axio wrote:Thinking about getting a used LA102 308 and dropping in a custom 6.5 barrel, best of both worlds?
Gwion wrote:Lithgow certainly aren't doing themselves any favours with the way they are approaching QC and market delivery. Really a shame because I'm sure most of us want to see more Aussie made rifle out there.
We can only hope they handle our military contracts better!
Bill wrote:Atleast they got the twist rate right, what's the weight of these things??
MaverickJacko wrote:Hey Guys,
Just for informations sake I've weighed my LA102 6.5CM including a full 3 round mag, Scope, sling and bipod. The total came in at 5220g or 11.5 pound. Now you could mount a lighter scope as the Vortex HST comes in at 640g or 1.4lb and the bipod is a bit of an optional which weighs in at 360g/ 0.8 lb. Also the laminate stock weighs at least a pound more than the synthetic model.
Compared to my Tikka SS fluted Walnut stock in .30-06 with sling scope and 5 shot mag (no bipod) which weighs a beautiful 3470g or 7.65 pound, the Lithgow is a lump to get around the bush with.
Over the last few days hunting North of Cairns the Lithgow was decidedly more of an effort to carry around. It has a longer barrel and the bipod which would make it less balanced than the Tikka that's for sure but the other thing I didn't really like about the Lithgow is that you can't 'thumb' safety off. I love the three position safety, which allows you to cycle the bolt without the trigger being enabled, but for walking creeks or billabong edges where muddy boars might appear short notice a safety that you can quickly click off - like the tang mounted safety of a Tikka and others- is almost crucial imo.
Coming from a military arms manufacturer, I'm not sure why they've placed the safety in an awkward spot like that. Perhaps reminiscent of the SMLE.
Anyways that's my 2 bob