Weihrauch
German manufacturer of airguns and firearms since 1899.
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Weihrauch & Weihrauch GmbH & Co. KG, a German company, makes target and sporting air rifles, air pistols, and cartridge firearms. In North America, its products are often sold under the Beeman brand.
The business began in 1899 when Hermann Weihrauch, Sr., founded it, and his three sons—Otto, Werner, and Hermann, Jr.—soon joined. After World War I, they introduced several new models, including the HWZ 21 smallbore rifle, the first mass-produced German .22 rimfire rifle, which earned a strong match record. They also produced double and triple barrel shotguns, over-and-under shotguns, and large bore hunting rifles.
In 1928, Weihrauch started selling bicycle parts and mechanical door closers internationally. During World War II, they kept making bicycle spare parts. Otto Weihrauch worked as a mechanic and later a gunsmith in Zella-Mehlis; Werner worked at Jagdwaffenwerk in Suhl; and Hermann, Jr., moved to Mellrichstadt in Bavaria, where he restarted the company, mainly producing bicycle spare parts.
Weihrauch’s first air rifle, the HW Model 50V, came out in 1950. It had a smooth bore due to Allied Occupation Government rules. After the German Shooting Federation was re-established, the allies allowed rifled barrels, but since firearms production was still banned, Weihrauch focused on sporting airguns.
Even after the ban was lifted, the company continued making air rifles. The smaller HW 25 targeted the youth market, while the HW 30 and HW 50 remained solid mid-market models. The HW 55 became one of Europe’s leading barrel-cocking target rifles.
In 1951, Weihrauch introduced the full-size HW 35 sporting air rifle, which became their most successful model. It was the first to feature the famous Rekord two-stage sporting trigger, developed from the target trigger of the HW55T.
This trigger design remains unchanged across the range today. The HW 35 also included a locking barrel catch and an automatic safety at the rear of the cylinder. The Rekord trigger first appeared sometime in the 1950s, likely around 1955, on either the HW 35 or HW 55; both models originally had non-Rekord triggers labeled “Burgo.”
After Hermann Weihrauch, Jr., died in 1967, the company passed to Hans Weihrauch, Sr. In 1970, they introduced the HW 70 air pistol.
Lore & Background
The Hermann Weihrauch company was founded in 1899 by Hermann Weihrauch, Sr., and soon joined by his three sons, Otto, Werner, and Hermann, Jr. After World War I, they introduced the HWZ 21 smallbore rifle, the first mass-produced German .22 rimfire rifle. In 1928, Weihrauch began international sale of bicycle parts and mechanical door closers. During World War II, they continued producing bicycle spare parts. After the war, Hermann Weihrauch, Jr. restarted the company in Mellrichstadt, initially making bicycle parts.
Weihrauch made their first air rifle, the HW Model 50V, in 1950, with a smooth bore due to Allied Occupation Government rules. After the German Shooting Federation was re-established, rifled barrels were allowed, but the company focused on sporting airguns even after the firearm manufacturing ban was withdrawn. The HW 35, introduced in 1951, became their most successful model and featured the Rekord two-stage trigger, developed from the target trigger of the HW55T. The Rekord trigger was first used around 1955 on either the HW 35 or HW 55, replacing earlier 'Burgo' triggers.
After Hermann Weihrauch, Jr. died in 1967, the company passed to Hans Weihrauch, Sr. The company introduced the HW 70 air pistol in 1970. A close connection with Beeman Precision Airguns led to joint ventures, including the Beeman R1 (sold outside the US as the Weihrauch HW 80) and the HW 45 (sold in the US as the Beeman P1). Weihrauch also produced the under-lever spring piston rifle HW77 and collaborated with Theoben Engineering on the HW 90, which used a gas-spring system. Hans Weihrauch, Sr. died on 3 April 1990, and his wife Christel and sons Stefan and Hans-Hermann took control.
Reader's Guide
Weihrauch's significance lies in its long-standing role as a major German manufacturer of airguns and firearms, with a history spanning over a century. The company's early success with the HWZ 21 smallbore rifle established it in the sporting market. The introduction of the HW 35 in 1951 and its Rekord two-stage trigger set a standard for air rifle triggers that remains in use.
The collaboration with Beeman Precision Airguns was notable for adapting German designs to the American market, resulting in models like the Beeman R1 and P1. The HW77 under-lever rifle improved loading and accuracy, while the HW 90 introduced gas-spring technology. Weihrauch's ability to evolve from bicycle parts to precision airguns, and its continued production of both air and cartridge firearms, demonstrates its adaptability.
The company's management transition to the next generation after Hans Weihrauch, Sr.'s death in 1990 ensured continuity. The detailed suffix system for air rifle models reflects a methodical approach to product differentiation. Weihrauch's legacy includes a range of air rifles and pistols that have been widely used in target shooting, field shooting, and small-game hunting, particularly in Europe and North America.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Weihrauch (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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