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

Akron Vsmemphis 2025Oct 1
Akron Vsmemphis 2025Oct 1

Collegiate Rifle: Akron Rifle Team Delivers Personal Bests in Home Opener vs. No. 10 Memphis

In their Oct. 12 home opener, Akron rifle put on a strong performance against No. 10-ranked Memphis, with nine out of 12 shooters achieving season or career-best scores

Historic Wins Across the Board: 1981 National Matches

The 1981 National Matches delivered major milestones across pistol, smallbore and high power—fueled by renewed federal support and fierce competition.

Results: 2025 World Speed Shooting Championship

Jesse Misco breaks 50-second barrier in Rimfire Rifle Optics at 2025 WSSC, setting a new world record and multiple stage records at Talladega

Trigger Control Tips for Rifle Shooters

Learn how to fire when your rifle is steady, with smooth, controlled trigger pressure that doesn’t disturb your aim

Armageddon Gear’s Precision Rifle Case For Competition Shooters

A rifle case that transports suppressed bolt action rifles without disassembly, using 1/2 inch mil spec foam, heavy zippers and US made materials

SIG Sauer P322-COMP: Built to Dominate Steel Challenge

SIG Sauer’s P322-COMP is a factory race gun built for Steel Challenge



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