Owning a Lithgow LA101

[JohnV]

Bought a Model 2E Brno and never had a single problem of any kind in like 30 odd years but I never changed ammo much .
Lithgow have improved quite a bit and they do shoot ok but nothing about them entices me to change .

[Lazarus]

I bought my latest La101 early this year.
It initially had the stovepipe problem with virtually every second round of Winchester Super Suppressed and after a little TLC to the magazine with some 1500 grit wet paper it even fed that rubbish without problem, just threw them all over the paddock.

According to my records I've put 2794 rounds throught it since and only had 4 stovepipe.

After a little tuning of the fit and installing a 1.5lb trigger spring, it's a one hole laser at 50m with Lapua and almost as good with S&B subs, next best is Eley HV, S&B HV, but does NOT like Aguila at all.

[cloudsurfer]

I recently got my LA101 and compared it in the shop side by side with the CZ 457 and T1X. To my mind - aside from the beautiful high quality cerkote finish - the Lithgow is definitely the best gun out of the three and quite likely -outside of Anschutz - the best .22 on the market!

The quality is nothing short of outstanding. The CZ has a cheap feel to it which instantly made me discard it and the T1X wasn't quite at the same level either. I have rarely seen a gun that looks and shoots as good as the LA101. Totally impressed. It could easily go for a German gun if you didn't know it, just from the quality of the work.

Imo if you want the best 22 and not spend $2.5k on an Anschutz, the Lithgow is pretty much in a league of its own.
Massive kudos to Australian engineering!

[bladeracer]

I recently got my LA101 and compared it in the shop side by side with the CZ 457 and T1X. To my mind - aside from the beautiful high quality cerkote finish - the Lithgow is definitely the best gun out of the three and quite likely -outside of Anschutz - the best .22 on the market!

The quality is nothing short of outstanding. The CZ has a cheap feel to it which instantly made me discard it and the T1X wasn't quite at the same level either. I have rarely seen a gun that looks and shoots as good as the LA101. Totally impressed. It could easily go for a German gun if you didn't know it, just from the quality of the work.

Imo if you want the best 22 and not spend $2.5k on an Anschutz, the Lithgow is pretty much in a league of its own.
Massive kudos to Australian engineering!

You don't find it heavy in the field?

[cloudsurfer]

I recently got my LA101 and compared it in the shop side by side with the CZ 457 and T1X. To my mind - aside from the beautiful high quality cerkote finish - the Lithgow is definitely the best gun out of the three and quite likely -outside of Anschutz - the best .22 on the market!

The quality is nothing short of outstanding. The CZ has a cheap feel to it which instantly made me discard it and the T1X wasn't quite at the same level either. I have rarely seen a gun that looks and shoots as good as the LA101. Totally impressed. It could easily go for a German gun if you didn't know it, just from the quality of the work.

Imo if you want the best 22 and not spend $2.5k on an Anschutz, the Lithgow is pretty much in a league of its own.
Massive kudos to Australian engineering!

You don't find it heavy in the field?

Not really, it was heavier than the CZ and you could feel the difference in weight for sure but to me it wasn't overly heavy. It actually made it feel more solid to me and with a sling around the shoulder I could carry it all day around the bush. I did put a lightweight scope and rings on it too which helps for sure. For me it's purely plinking and hunting foxes/rabbits with it and it's very easy to shoot it handheld I find...

[bladeracer]

Not really, it was heavier than the CZ and you could feel the difference in weight for sure but to me it wasn't overly heavy. It actually made it feel more solid to me and with a sling around the shoulder I could carry it all day around the bush. I did put a lightweight scope and rings on it too which helps for sure. For me it's purely plinking and hunting foxes/rabbits with it and it's very easy to shoot it handheld I find...

I find more weight helps offhand as well, but it's no fun lugging it around

[deye243]

Well the two la101 that I have while they do shoot very well have actually s**t triggers I cannot believe they could build a nice firearm and put a crap trigger on it I kept my 17HMR and I sold my 22 Rimfire and absolutely happily bought a CZ 457 Varmint better in accuracy and a 100 percent better trigger CZ have gone from the worst trigger on the market to the best a simple spring change and it rivals my Jewell triggers .
And yes I did change the springs on the Lithgows and I'm seriously considering selling the 17 HMR.

[Lazarus]

Well the two la101 that I have while they do shoot very well have actually s**t triggers I cannot believe they could build a nice firearm and put a crap trigger on it I kept my 17HMR and I sold my 22 Rimfire and absolutely happily bought a CZ 457 Varmint better in accuracy and a 100 percent better trigger CZ have gone from the worst trigger on the market to the best a simple spring change and it rivals my Jewell triggers .
And yes I did change the springs on the Lithgows and I'm seriously considering selling the 17 HMR.

My only dislike was the trigger, fecking awful.
Gunbloke has 1.5lb trigger springs that make a world of difference to the La101.

