IWA Column: “Focus on Germany”

In the middle of summer, Claudia Jahn once again provides exciting insights into the hunting and shooting sports industry in her “Focus on Germany” column. From important legislative changes to personnel changes at DEVA, EAW, Heckler & Koch, Steyr Sport, and Rigby, as well as anniversaries and moving obituaries — the sector presents itself as lively, steeped in tradition, and undergoing transformation. Also: Frankonia expands into Austria. Read the new column by Claudia Jahn and stay informed.

Written by Claudia Jahn

A person with shoulder-length, grey curly hair is wearing a dark jacket over a wine-red top

While people in Germany had to wait a long time for summer, a current legislative change is keeping the industry on its toes:
Since 24 July 2025, air guns for arrow or needle projectiles bearing the F mark that are designed for multiple shots and suitable for projectiles with a length of more than 30 mm are no longer exempt from licensing — they can now only be purchased with a firearms ownership permit (Waffenbesitzkarte).
Firearms that were already approved with the F mark before 24 July 2025 remain licence-free, according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI).
Alongside this, our industry remains vibrant and diverse: Dieter Anschütz celebrates his 95th birthday, a leadership change is taking place at DEVA, and EAW, Frankonia, Heckler & Koch, Rigby, and Steyr Sport are positioning themselves personnel- and strategy-wise for the future. We also look back with respect on two influential figures we have lost.

An elderly man in an Anschütz shirt sits at a table with a birthday cake, a card, a framed photograph, and a gift; behind him, rifles hang on the wall. — Dieter Anschütz enjoys receiving congratulations on his 95th birthday.

“The Makers of Champions”: Dieter Anschütz and a Life for Shooting Sports

Recently, Dieter Anschütz celebrated his 95th birthday, looking back on a lifetime achievement that has shaped the world of shooting sports like few others. The name ANSCHÜTZ stands for precision, passion, and innovation — values closely linked to Dieter Anschütz himself.
Born in 1930, his path led him — after completing a precision engineering apprenticeship at Zeiss and an engineering degree in Esslingen — first to the USA, where he worked as a gunsmith. In 1958, he joined the family firm J.G. ANSCHÜTZ and took over management in 1968. Under his leadership, the brand became one of the leading global suppliers of biathlon and sporting rifles. He played a decisive role in the transition of biathlon from large-calibre to small-calibre shooting — a step that revolutionised the sport and brought ANSCHÜTZ to the forefront internationally.
Even today, Olympic and World Championship titles are still won with ANSCHÜTZ rifles — a legacy that led to the slogan “The Makers of Champions”. In 2008, Dieter Anschütz handed over the reins to his son Jochen and looks back with gratitude on a fulfilled life.
The ANSCHÜTZ guiding principle — “Act humanely and reasonably” — is both company philosophy and legacy to the industry: preserving tradition while boldly moving into the future.

On the left, a man wearing glasses and a beige jacket with an orange tie; on the right, a building with three DEVA flags on a lawn under a partly cloudy sky. — Michael Storm is the new Honorary President of DEVA.

Change at the Top of DEVA: Jan Bernd Kappelhoff Takes Over, Michael Storm Becomes Honorary President

On 5 June 2025, the annual general meeting of the Deutsche Versuchs- und Prüfanstalt für Jagd- und Sportwaffen e.V. (DEVA) took place in Altenbeken. A significant change in leadership occurred: After more than two decades of successful tenure, Michael Storm handed over the office of president to Jan Bernd Kappelhoff.
The assembly honoured Storm for his outstanding service and unanimously appointed him Honorary President. Storm has shaped DEVA since joining in 1981: initially serving 12 years as treasurer before assuming the presidency in 2003. Among his achievements was the re-acquisition of the historic Berlin-Wannsee shooting range — a milestone in the association’s history.

On the left, a modern white building with a curved roof and several windows. On the right, two men in dark polo shirts stand in front of a green leafy background with the words HERZLICH WILLKOMMEN and WELCOME. — Stefan Schilling (left) warmly welcomes Sebastian Karl to the management team.

EAW Appoints Sebastian Karl to Management

Ernst Apel GmbH (EAW) has expanded its management team: since July, Sebastian Karl has been part of the company’s executive management. Karl has been with EAW for almost ten years and has played a key role in modernising production processes. His appointment signals EAW’s intent for continuity and further development in manufacturing and technology.
The company also looks back on a successful relocation to its new headquarters. “The move went smoothly — customers hardly noticed. The new machinery is running optimally, and the energy-saving concept with efficient compressed-air systems is already paying off,” reports Managing Director Stefan Schilling. Staff have also quickly settled into the new site.
With this co-leadership, EAW aims to further strengthen its position as a specialist in premium mounts and riflescope solutions, while setting the course for the years ahead.

: A map of Austria lies on a table, with a small pin flag in red-white-red marking Vienna. In the background, there is a book titled “FRANKONIA CATALOG 2025” featuring a stag antler on the cover. — Coming soon! The first FRANKONIA store in Austria opens in October.

