An owner’s perspective 

By Neil Schultz 

Decisions, decisions; L to R. 223 in poly stock; 308 in after market stock; 243 in factory laminate; 223 Signature in factory laminate; 6.5CM in KRG chassis and LA102 with 22GT Swan barrel & after market stock. 

Lithgow’s re-entry into the civilian centre-fire rifle market was made in June 2016 when the first shipment of their model LA102 was shipped from the factory in the Blue Mountains. These first rifles were all chambered for the .308 Winchester cartridge, a popular choice. I purchased my LA102 .308 later that same year when the very first unit hit the rack at the local gun shop. Being the basic black cera-coated version in a black poly stock, it didn’t appear too different from every other synthetic stocked rifle on the racks – apart from one very impressive feature: the words ‘Australian Made’ proudly engraved on the receiver. I’ve adhered to a buy-Australian ethos for most of my adult life, starting with Sportco rifles, Simplex reloading gear and a string of Holden cars from my very first HD sedan (yes, I am that old). Naturally, a modern, Australian-made bolt action rifle was irresistible. 

From that first look at the gun shop, the LA102 impressed. The large bearing surface of the sturdy bolt provides the smoothest action I can recall, and I’ve shot with many of the high-priced imports. A drop-out magazine, picatinny rail and threaded muzzle are factory standard, saving after-market costs to the consumer. The barrel’s mid-weight profile allows a string of shots to be taken before heating up, without the imposing weight of a ‘Varmint’ profile. Lithgow’s ‘crossover’ stock design incorporates a wide, flat based forend for a stable rest and a bag rider style butt, both are very functional when shooting from a bench. Having a threaded muzzle allows the fitting of either a blast deflector or muzzle brake. Don’t we all long for sanity to prevail and bureaucracies to stop believing Hollywood hype and anti-gun hysteria and actually allow the use of suppressors so we can retain what’s left of our hearing? 

After fitting a basic 4-12 scope, my first outing was to the local SSAA range to sight in. Wow! Using cheap Federal factory ammunition loaded with 130gr hollow points, the Lithgow delivered a 0.22 inch, five-shot group at 100 metres while running in the barrel. That was more than I’d ever imagined and as good as I can shoot. On the first outings west of the Great Divide to participate in some pest animal management, the .308 accounted for numerous pigs along with smaller targets including feral cats. Carrying such an accurate rifle is a real confidence booster when taking long shots requiring pinpoint precision. Head shots were taken with certainty on foxes way out there on a regular basis. The authority of the .308, combined with the inherent accuracy of the Lithgow, saw goats dropping to shots out to 300 metres on the western plains. 

Flip the calendar forward several years and my need for a smaller calibre was filled with an LA102 Signature in .223, this time in a handsome laminated timber stock. Just like it’s .308 forebear, the little .223 proved to be blindingly accurate straight out of the box. Maintaining my buy-Australian predilection, I hand load with Queensland-manufactured Rexem projectiles for the .223. Running 55gr hollow points has seen this smaller LA102 account for scores of foxes, cats and small-to-medium pigs on the Darling Downs. 

Having enjoyed the reliability of two LA102s, I couldn’t resist completing the set and purchased a .243. This rifle immediately became my go-to firearm, being the first out-of-the-gun-box on the majority of my outings. The .243 cartridge is a great all-rounder for Australian pest-animal management, lacking little except for sambar deer or banteng/buffalo-sized game. Loaded with 97gr Rexem projectiles, mine quickly chalked up a tally of all manner of feral animals, from cats to red deer. As with my prior two Lithgow rifles, the reliable accuracy of the .243 gives the ability to hit the smallest targets or to pinpoint lethal zones on larger animals for immediate, humane kills. My .243 was purchased in the poly stock, which I later changed for an after-market thumb-hole version in sky blue and is now in its third stock, a Lithgow factory laminate. 

One of the early outings with the Lithgow LA102 .308. Running shots on the open plains were not a challenge for the rifle. 

During the past nine years I’ve sent thousands of rounds through the barrels of my Lithgow trio. All three rifles have functioned flawlessly with no decline in accuracy, no feed issues and no gremlins creeping in. I recently purchased a well-used LA102 in .308 and had Queensland’s premier barrel makers, Allan Swan Gunsmithing, turn and fit a new barrel chambered in 22GT. Now the only problem I face during hunting trips is choosing which one of my Lithgow collection to use.