Anschütz 1827 Fortner

J.G. Anschütz GmbH & Co. KG · Rifle · In Production · 1984

Also known as: 1827 F, 1827F, Anschütz Fortner

Overview

The Anschütz 1827 Fortner is the dominant Olympic biathlon rifle, a .22 LR target rifle built around Peter Fortner's straight-pull toggle action. Ball bearings lock the bolt directly into the receiver, allowing the athlete to cycle the action with the index finger and thumb in under a second without breaking position. It carries four to five five-round magazines on the stock, a diopter sight set with spring-loaded snow caps, and a convertible carrying harness.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3500 g (123.5 oz)
Overall Length1040 mm (40.94")
Barrel Length550 mm (21.65")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeTwo Stage
Trigger Pull4.9 N (1.1 lbf)
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity340 m/s (1115 fps)
Effective Range50 m (55 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 1984-present

Continuous production; the de-facto standard Olympic biathlon rifle

Origin

Country of origin: Germany

Designer: Peter Fortner

Notes

The 'F' designates the Fortner straight-pull action. Anschütz specifies that the rifle groups ten shots within 17 mm at 50 m even at -20 degrees Celsius. The Fortner action uses the premium 5020 match trigger.

Background

Roughly 95 to 97 percent of all biathletes worldwide compete with the 1827 Fortner. Its straight-pull design lets athletes recharge the chamber without removing the rifle from the shoulder, a decisive advantage in glove-less, sub-zero conditions where a fraction of a second on the firing line decides medals.