FRANKONIA Opens First Store in Austria

Heritage hunting and shooting sports outfitter FRANKONIA is expanding into Austria: On 16 October 2025, the company will open its first Austrian store at the PADO Shopping Galleries in Parndorf, near Lake Neusiedl. The approx. 1,000 m² sales floor will offer a wide range of hunting and sporting firearms, equipment, clothing, and traditional dress — backed by on site gunsmith expertise and personal specialist advice.
The store will be managed by Stephanie Ziller-Weinhandl. Founded in 1908 and now part of the Otto Group, FRANKONIA operates 25 stores in Germany and two in France. With this new location, the company expands its presence in the Alpine region, bringing its 117-year tradition directly to Austrian customers.
Special events and offers are planned for the opening.

Two Influential Industry Figures Have Passed Away

With great sadness, we bid farewell to two well-known industry personalities: Alfred Brandmeier and H. P. Klötzli, both of whom leave legacies reaching far beyond their own companies.
Alfred Brandmeier passed away on 26 March 2025, aged 94. The senior head of Georg Fritzmann & Söhne GmbH is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the IWA OutdoorClassics. Taking over in 1962, he grew the business from a small antler-processing workshop into an internationally active wholesaler for hunting accessories. His motto — “Service to the customer” — shaped both corporate philosophy and his personal dealings: determination, openness, and helpfulness defined him. Today, his son Dieter and grandson Dr Markus Brandmeier continue this legacy.
H. P. Klötzli (1946 – 2025) led the renowned Klötzli knife workshop in Burgdorf, Switzerland, in the fifth generation. Renowned for his innovative spirit, he introduced materials like carbon fibre into knife making, combining craftsmanship with modern technology. His name stands for the highest quality and an impressive variety — from his iconic knives to his exceptionally broad range of scissors.
Both men shared a passion for their craft and deep ties to the industry. Their legacy lives on in the family businesses now run by the next generation with equal dedication. The industry loses two remarkable people — but gratefully preserves their inspirational life’s work.

Heckler & Koch celebrated its 75th anniversary in a large gathering.

75 Years of Heckler & Koch – Record Results and an Eye to the Future

Heckler & Koch celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1949, the company from Oberndorf am Neckar has become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of modern small arms. As the primary supplier to the German armed forces and a partner to numerous police and security forces in NATO and EU states, H&K stands for precision and reliability Made in Germany.
At a formal ceremony, representatives from politics, the Bundeswehr, and industry paid tribute to Heckler & Koch’s importance for Europe’s security and defence capability. CEO Dr Ing. Jens Bodo Koch emphasised the role of the 1,300 employees whose commitment and expertise underpin the company’s success. Baden Württemberg’s Minister for Economic Affairs Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut likewise highlighted H&K’s economic significance and contribution to European sovereignty in challenging security times.
Alongside the anniversary, H&K looks back on an exceptionally strong 2024: with order intake at €426.2 million (+49.4% year-on-year) and sales revenue of €343.4 million, the company set new records. Net income rose to €31.5 million.
With the completion of the HK100 investment programme and the integration of Chrom-Müller Metallveredelung GmbH, the company is technically and structurally well-prepared for the future. H&K plans to further expand its strong position in the military and law enforcement sectors, approaching the new financial year with confidence — driven by innovation and clear strategic direction.

Steyr Sport Expands Team and Secures Continuity in Key Roles

At Austrian manufacturer Steyr Sport, known for high-quality air rifles and pistols for competitive shooting, the team has been restructured. With colleagues Lisa Litzlbauer and Ecaterina Pehböck currently on maternity leave, Managing Director Ing. Karl Egger has added three new professionals:
Pavol Banik now heads sales within the EU (Global Sales),
Isabelle Bardach is now in charge of export processing,
and Klaus Steiner has joined as Deputy Plant Manager since January.
These appointments reflect Steyr Sport’s foresight and appreciation for operational continuity: ensuring competence and consistency in all core areas despite personnel changes.

Left — a person stands in a decorated room with mounted animal heads, large curved ivory tusks, a red leather sofa, a wooden table with drawers, and a mannequin in a suit. Right — another person stands before a wooden rack with several rifles, wearing a light turtleneck sweater and an overcoat. — Maria Gil now leads Sales, and Steven Monteith is Rigby’s new Director of Operations.

And a Glance to the UK: Rigby Enters its Jubilee Year with New Leadership

While not based in Germany, John Rigby & Co. remains relevant to the German market. The historic gunmaker, approaching its 250th anniversary, has announced key personnel changes.
Steven “Monty” Monteith becomes the new Director of Operations — a pivotal role. Having joined Rigby in 2023 as Head of Compliance, he brings extensive military experience, including deployment in Afghanistan, and now stands for operational excellence in the heritage brand.
Maria Gil, part of the sales team since 2016, has been promoted to Head of Sales. With almost a decade’s experience in the sector, she will now lead the global sales strategy, building on her track record in delivering premium firearms and accessories to customers worldwide.
Managing Director Marc Newton praised both: “Monty and Maria have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership. Investing in talent is key to our continued success.”
With these appointments, Rigby sets the course for the future — underlining how tradition and progress go hand in hand internationally as well.

Author

Claudia Jahn

Freelance writer