The "X" at the end of a serial number on older ANSCHÜTZ rifles officially stands for the 1600 model series. The 1600 series is a predecessor series to today's 1807 and 1907 model series. This 1600 series was a transitional series that was manufactured between approximately 1978 and 1980 (as a transition from the 1400 series to the 1800/1900 series).
Here are the most important facts:
- Not a "select barrel": It is a widespread myth among shooters that the "X" indicates a factory-selected or particularly accurate barrel. This is not correct.
- Origin of the myth: The barrels of the 1600 series were manufactured using new production processes and performed extremely well on average. Shooters then mistakenly interpreted the "X" as meaning "extra good" or "selected or chosen."
- Proof of genuine precision: A truly "select barrel" can only be verified by the original test fire group the test target) that was included with the rifle upon delivery.
- Today, a selected barrel is verified by means of a current ammunition selection test, in which several rounds of ammunition are fired. Without these shot pattern tests, the designation "selected barrel" is not substantiated.
