TargetTalk

I am working my way back into 3P by starting out with an older Anschutz 54 prone gun, but am ready to find something more suitable for all the positions. I love the Anschutz, but also am willing to consider other makers.

Seeing the number of Walthers in use in the pictures at Ft. Benning, but not ready for the investment a KK 200 or 300 would require, I was wondering if anyone on TT has experience with the GX-1 series.

Balance and trigger feel matter to me, since I previously used an Anschutz Super Match long ago on my university's shooting team, and enjoyed some success because of its quality in that regard. Comments about these factors would be appreciated, as well as any caveats concerning Wather match rifles generally.

Thanks in advance!

TC Johnson

A friend has a late model GX-1, a very nice rifle. The trigger is equal to the Anschutz 5018/5071, very light and crisp. The stock is comfy too, the cheekpiece is from memory easier to adjust in position than contemporary Anschutz supermatches. If you like shallow fore-ends for prone, the tapered wood of the GX-1 is not so good; still it was overall excellent.

Tim S

Exeter UK

I still shoot the GX-1 (KK-Match), one of the later models and are still very happy with it. It does not have all the super adjustable theatures of the new allu stocks but with some adjustments of the woodwork it gives perfect accuracy (596/600 prone indoor) using the right ammo.

Albert
(The Netherlands)

Thanks for the replies so far.

I noticed the two responders were from the UK and the Netherlands. How about some US GX-1 shooters? Is it that Wather has been more successful marketing their rifles in Europe than in the USA, or is it that Anschutz realised quite early how big the US market could be? Are the European clubs more likely to have a mix of guns than one specific brand over the other?

In my searching, I found that the US had an Olympic medalist in the 70's who found success with the GX-1. Was this a sponsorship issue, or a personal choice?

Please keep the great information coming!

TC

Walther smallbore rifles were probably a tough find in the 70's and 80's in the USA. (I ended up importing my LGR airgun direct from the factory back then.) At the same time in Austria, I was surprised to see mostly Walther's in use at the clubs, very few Anschutz. It seemed that you could get the same quality from Walther without paying Anschutz premium prices.

The GX-1 is out of production for at least 10 or 12 years now. Parts are still available (in The Netherlands/Europe) but I guess most shooters prefere the latest models that have better/more adjustability.
As a matter of fact, Malcolm Cooper (as far as I read considered the best 3P shooter ever) used the GX-1 in smallbore and the stock for Centerfire.
Albert
(The Netherlands)

I have been using a GX-1 for 14 years now. Love the rifle. I just bought an AL stock for another rifle to give that a try, but still reach for the walther quite often. I have had no trouble with mine at all. Very accurate (well it is opening up a little as I have the original barrel on it), and reliable. The hook assembly is out of date (yes you can change it), and parts can be a pain (ANS parts will not fit out of the box) unless you make some modifications to the gun or the part. The trigger is great (still after 14 years). I'd buy another.

Just my opinion.