22LR Challenge/Callout: Lithgow 101 and Eley Semi-Auto Benchrest Precision Ammo
Major Geek – JM Savage MKII Takes Us With Him On His Journey of Accuracy
Though my Savage MKII shot decent groups, I made the decision to try and improve upon it. The rifle was bought about 7 or 8 years ago for $235.00 so I did n’t think I was starting with much. As I made these improvements to the rifle, I took it to my outdoor range to determine if the work I did made a difference in its performance.
The first component that I decided to work with is related to the hang time, which is the time from when the trigger breaks to the time the bullet leaves the barrel. I wanted to extend that time to include trigger pull. The reason for this was explained to me by a world record holder, whose record still stands today, the Honorable Judge James Hinkle, who was my mentor. He explained to me that when dry firing, if your see your rifle move or even vibrate, this will cause your groups to open up when you are firing live ammunition.
So the first thing I did involved polishing the firing pin, making sure there were no machine marks, burs, or anything else that could cause friction of any kind. Of course, this will cause a reduction of only micro-seconds, but every little bit helps.
Next, I polished the bolt and installed an enlarged rubber bolt knob which I purchased from Amazon at a cost of $8.45. Using silicone as the lube and the glue to hold it on, this made the bolt feel better, more solid and smooth.
I also found a magazine from CSSPECS, costing $28.50 that assisted with loading the round into the chamber. It travels straight in, not at an angle that can cause bullet deformation. I used the 15 round magazine, and in my opinion it is far superior to the factory magazine.
Next, I worked on the trigger. I could not use the factory version because it wouldn’t even come close to what I needed. I bought a rifle trigger from Basix at a cost of $95.00. I stoned and polished the trigger, and installed a new spring set. The trigger now pulls precisely at one pound and is consistent.
I photographed everything that I have done, took the improved version to the range for testing, and posted the resulting target online. There is a measurable improvement in the overall average, which you can see for yourself.
Next, I will install the rifle in a Oryz chassis to determine if any improvements can be made.
Savage MKII Before
Mr. Revolverguy Comments:
Thank you Major Geek for the post I may even make some tweaks to my Savage MKII now. Though I am feeling bad, did anyone else notice the end of the post he purchased a Oryx Chassis I would say someone else has fell down the rabbit hole. Yes feeling awful about this NOT LOL. Also notice he started with a $235 dollar rifle, I keep saying it doesn’t take much. I will save a spot right in here on this page for you to be able to update us on the build and how things are going.
Best Challenge yet to come to the Porch…
Got everybody in a stir … got everyone talking everyday.
Thanks Marine
Great challenge. People getting out and shooting. What it’s all about. And of course the chance to beat Gunny. Appreciate it Mr. Revolver Guy!
I just shot the challenge and plan on uploading a video to You Tube. Where do I upload the target to you?
Great fun really glad someone has offered this. Please keep it going.
22LR CHALLENGE/CALLOUT
Gday mate, I just wanted to let you know that the SK match 22LR (red) gets great groups in my LA 101 for a lot less cost then Eley match. So I would try those through your LA 101 next trip to the range. Also RWS do a 22 LR HV round that is great in the field in the LA 101.
In case you get another Lithgow I can say my LA 101 in 22 Mag that loves 30gr CCI VNT Polymer tip. My LA 102 in 6.5 Creedmoor likes Hornady 143gr ELDX. My mates LA102 308 loves Aussie Outback 165 Sierra SBT gameking. Our Lithgow rifles all shoot ragged holes at either @ 50 (LA 101) @ 100 (102) both indoors and outdoors with those factory loads.
Hey Mate, just saw your video with cci standard. I’ve been using them for a while now and they are great. Bot a fan of their faster stuff though.
I noticed that you used a laminate Lithgow 101 in the challenge. I have 4, 2 – 22 mag, 1- 22 lr and 1- 17hmr. I just recently got them. Upon disassembling, I found cracks in the action screw holes areas, especially at the winged recoil lug mortise. These rifles were made in 2016-2017 according to the sticker in the stock forearm channel. Would appreciate you checking to see if your rifle has the same problem. Al 4 of mine do. The action screws take a 3 mm hex bit. I’m in the process of trying to get replacement stocks. As of now, no one in the US imports Lithgow rifles. Davidson acquired the remaining L
Mine is not cracked — are you telling me that Howa is not importing them anymore?
