TSA appointed as new Lithgow Arms distributor

Lithgow Arms rifles are now being distributed to gun shops again after the factory signed a deal with TSA Outdoors, an Australian company that has been established in the local gun trade for more than 50 years. 

TSA has apparently built a complete new strongroom in its Sydney warehouse so it can hold stock, and already has the full range of Lithgow rifles listed for sale on its dealer portal, with dealers placing orders. 

The move comes after Lithgow and its previous distributor, Spika, ended their agreement late last year.

The decision for Lithgow and TSA to pair up is no surprise to observers who have watched the two companies grow closer over the past year or so, seen most clearly in the use of TSA’s ZeroTech optics on Lithgow’s rifles in marketing efforts by both companies. 

They anticipate significant benefits from teaming up.

TSA brings decades of experience in firearms distribution and marketing, and currently has a very strong marketing presence for all its products, something Lithgow has been struggling to get for some time. 

TSA has a nation-wide dealer network serviced by reps with years of experience in getting shops to stock their firearms, and it has a good reputation for filling orders quickly. 

With TSA holding stock, and the factory able to fill gaps in the line very quickly when required, dealers — and therefore customers — should rarely have to wait long periods for backorders. 

The fact that Lithgow is an Australian factory with its priorities set on the local market also ensures on-demand supply, in stark contrast with the experience of Australian distributors since Covid when dealing with many foreign factories. 

Lithgow’s product line fills a gap in TSA’s existing range of firearms, which is dominated by Weatherby rifles.

Lithgow’s LA102 centrefire rifles sit between the Weatherby Vanguard and the higher-priced 307 and Mk V models. 

The LA101 series gives TSA a bolt-action rimfire rifle to sell, which it did not previously have. 

TSA also distributes Chiappa firearms, BSA air rifles and the Bushpig shotgun, none of which compete with Lithgow products.

The companies are said be excited too about the possibility of offering package deals for Lithgow rifles with ZeroTech scopes and other TSA-stocked accessories.

The immediate challenge for the two companies is to clear a backlog of rifles so that the Lithgow factory can get back to regular production volumes, after which it can focus on picking up its plans to bring more new models to the market.