German & Austrian Shotguns

Germany and Austria may not be as well known for shotguns as other western European nations, but they have produced a number of fine specimens. While they are of course separate nations, the firearms manufacturing and sporting worlds of both countries are extremely similar. The demand for fine shotguns in Germany and Austria was guided by the rise in shooting sports, specifically trap and skeet shooting.

Many German and Austrian shotguns are well-made double-barreled shotguns. Over-and-under models are a popular modern choice. These shotguns are produced by traditional companies including Krieghoff who still follow the standards set by shotgun designers 100 years ago. German companies including Schuler even produce triple-barreled hunting shotguns known as drillings.

Germans and Austrians are well known for their hunting prowess and their shotguns have made their way around the world on hunts. German and Austrian shotguns are popular international choices for skeet shooting and are well known in the professional levels in sport shooting.

Quick Facts

• Walther, famed German handgun designer, produced a number of shotguns in the '20s, including double barreled and semi-automatic models
• Krieghoff, a German shotgun maker, began producing shotguns in 1866 and continues to produce shotguns to this day
• Greifelt shotguns was one of Germany’s best shotgun makers before World War II, but never fully recovered, making their shotguns extremely collectible