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

1 Beretta B22jaguar Metalcomp
1 Beretta B22jaguar Metalcomp

Beretta’s B22 Jaguar Metal Competition Brings Racegun Polish to Rimfire Steel

Beretta’s B22 Jaguar Metal Competition is a purpose-built rimfire racegun that shoots flat, runs clean and arrives competition-ready straight from the box.

MTM Case-Gard Builds a Dedicated Home for the Garmin Xero Chronograph

MTM Case-Gard introduces a purpose-built hard case for the Garmin Xero chronograph, offering custom foam protection, a clear lid and a compact footprint.

New: CCI Blazer Brass Clean-Fire Suppressor Ammo

CCI’s new Blazer Brass Clean-Fire Suppressor subsonic ammo uses lead-free components to reduce fouling in suppressed pistols and carbines.

What’s In Your Range Bag, Natalia Siek?

NCAA Division I rifle athlete Natalia Siek shares her journey from first perfect 10 to international competition, plus the gear and mindset driving her success.

Six New Competition-Ready Optics for the 2026 Season

Six new optics from SHOT Show 2026 designed for competitive shooters, featuring quality glass, improved reticles and versatile mounting options across platforms.

SHOT Show 2026: Staccato HD C4X

Staccato’s HD C4X pairs a 4-inch compensated barrel with an aluminum frame, aiming to balance duty-grade shootability and everyday concealment in a compact 2011.



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