[deye243]

Well the two la101 that I have while they do shoot very well have actually s**t triggers I cannot believe they could build a nice firearm and put a crap trigger on it I kept my 17HMR and I sold my 22 Rimfire and absolutely happily bought a CZ 457 Varmint better in accuracy and a 100 percent better trigger CZ have gone from the worst trigger on the market to the best a simple spring change and it rivals my Jewell triggers .
And yes I did change the springs on the Lithgows and I'm seriously considering selling the 17 HMR.

My only dislike was the trigger, fecking awful.
Gunbloke has 1.5lb trigger springs that make a world of difference to the La101.

I used a better spring it's roughly just on or under the pound it is still a bloody awful trigger way too much backlash you can't control sear gagement I mean you can drill and tap holes for grub screws but could be opening illegal minefield is something unto Ward happened

[Lazarus]

Well, With Lapua I'm getting one hole groups at 50m with it.
Can't ask for any better than that, but we all have different tastes and standards.

[deye243]

Have you tried Norma tac22 have had great success with this in several 22 very good for it's price.
It's made by RWS

[Lazarus]

Have you tried Norma tac22 have had great success with this in several 22 very good for it's price.
It's made by RWS

I haven't, there's very limited choice at the nearest gun shop and a 90km drive to get the Lapua.

I'm always up for trying something new, next time I'm going for more Lapua I'll see if they have it

[cloudsurfer]

Well the two la101 that I have while they do shoot very well have actually s**t triggers I cannot believe they could build a nice firearm and put a crap trigger on it I kept my 17HMR and I sold my 22 Rimfire and absolutely happily bought a CZ 457 Varmint better in accuracy and a 100 percent better trigger CZ have gone from the worst trigger on the market to the best a simple spring change and it rivals my Jewell triggers .
And yes I did change the springs on the Lithgows and I'm seriously considering selling the 17 HMR.

Must definitely be personal preference, I think the trigger is just right. Seems to be the opinion of most reviews on it too but again, it's probably what you're used to and feel comfortable with....

[bigpete]

Well the two la101 that I have while they do shoot very well have actually s**t triggers I cannot believe they could build a nice firearm and put a crap trigger on it I kept my 17HMR and I sold my 22 Rimfire and absolutely happily bought a CZ 457 Varmint better in accuracy and a 100 percent better trigger CZ have gone from the worst trigger on the market to the best a simple spring change and it rivals my Jewell triggers .
And yes I did change the springs on the Lithgows and I'm seriously considering selling the 17 HMR.

My only dislike was the trigger, fecking awful.
Gunbloke has 1.5lb trigger springs that make a world of difference to the La101.

I'd never buy off that bloke ever again. Dodgy af

[Lazarus]

Well the two la101 that I have while they do shoot very well have actually s**t triggers I cannot believe they could build a nice firearm and put a crap trigger on it I kept my 17HMR and I sold my 22 Rimfire and absolutely happily bought a CZ 457 Varmint better in accuracy and a 100 percent better trigger CZ have gone from the worst trigger on the market to the best a simple spring change and it rivals my Jewell triggers .
And yes I did change the springs on the Lithgows and I'm seriously considering selling the 17 HMR.

My only dislike was the trigger, fecking awful.
Gunbloke has 1.5lb trigger springs that make a world of difference to the La101.

I'd never buy off that bloke ever again. Dodgy af

Absolutely, I won't either, no customer service, won't EVER answer the phone or return email, but damn good springs though.
I've had one in my Howa for years.

[Mattraff]

Definitely the biggest let down with the 101 is the lack of trigger adjustment. I have a spring kit in mine and the trigger is very good. The rifle is always on point even from a cold first shot.

[bigpete]

Well the two la101 that I have while they do shoot very well have actually s**t triggers I cannot believe they could build a nice firearm and put a crap trigger on it I kept my 17HMR and I sold my 22 Rimfire and absolutely happily bought a CZ 457 Varmint better in accuracy and a 100 percent better trigger CZ have gone from the worst trigger on the market to the best a simple spring change and it rivals my Jewell triggers .
And yes I did change the springs on the Lithgows and I'm seriously considering selling the 17 HMR.

My only dislike was the trigger, fecking awful.
Gunbloke has 1.5lb trigger springs that make a world of difference to the La101.

I'd never buy off that bloke ever again. Dodgy af

Absolutely, I won't either, no customer service, won't EVER answer the phone or return email, but damn good springs though.
I've had one in my Howa for years.

I wouldn't know how good his springs are. After 9 months wait and a lot of f***ing around,he sent me the wrong springs anyway. Wanker

[Lazarus]

I wouldn't know how good his springs are. After 9 months wait and a lot of f***ing around,he sent me the wrong springs anyway. Wanker

Sorry pete, just glad I'm not the only one.
The dick sent my the wrong muzzle attachment and I had buy and adaptor from someone else to get it to fit.
Wanker about covers it all right.

