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

Beretta Titan 1
Beretta Titan 1

Beretta Unveils Titan One-Off Rifle to Mark 500-Year Anniversary

Beretta unveils the Titan, a 6.5 Grendel-chambered MSR in titanium, magnesium and carbon fiber, marking 500 years of Italian gunmaking.

Legends: Gary Stevens

Gary Stevens, a dedicated USPSA volunteer known for his work as a range officer and instructor, sadly passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.

USA College Clay Target League Wraps 2026 Spring Season With New Crop of Overall Champions

USA College Clay Target League completes its 2026 spring season, naming top overall shooters in trap, skeet and sporting clays across 66 schools nationwide.

Seeing the Light: The USPSA Range Officer Test That Isn’t on Paper

Earning an RO certification is the easy part. Jessica Jonasson on how rookie officials grow into the steady hands every match needs.

Legends: Lynn Gipson 1958–2026

Lynn Gipson, who led the Amateur Trapshooting Association for 14 years and was newly elected to the NRA Board of Directors, died April 18.

Lapua Renews as Official Ammunition Supplier of U.S. Biathlon Ahead of New Olympic Cycle

Lapua has renewed its partnership with U.S. Biathlon as the organization’s official ammunition supplier for the upcoming Olympic cycle.

Interests



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