New Aussie made rifles to come on stream...soon

[Shannow]

http://www.sportingshootermag.com.au/news/lithgow-to-release-aussie-made-hunting-rifle

I know the bloke who brought the hammer forging technology to that factory back in the day.

Might have a few bucks coming my way about that time of the year , so may have a need for a new toy...and a tattoo...and a paddle board...and a roof rack to carry it on (the paddleboard).

 

[Shannow]

Same company, the makers of Varget
http://www.outbackammo.com.au/?page_id=24

I use their 5.56 cases in my .223.

 

[crinkles]

That's great. Would consider a 223 or 308. First one will however be a lever. Prob marlin. Possiblt winchester.

Would be pleased to support a local factory even if thales is french.

 

[Shannow]

You can thank John Winston Howard for that...

 

[Neely97]

So the French own the company ?

 

[Shannow]

Yep,
Lithgow Small Arms factory was set up in 1912 to make Australia independent of the Mother country in the event of hostilities, and started making SMLEs...later SLRs, Brens, Minis, and Steyrs.

Australian Defence Industries was the whole organisation, which made guns and ordnance, and powders (ADI Mulwex range, includes Varget, Benchrest, etc. etc.).

During non hostile periods, they used the workers and tooling to make sewing machines, sporting rifles, gearbox parts, and all sorts of stuff...similar to what Norinco, Zastava, and CZ do, making sporting stuff to keep turnover and skills.

Early part of this century, Govt wanted to privatise them. They tried competing for the Police Glock order, but were knobbled. Tried to get approval to manufacture main rotor fastenings for the Blackhawks, but were told no. Wanted to start making sporters...told no.

As an unprofitable entity, they were sold.

Thales have been good, 'though, exploring and making prototypes (I think they sold some) lever action 12ga, they are exploring arms of the future, employing toolmakers and apprentices, R and D on their single base powders (less temperature sensitive than double base).

 

[crinkles]

The declinesSounds like the Australian way.

Everything boils down to a dollar.

 

[crinkles]