The new Anschutz Model 1780 may bear some slight resemblance to the earlier Model 1770, but the reality is that it’s quite different.
In 2009 Anschutz introduced their first new rifle action in 30 years. This formed the heart of a handsome, superbly accurate centrefire sporter in .222 and .223 Remington. At that time I wondered how long it would be before the gun morphed into a long action version chambered for the .30-06 family of cartridges. It took a couple of years, but now we have the Model 1780 chambered for the .308, .30-06, 8×57 and 9.3×62. The rifle I was sent for evaluation was in .308.
Given a cursory glance, the 1780 appeared to bear some resemblance to the 1770, but a thorough examination revealed the basic design is entirely different. A lot of changes were necessary to make it a switch-barrel job. Like its predecessor, the action of the 1780 has several design features which set it apart from more conventional turnbolts, but there all resemblance ends, so we’ll forget about the 1770.
Instead of being cylindrical the matte black anodized receiver of the 1780 is a massive slab-sided affair made of high strength aluminium alloy. It has a length of 230mm to handle standard length cartridges, and its rounded top is drilled and tapped for standard scope mounts as well as a picatinny rail which Anchutz furnishes especially for the rifle. A large dished section on the left side is probably to lighten the action as well as to relieve the monotony of a long flat sidewall.
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