OUR VERDICT

Ihave tested quite a few Lithgow rimfires of late but I’d never had the chance to engage with the centrefire version of the Crossover model, a stalking rifle with a fine pedigree. Lithgow Arms, based in New South Wales, has that typical Aussie bloodyminded sort of ethic and it shows in the rifles it produces. Since 1912, Lithgow small arms have been used in conflicts from Gallipoli during the Great War to modern-day conflicts in Afghanistan.

This Crossover model blends a technically and materially superiormade bolt action with integral Picatinny scope rail fixture, single stage adjustable trigger, Tikka T3 compatible detachable magazines to keep the costs down, and an easy handling wing-type three-position safety for ease of use. You also get a superb, hard-wearing ‘chuck it in the ute’ coating to all metal parts in the form of Cerakote titanium finish.

The Crossover model, as its name suggests, has a mixture of target and sporting influences, and thus the stock is particularly well thought out, not only for toughness with its strong laminate construction but also the pretty ambidextrous and well-planted nature of the stock design, making it very steady in the aim.

This all-round performance will set you back a touch under £1,300 for this model although a walnut and synthetic model is also available.