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

Usacollegeclaysnov 1
Usacollegeclaysnov 1

Lindenwood University, Tyler Marshall Take Top Honors at 2025 USA College Clay Target National Championship

Lindenwood University and Tyler Marshall sweep the 2025 USA College Clay Target League Nationals, headlining the championship’s second year in Illinois.

Eley Revives Lot Analyzer for Precision .22 Shooters

Eley reintroduces its Lot Analyzer, giving .22 LR precision shooters free access to detailed factory test data for improved ballistic app integration and consistent competition performance.

WATCH: The Enduring Precision of NRA’s Long-Range Nationals

A timeless look at the NRA Long-Range Nationals, where heritage meets high tech and perfection begins 10 football fields away.

Competitors’ Corner: November 2025

Highlights from the November 2025 issue of Shooting Sports USA, the NRA’s competitive shooting journal

Youth Shooting Sports Shine at 2025 SSSF Nationals

The 2025 SSSF Nationals celebrates youth shooting sports as student-athletes in SCTP and SASP build confidence and teamwork skills through friendly competition.

Record Attendance and Timeless Triumphs: 1983 National Matches

Over 3,400 shooters gathered at Camp Perry in 1983 for the largest NRA National Matches in decades.

Interests



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