Legacy Sports in Nevada was the Importer and Davidsons in Arizona bought their remaining inventory of Lithgow rifles a month or so ago. I recently contacted Lithgow in Australia and they said they have no importer from the US but they are trying to get one. I am surprised that your stock doesn’t have cracks! Did you notice the date on the sticker in the stock forearm channel? Thanks for the quick reply. You are an awesome guy! I really like your day at the range episodes! Thanks again for answering. Jim
I wonder why these are not catching on more in the US. I ordered mine and waited for months on end and have never seen another on in person. Back to the stock, you have me nervous I took it apart again and this time took it out to my bench under the magnifying glass and no cracks. My sticker does not have date it has a code on it (SET.17 Quality Check) Approved by Andrea. But again no cracks.
And thank you very much for the visiting and giving me feedback on the video’s I continue everyday to try and get better. I wish I was a professional editor. Thank you
https://www.2a.email/post/my-lithgow-101-at-the-range-on-march-5-2021
https://www.2a.email/post/my-lithgow-101-at-the-range-on-april-16-2021
Ballistic X Mobile App.:
Target 3: 0.870 MOA Windy
Target 6: 0.852 MOA Windy
Target 9 : 0.793 MOA Windy
Target 14: 0.592 MOA Windy
Target 15: 0.863 MOA Windy
Target 20: 0.691 MOA Windy
https://www.2a.email/post/my-lithgow-101-at-the-range-on-april-30-2021
FYI, Possum Hollow Products Bore Guide #92 (for CZ452) fits the Lithgow 101 – pics on link above
Ballistic X Mobile App. :
Target 1 1.237 MOA Very Windy
Target 4 1.126 MOA Very Windy
Target 5 1.196 MOA Very Windy
mr revolver guy, I enjoy your channel. One comment that I think might help you shooting 22LR. I notice that your trigger finger placement seems to vary. Your flyers seem to happen when the crease of your index finger is n the trigger. An your better shots seem when the pad of your index fnger is on the trigger. Maybe I am wrong hard to tell from tV but just a thought and maybe it helps
https://www.2a.email/post/my-lithgow-101-at-the-range-on-june-11-2021
My Lithgow 101 – At the Range on June 11, 2021
Specs in previous Posts.
As I wrote in my post of May 22, the 101 REALLY needs a much lighter trigger for the bench – currently at 3.5 lbs. To that end, I’m on a waiting list for a
Lithgow LA101 – trigger spring set from Lumley Arms ( https://lumleyarms.us/ ) which, their web site claims will be 1.6 lbs when installed correctly.
I wish I could get to 1 lb but, I’ll take what I can get.
Yes, the targets below are the best of the day; I’m doing my best to test the rifle – not my terrible shooting skills especially reading the wind.
Fifty Yards
Ballistic X Mobile App. :
Target 4 1.145 MOA
Target 5 0.655 MOA
Target 8 0.667 MOA
Target 10 0.723 MOA
Target 13 0.796 MOA
Target 14 0.902 MOA
Target 15 0.824 MOA
Target 17 0.703 MOA
Hay guys sorry for the confusion but I can’t claim 6th place on the small group challenge as Lynne my girlfriend shot the target I was range officer at the club on the afternoon graveyard shift I did post it in on my email account as she very shy but how that has changed over the last few days the stick I’m get about her being a better shot
Watch out Mr revolver guy i think she wants a shoot out with you 😅 UK Vers USA if your game regards Brendon and Lynne
Oh you do not have to worry about claiming the credit because as soo as I get the time I am going to change that entry to point to Lynne LOL.
love the 22lr videos it got me BACK ON THE RANGE every day and got my son interested got him his first rifle savage mark 2 were finally doing range together thanks to you and having a blast keep up the 22lr videos love you man and appreciate what you do RADAR66