Anschutz 1903

[pthatcher]

Just heard today from a reliable source that Anschutz has discontinued production of the 1903. If true, that almost completely eliminates a solid, entry level , affordable rifle for SB competition. Even the least expensive models of FWB, Walther, or even Anschutz are considerably more expensive that the 1903. A blow to those younger shooters wanting to enter the sport. Probably a few 1903 on the secondary market but still not a good omen.

[Tim S]

I'm not surprised. Anschutz replaced the Match 64 in its sporting line a year or two ago with the 1761. However, Anschutz aren't totally abandoning the junior/club niche. Last month they announced a 1761 match rifle; I presume this will replace the 1907 too, as the 1761 has a 5018-derived trigger.

[jkg2102]

the 1903 is discontinued. I just bought one of the last ones, I think - it has upgraded walnut and is pretty but sure was expensive. The replacement model uses the new 1761 (i think that is the right number) action, and looks to me similar to the 1903, but is considerably more expensive. I am not sure if it is a step up, but from what I understand, that action has the ability to swap barrels, which appeals to the european community with their stricter ownership rules.

i always liked the wooden stocks of the various 1900 series. i wish i could have a 1907 or 1913, but the price is just crazy. i told myself maybe this 1903 will be a good investment when my kids inherit it one day. who knows?

[pthatcher]

With regards to the demise of the 1903, I have to wonder if the continuation of the 1907 is now imperiled. As I'm sure is known, the 1907 was developed by Anschutz in I believe the 1970's to be used in the "Standard Rifle' discipline of ISU competition. Neither lasted long. Standard rifle is extinct in World Cup and the Olympic Games and the ISU is now the ISSF. Given that, the 1907 doesn't really have a niche to fill. It is nowhere near as adjustable as the Anschutz ( and other manufacturers) more sophisticated rifles yet is not an attractive entry level rifle for young shooters because of it's price. I would not be at all surprised if production was halted in the next couple of years. If I'm correct, with the exception of the Walther BlackTec, there really won't be a quality competition SB rifle for under $5000.00. That's a pretty steep hill to climb for a junior shooter just getting started in the sport.

[jkg2102]

If we are lamenting the changes in the industry, how about the demise of the wooden stock? i agree with your thoughts on the 1907 - what niche does it really fill now?

[pthatcher]

Yes, agreed. With the exception of the very difficult to obtain in the US Tanner and Reider & Lenz, the only wooden stock available is the FWB 2800. It pains me to say but the 1907 is probably a bit of a dinosaur.

[jkg2102]

The prices of those Swiss rifles makes the Anschutz look like a bargain!!

[pthatcher]

Yep. I looked into both. I do not believe Tanner continues to produce a SB 3 position rifle as they seem to have shifted their efforts to center fire competition. There is no US distribution of the Reider & Lanz. If I were back in my 20's and serious about the sport I would just dive into the deep end of the pool and get a Bleiker.

[Tim S]

As I'm sure is known, the 1907 was developed by Anschutz in I believe the 1970's to be used in the "Standard Rifle' discipline of ISU competition.

Just an aside, but the 1907 was emphatically not developed in the 1970s. 1907 was not Anschutz's code for any Standard Rifle, but denotes a particular model they have made since 1987. The 1907 replaced the 1807, which in turn replaced the 1607 etc. The 1907 and 1807 share the same fire control parts, but this has never been known as the 1907. The 1607 is externally similar, but not parts interchangeable.

The Standard Rifle is also a little older than you think; it was included in European Championships from the early 1960s, before official adoption by the ISU in 1965. Anschutz's first true Standard Rifle was the 1408, likely developed from the original Match 54 lightweight, the 1407. The 300m Standard Rifle which replaced the ISU's Army Rifle in 1958, and existing European miniature disciplines like Wehrmansport, were the likely influences.

[jkg2102]

"Just get a Bleiker..." That's a pretty steep initial dive into this pool
when i dive in too deep, i usually get a "brain freeze" of water up my nose

i am lucky enough to own a 1903. i think if I could add a hook plate to the butt, then it would plenty serve my purposes for years to come. thinking about that...
on the other hand, if I was to come into $5000, i would buy a wood-stocked 1913 immediately...