Anschütz 1761 Classic review: the pinnacle of rimfire design?

The verdict on the Anschütz 1761

The new 1761 version of the Anschütz rimfire sporter is a pinnacle of design. It offers unmatched accuracy in a compact hunting format. It is available in .22 LR, .22WMR or the .17 HMR on test here.

The rifle is configurable in various formats. Anschütz is known for supplying rifles in both right and left handed options. The 1761 is offered in a variety of stock designs. I tested the traditional Classic walnut stock variant.

There is a choice of single or two stage triggers. You can further customise the Classic to your own preferences. You can also choose among bolt knobs and muzzle thread pitches. Scope mounting options and trigger guards are also customisable.

This 1761 is aimed at the real hunter. It condenses match winning qualities into a compact hunting rifle. The sleek lines of older rounded actions have gone. They are replaced by the newer 1761 design.

The whole ethos is to just get the job done. The ambidextrous stock fully exploits the fine handling qualities. It is ideal for carrying all day. It works well from a concealed vantage point or a vehicle.

I always think the stock makes or breaks a rifle design. It is the first thing that catches your eye. If everything feels perfect then you are halfway there.

The Classic stock is a lightweight sporter profile. Anschütz has used walnut for visual appeal. This example had strength through tight grain rather than fancy figuring.

The ambidextrous nature allows shooting from either shoulder. This is useful in the field when you need to swap orientation. Its short 14 inch length of pull allows easy manipulation.

The solid black rubber recoil pad is very tactile. It maintains a grip in the shoulder. This is handy when shooting off sticks. The two QD swivel studs finish off the stock well.

This is not a winner in the beauty stakes. However it is incredibly tactile. It offers solid and lightweight handling characteristics.

You can see precise bedding areas inside the stock. The action sits securely in the walnut. An additional abutment ensures a rock solid union. The forend channel allows the barrel to free float.

The action sees the biggest changes in the 1761 series. It has newer styling with modern angular lines. Anschütz quality control remains top notch. The whole action is precisely machined from steel.

There is a matte blued finish. This is practical for hunting. It resists scratches and corrosion well. On top are 11mm dovetails with a recoil lug cut out.

You can also fit a one piece Picatinny rail. This will please thermal and night vision users. A generous ejection port facilitates the removal of stuck cartridges.

The bolt release lever is on the left side. Depress it to remove the bolt for cleaning. The bolt features a new compact throw. The handle is positioned in the mid section.

The straight bolt handle and plastic ball knob help handling. You can choose different bolt knobs at extra cost. An elongated bolt shroud houses the cocking piece.

Bolt lift is very low at about 50 degrees. Cycling the action is smooth and effortless. The bolt handle stays within the action itself.

The safety mechanism is behind the bolt slot. It uses a rounded toggle lever. Forward is fire and rearward locks the trigger. Importantly it is silent.

This hunter friendly model is chambered in .17 HMR. It has the industry standard 1 in 16 rifling twist rate. The barrel is made from match grade chrome moly.

The interior is precise with crisp lands. The barrel is fully free floated. It wears the same matte bluing as the action.

Loading the Classic is a breeze. The magazine is housed within a polymer trigger guard. The release catch is easily accessible.

The five shot magazine has a steel upper body. The polymer lower sticks out of the stock. It is easily grasped for a change even in the dark.

Anschütz has a number of triggers to choose from. This model has the two stage 5061 D unit. It has an adjustable blade.

A single grub screw allows for adjustment. My gauge showed a consistent pull weight of 2lb 8.5oz. This contributes to the accuracy.

I fitted a Zeiss V4 4-16x44mm scope. This offers good light transmission and clarity. I also fitted an A-Tec Wave sound moderator.

I chose four typical HMR rounds. The Hornady 17gr V-Max load averaged 2491fps. Shots clustered into 0.816 inches at 50 yards.

The Winchester HV round grouped into 0.739 inches. Velocity was 2497fps. The lead free Hornady NTX round shot slightly faster. Accuracy was consistent at 0.785 inches.

The CCI GamePoint is superb for larger game. I recorded a velocity of 2402fps. Five shots went into 0.679 inches. The average group size was an impressive 0.755 inches.

I took the rifle out after rabbits. I positioned myself downwind against a tree. I loved how agile the Classic was. It enabled me to track targets with minimal fuss.

I accounted for 13 rabbits in total. All were headshots. The Classic is accurate enough for headshots out to 100 yards. The lock time is very fast.

The looks of this model are deceptive. It has no real bells and whistles. However it is for shooters who use their rifles in the field.

Accuracy was not in question. The trigger was sublime. The looks are a bit angular. Yet I appreciated the easy magazine release.

Viking Arms is the new importer. Give them a call to see the latest models.

Manufacturer: Anschütz

Model: 1761 D HB

Type: Bolt Action

Overall Length: 36.0in

Barrel length: 18in (½ inch UNF muzzle thread)

Length of Pull: 14.0in

Weight: 2.8 kg

Finish: Blued steel

Calibre: .17 HMR (.22 LR and .22 WMR options)

Stock: Classic walnut

Magazine: 5 shot detachable

Scope mounts: Dovetail or Picatinny rail option

Trigger: 5061 D single stage adjustable

Price: £1,545

Importer: Viking Arms Ltd