A Brief History of Anschutz

by
posted on September 13, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ans-2.jpg

Julius Gottfried Anschutz founded J.G. Anschutz in 1856 in Mehlis, Thuringia, Germany. Forty years later, the company moved from its small workshop to its first factory building, and within 10 years grew from 76 to 550 employees. After World War II, the Russians shut down and dismantled the factory, initiating the Anschutz family’s move to Ulm, West Germany. Again, the company grew quickly and shortly thereafter, the first Olympic gold medals were won at the 1960 Olympic Games with Anschutz target rifles, equipped with the world famous Match 54 action. Since then, Anschutz has been a well-known fixture on the firing line.

From its headquarters in Ulm, Anschutz serves customers in approximately 90 countries, with a few distributors located in the U.S., including Anschutz North America.

Anschutz History | Photo by AnschutzIn 2007, then-Anschutz President Dieter Anschutz told Shooting Sports USA, “Our plans for the future are the production and further development of the world’s best target rifles, as well as target air pistols which are produced by our sister company, Steyr Sportwaffen GmbH in Austria, and the further development of target shooting accessories form our sister company, ahg Anschutz Handelsgesallschaft GmbH.”

In 2006, Anschutz celebrated its 150th anniversary, and continues to be recognized for its innovation and perfection. For the 160th anniversary in July 2016, the company released several limited edition commemorative rifles (including one beauty manufactured from titanium) in the months leading up to the 2017 IWA Show.

For more information, visit www.anschuetz-sport.com


Read more company origin stories:

Latest

Usashooting Issfgranada Airpistolmixedteam Apr2026 1
Usashooting Issfgranada Airpistolmixedteam Apr2026 1

Mowrer, Tobar Finish Fourth in ISSF World Cup Granada Air Pistol Mixed Team Final

Nick Mowrer and Nathalia Tobar place fourth in Granada as Team USA falls short in air pistol mixed team final dominated by record-setting India.

Swarovski Announces Next Generation CL Companion Binoculars

Swarovski Optik launches a new generation of its CL Companion travel binoculars with a wider field of view, longer eye relief and redesigned housing, available in 8x30 and 10x30 magnifications from $1,499.

MidwayUSA Announced as Official Sponsor for 2026 NRA Annual Meetings

MidwayUSA is the official sponsor of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, set for April 16-19.

A Sixth Title for Tubb and an End of an Era for Wigger: 1993 National Matches

The 1993 National Matches at Camp Perry saw David Tubb tie Mid Tompkins for most high power titles and Marines dominate the Board matches.

Preview: 2026 USA Shooting Rifle Junior Olympic Championships in Alabama

The 2026 USA Shooting Rifle Junior Olympic Championships kick off this week in Alabama with athletes competing in both smallbore (50m) and air rifle (10m) events.

New: Springfield Armory SA-35 4" Model

Springfield Armory’s SA-35 4" pistol chambered in 9 mm Luger offers all the benefits of the original SA-35, plus a shorter, more compact barrel. 

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.