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

Williams Colt Ipscminiriflepccworlds 3
Williams Colt Ipscminiriflepccworlds 3

Colt Pro Team’s Justine & Jalise Williams Help Spark Team USA’s Gold Rush At 2025 IPSC World Shoot

Justine and Jalise Williams, representing Colt and Team USA, captured team gold and top individual finishes at the 2025 IPSC PCC/Mini Rifle World Shoot.

Results: 2025 Hillsdale College World Shooting Para Sport Grand Prix

Zachary Jones and Albert Fiori earn gold medals in respective Para Trap events at 2025 Hillsdale College WSPS Grand Prix in June.

WATCH: Aridus Industries Imperium Handguard For Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotguns

Aridus Industries unveils the Imperium handguard—a lightweight aluminum upgrade for the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun with improved grip and modularity.

The True Spirit Of Competitive Shooting

Competitive shooting is more than a sport—it’s a nationwide network of connection and encouragement that supports its members far beyond the range.

NRA Names Kyle Lamb As Brand Ambassador For America’s Rifle Challenge

Kyle Lamb joins NRA America’s Rifle Challenge as brand ambassador, bringing elite tactical expertise to enhance AR-15 competition, training and civilian marksmanship.

Review: Savior Equipment x Tam Specialist Covert Case

This versatile rifle case offers high-level protection and low-profile looks for serious competition shooters and frequent travelers.

Interests



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