - but even at $1000 not even a nibble....very disappointing.
Will hold onto the rifle - as it shoots very well and only will be used from a ground blind or car.

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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by PaddyT » 14 Oct 2019, 9:52 pm

Ive got a 102 in 308 thats fine to carry, but adding a big scope , 10 shots in the mag and a tac setup aint going to make it lighter
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by TassieTiger » 14 Oct 2019, 10:32 pm

It sounds like you’ve chosen looks over practicality...
If you were to run a lightweight fixed 6x scope, get rid of extra rails, get rid of extended mag and single feed, get rid of bipod, replace stock chassis - you be under 4kg - that bipod looks like it weighs a kg as does the scope?
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by on_one_wheel » 15 Oct 2019, 4:06 am

It's a nice looking rifle.

There's another way you could make it feel a heap lighter while also improving your shooting as a whole.

Work your way up to five sets of ten every day...seriously, it'll work. :thumbsup:
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by Tac308 » 15 Oct 2019, 5:12 am

Lol, fair call guys, yes I agree I've rethought the initial application and my intended function. I admit decking it out to achieve a 'look' in a rifle, never owned such a thing and thought it would be cool. Didn't consider thoroughly it would end up weighing the same as length of railway iron :)

I have other rifles that I can stalk with, but the 102 shoots so damn nice I'd loved to have been able to hunt with that one to.

Not really practical for spotlighting either due to its size, its just awkward in the front of my LC or the side by side. Desire to buy the Aussie banger and be all patriotic and s**t has backfired a bit :)

Disappointed reading you didnt get any interest in it at 1k. Wow, wouldn't have guessed that.

Oh well, spending another big wad to reverse engineer it to lighter spec would seem a bit absurd, looks like I will just have to eat more spinach and be content to use it static.

I will look into those car on stocks though, cheers
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by TassieTiger » 15 Oct 2019, 5:59 am

Don’t discount throwing a strap on it and giving it a go mate - a comfy padded strap, over the shoulder can belie a rifles “hand held” weight.
I recall handling my 260 heavy barrel and thinking, screw this, this rifle is sitting only, but once it’s on the shoulder, it’s not too bad - sure - it gets swapped from shoulder to shoulder at times, and it might rest against a tree for a few mins whilst I stretch out, but as soon as it’s game on - you don’t feel the weight regardless...I’d strip what is easy / unnecessary, maybe consider the lightest practical scope you already have (or buy a cheap eBay 3-9) and put a gel pad sling on it.
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by Tac308 » 15 Oct 2019, 8:34 am

Looks like I've tracked down a synthetic stock so I'll swap over the APC.

Lose the bipod and Lucky 13, see how I go then. I'll try and leave the big Vortex in place, quite nice glass. I do have some other smaller Optics if needed.

I have stalked with it in current fully sick spec, I'm no weakling but realised after a few hours stalk then had reason to shoulder it in anger, the arms were already feeling the burn, not great for shot placement lol

It ain't going anywhere, it's a lovely bit of kit... Aussie made gun as well engineered as anything I've owned previously.
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by solarpak » 15 Oct 2019, 6:22 pm

The lightest scope i have punted out is the Swaro Z3 3-9 x 38 which weight around 370 gr and Leupold make a VX3i - silimar mag range that weighs around 400g. My Hawke Vantage 4-12x50 (on a 1-inch tube- weighs 500g)

My rifle as already mentioned weighs around 4.2 kg and it can be carried over the shoulder - but a mountain rifle or long distance stalking outfit when your carrying a backpack it certainly isnt.....Yes you could carry less s**t in your backpack but ask any hard core stalker - every ounce matters!!!

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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by JimTom » 15 Oct 2019, 8:02 pm

Good luck with it mate. Hope you get it to where you want it. Definitely looks a bit overdone in its current state. Each to their own but I think those Lithgow’s look mighty fine in their natural state.
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by in2anity » 16 Oct 2019, 12:59 pm

Have you tried a safari sling? These are the bees for long walks:

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Safari Rifle Sling
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I just wear a bum bag and water bottle and that's it.
At what point does lack of maintenance become patina?
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by WookyMysta » 18 Oct 2019, 8:05 am

Hi guys,
Great forum.

On one wheel.. Hehehehe.

Took delivery of my la102 in 308 last night. Will give her a run after work today. Can't wait.

I had my heart set on the APC setup (total gun porn).

When I picked it up, pfff. For the wow factor at the range.. Yes.

As a hunting rifle, no way. Unless you take on one wheel advice.