[safeshot]

G'day all,
I was out with my 101 yesterday for a club shoot. The combination of events is,
Ammo is Rifle match "SK" (red devils), all weighed to shoot with a consistent weight,
winds were slight.
My scope is new. "Vector" 10 - 40 x 50.
sunlight was all over the place with clouds tearing about the skies. So bright then glaring so a challenge.
Shot over a bench rest
and the results were just great!
Fellow club members are great as well. We bag the crap out of each other.
I have just about completed a rifle rack for the range and a BB (bags and bums) bench is coming up.
These items are largely funded by sifting out the dirt from the brass and returning it to the scrap people.
so a great day.
cheers all..

[bigrich]

hey fellas , thought i'd resurrect this topic and ask anyone with a lithgow in 22mag their opinions and experiences

[Larry]

Not sure about the mag version never really been happy with the 22 mag so stay away from them. I have shot several LA101 in direct comparison tests with my 1710HB yes it is heavy but so is the 1710. I would put it a very very close comp add in the Voodoo and they are the three best 22 in my book for that style. For a plinker it would be the 515 but for all very different reasons.

[bigrich]

well i splurged out and bought a titanium synthetic 22lr . great 2.1lb trigger break , has fed and ejected flawlessly with a second hand cz poly mag . but the accuracy has left me feeling underwhelmed . tried cci blazer, cci standard, eley club , eley standard and one other i can't remember . i tried adjusting screw tension on the receiver bolts from the factory 13.5 to 18 "lb . the groups tightened to around .6" at the heavier setting . it wants to shoot putting hole in hole then point of impact moves around . i think i should've gone with a laminate stock, but there's a supply issue with the lithgow at the moment apparently, and all my shop had was the synthetic stock version . i'd done a "like for like" with my old krico for this lithgow , and i've put in a pta to get my krico back as it shot tighter and more consistently . nylon stock on the lithgow seems to have a lot of flex in it around the action . any opinions or words of wisdom on this lithgow ? these things are supposed to be real shooters , but i can't see it yet

[Oldbloke]

Try more ammo

[bigrich]

Try more ammo

Yeah, that’s on the cards. But I’ve never seen a 22lr shoot as horrible as this thing with ammo it doesn’t like. I reckon the flex in the synthetic stock has a lot to do with it.

[Larry]

It really sounds like you have one with a issue of some sort bigrich. Having seen them used by dozens of people and my personal experiences with them I have not found a bad shooter in them. They do have a match chamber I think smaller than the general run of the mill 22 that will shoot anything. Much like Anschutz does.

[Oldbloke]

Was that 0.6" @ 50 yards,?

[bigrich]

Was that 0.6" @ 50 yards,?

yes mate, 50 yards. i bought a lithgow cause these things are supposed to be great shooters out of the box , not this one . i believe the plastic stock is to blame , was hoping someone on here could enlighten me . some posters have also said they were unimpressed and moved their lithgow's on . i'm wondering if these were also plastic stocks . they're nowhere as rigid as a tikka t3 stock. i can invest more time and money into my lithgow and hope it shoots , but in hindsight i should've bought a tikka t1x methinks. the fact that i tightened the lithgow past it's factory listed action screw torque and groups tightened leads me to believe the stock/bedding is the issue. hindsight after the fact is a wonderful thing......

[Oldbloke]

Yr hard to please

[bigrich]

Yr hard to please

mmm, ya pay good money , you expect a good product for $1365 i expect better than just "okay" i reckon that beat up brno 2 i was looking at for $550 woulda bin a better shooter. as it is, i've spoken to the gun shop and have put in a PTA to get my old krico back

[bladeracer]

Try more ammo

Yeah, that’s on the cards. But I’ve never seen a 22lr shoot as horrible as this thing with ammo it doesn’t like. I reckon the flex in the synthetic stock has a lot to do with it.

Ammo varies considerably, one will give you 15mm groups at 15m, another with give you 150mm groups. But if it's giving you 15mm groups I would think the ammo is suited to it and something else is wrong.

How many .6" groups did you shoot? How far did point of impact move between each group? Did it always move in the same direction? You need to shoot enough groups to know whether the rifle is shooting to different places, or whether the shots are simply grouping randomly within a larger overall group.

Try shooting a twenty shot group without any change in your position and grip (including your cheek weld - even have somebody else swap the mags for you if you can) to determine whether the rifle just groups like that of if something changes whenever you change your shooting position. If it starts expanding the group as you you shoot more than five shots then I would scrub out the chamber and bore and try again. If it keeps happening I'd probably give it back as a rifle that only shoots well from a clean bore is useless. If it maintains consistency until you change your grip on the rifle then it has an issue that is probably addressable, but might take some time. I would start with the scope and mount. I have a Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 that moves point of aim randomly but still groups well.