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.
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Cheers, Ben.