I went with the laminate, it just felt better to the shoulder, I have no regrets.
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by Tac308 » 18 Oct 2019, 8:23 am

There was weight saving of 1kg by swapping over the APC for a OEM stock, I'll leave the strike eagle and big mounts in place to see how it feels during a stalk.

I've got a little IR Burris scope and mounts I can throw on it to save another couple of hundred grams.

Bit over 5kg with APC and bipod fitted, bang on 4kg with Lithgow synthetic stock.
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by SckSqzBngBlo » 18 Oct 2019, 8:28 am

I'm waiting on my licence but have put a deposit down on an LA102.

Has anyone used a Kifaru gun bearer?
https://www.google.com/search?q=kifaru+ ... e&ie=UTF-8
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by solarpak » 23 Oct 2019, 8:01 pm

While the LA102 is a might fine rifle ( i do like my 308) mine is relegated for use from the car or ground blind.
However i have noticed that the used market for LA102's has plummeted. For rifles which sold around the $1400-$1500 mark , used examples in VGC or EXC are commanding around $1000 at Dealers (not private) . Not good for such a new rifle - obviously the barrel fiasco has affected the LA102's value in the used gun market.

If we are trying to sell a Tikka T3X - it would walk out the door ....but is the LA102 a modern day lemon???
I sincerely hope not - i bought one to support the Ozzie Industry and whilst the rifle shoots very well indeed (mine dies anyway) selling them in the used market is another story.

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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by TassieTiger » 23 Oct 2019, 8:27 pm

Insanely competitive market - don’t think they are alone in rapid depreciation...
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by Veetwin » 12 Sep 2021, 12:14 pm

I would never buy a used modern day centrefire. All sorts of things could have happened to it. For $500 more to have a brand new rifle with warranty, no contest. At least now i get to decide how the rifle is cleaned and with what equipment and methods.
A used Tikka, you have to be kidding. People do all sorts of things to them and if they are selling it, there will be a reason. I thought I was going to buy a Tikka, however didn't in the end. Still might one day.
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by Bugman » 12 Sep 2021, 12:59 pm

My Lithgow 308 was only used from a static position. (from a hide etc) due to it being a bit heavy for an old bugger like me to cart around. For carting around I switched to a Weatherby Vanguard in 243. Still got the 308? You bet. Great calibre.
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by Bello » 12 Sep 2021, 4:23 pm

Veetwin wrote:I would never buy a used modern day centrefire. All sorts of things could have happened to it. For $500 more to have a brand new rifle with warranty, no contest. At least now i get to decide how the rifle is cleaned and with what equipment and methods.
A used Tikka, you have to be kidding. People do all sorts of things to them and if they are selling it, there will be a reason. I thought I was going to buy a Tikka, however didn't in the end. Still might one day.


Hi Veetwin
I have bought several second hand rifles, they all have been fine.
I have had issues with one and I sent it back with no issues.

Just my experiences
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by disco stu » 12 Sep 2021, 5:56 pm

Bugman wrote:My Lithgow 308 was only used from a static position. (from a hide etc) due to it being a bit heavy for an old bugger like me to cart around. For carting around I switched to a Weatherby Vanguard in 243. Still got the 308? You bet. Great calibre.


And people think the howa/vanguard are heavy!!
Last edited by disco stu on 12 Sep 2021, 7:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by Wm.Traynor » 12 Sep 2021, 7:03 pm

The post by SckSqzBngBlo, reminded me of my "Badlands Super Day", backpack, which has a pouch at the rear, instead of the side. This product distributed the load evenly on both shoulders.
Also easy on the trapezius and neck muscles was an elastic Butler Creek sling.
FWIW :)
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Re: Lithgow LA102 308

Post by FNQ » 13 Sep 2021, 8:49 am

Veetwin wrote:I would never buy a used modern day centrefire. All sorts of things could have happened to it. For $500 more to have a brand new rifle with warranty, no contest. At least now i get to decide how the rifle is cleaned and with what equipment and methods.
A used Tikka, you have to be kidding. People do all sorts of things to them and if they are selling it, there will be a reason. I thought I was going to buy a Tikka, however didn't in the end. Still might one day.


Totally agree.
Years ago 2nd was attractive however the price difference between new and second is often to close these days.

I’ve seen brand new Howas at the Big C for $650 and same used gun for $900 (and then you have to pay shipping / transfer fees etc) :unknown: . Lever action or straight pull shotties are another example where 2nd is more then new and full of problems! :crazy: Most people are dreaming with regards to prices. :thumbsdown:

Obviously the exception is military surplus rifles. :D
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