A Visit to Krieghoff: Germany’s Home of the K-80

2 July 2026

Back in December, our Assistant Gunroom Manager and Gunfitter, Steve Lilly, travelled to Germany to visit the world-famous Krieghoff factory. As a dedicated trap shooter and experienced gunfitter, Steve was given a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship, tradition and precision engineering that have made the Krieghoff K-80 one of the most respected competition shotguns in the world.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Germany and spend time with one of the most respected names in competition shotguns: Krieghoff. As both a trap shooter and gunfitter, it was an experience I had been looking forward to for a long time.

For anyone familiar with the competition shooting world, the Krieghoff K-80 is a name that needs little introduction. From Olympic disciplines to prestigious trap and sporting competitions around the world, the K-80 has built a reputation for reliability, longevity, and exceptional handling. Seeing how these world-renowned shotguns are made was a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship and tradition behind the brand.

First Impressions: Designing Your Perfect Krieghoff

Our visit began in the reception and consultation area, where customers start the journey of creating their own bespoke Krieghoff.

Unlike many firearm manufacturers, the process here feels incredibly personal. Shooters can sit down with specialists to discuss every aspect of their gun, from stock dimensions and barrel specifications through to engraving patterns, wood grades and finishing details.

Once those decisions have been made, examples of walnut blanks matching the selected grade are presented, allowing customers to see exactly what will become the stock of their shotgun. It quickly became clear that purchasing a Krieghoff K-80 isn’t simply buying a shotgun – it’s commissioning a firearm built specifically for you.

A Brief History of Krieghoff

Before heading into production, we were given an overview of the company's impressive history.

Founded in 1886, Krieghoff has spent generations building firearms that have become synonymous with quality and precision engineering. While the company produces rifles and hunting firearms, it is undoubtedly the Krieghoff K-80 that has earned legendary status in competitive clay shooting circles.

The K-80’s robust design, exceptional balance and ability to withstand extremely heavy usage have made it one of the most sought-after competition shotguns in the world.

Inside the Factory: Precision Meets Tradition

We then moved into the factory itself and immediately gained an appreciation for the level of workmanship involved in producing every Krieghoff firearm.

The first stop was the CNC machining department, where receivers and action components for the K-80, K-20 and Krieghoff rifle actions begin their journey. While modern machining technology plays an important role here, what struck me most was how often each component returned to skilled technicians for hand-finishing throughout the process.

A single barrel set can pass through the same technician four or five times before it is complete, with careful inspection and finishing taking place after every stage. It’s a reminder that while technology provides consistency, craftsmanship still provides excellence.

In reality, the CNC machinery is only the beginning.

Where Master Gunsmiths Bring Each Gun to Life

Upstairs, the atmosphere changes entirely.

Here, highly skilled gunsmiths work on individual customer orders at various stages of assembly. There are no automated production lines racing to maximise output. Instead, you see experienced craftsmen methodically building each gun by hand.

Oil lamps, paper drawings, hand tools and traditional techniques sit comfortably alongside modern manufacturing methods.

Every K-80 is hand-fitted and hand-finished, with considerable attention paid to the smallest details.

Another impressive aspect was the number of apprentices visible throughout the factory. At virtually every stage of production, the next generation is being trained by experienced craftsmen. It’s clear that Krieghoff is just as committed to preserving knowledge as it is to producing exceptional firearms.

Watching an Engraver at Work

One of the highlights of the tour was spending time with the engraving department.

We watched an engraver, who had been with the company for around a year, working on a shotgun while we stood only a few feet away. Seeing the precision and patience required to create the intricate scenes and scrollwork found on high-end Krieghoff guns was remarkable.

Every cut is deliberate. Every detail matters.

It’s easy to understand why bespoke engraved K-80s become cherished possessions passed down through generations.

Quality Control Beyond Expectations

Throughout the factory, one thing became immediately apparent: quality control is everything.

The level of inspection at every stage was genuinely impressive. Not only are there extensive physical checks performed by experienced staff, but the amount of measuring and testing technology employed throughout production is extraordinary.

Nothing appears to leave a workstation without being checked, measured, verified and signed off.

As someone who spends a great deal of time fitting and handling premium shotguns, I can honestly say the attention to detail was second to none.

Meeting the Boss

During our visit, we also had the opportunity to meet the Director himself, Mr Phil Krieghoff.

Speaking with the leadership team reinforced what we had already seen throughout the factory: an unwavering commitment to quality, heritage and customer satisfaction. There is a genuine pride in the product and in the reputation the company has built over generations.

Time to Shoot: Experiencing the Krieghoff K-80 for Myself

Of course, no visit to Krieghoff would be complete without spending some time behind the gun.

We headed to MSZU indoor shooting range, where we were able to experience a variety of Krieghoff models for ourselves.

As a trap shooter and gunfitter, the Krieghoff team gave me the opportunity to configure my ideal competition gun. Naturally, I got carried away.

By the time we’d finished selecting specifications, premium wood, engraving and options, the final figure was somewhere around £27,000. Oops.

The real surprise came when I stepped onto the stand.

The gun handled beautifully. Recoil was incredibly smooth, the balance felt effortless, and the overall shooting experience instantly demonstrated why so many top-level competitors continue to choose the Krieghoff K-80.

There are plenty of competition shotguns on the market, but few inspire confidence quite as quickly as a properly fitted K-80.

More Than Just a Factory

One of the biggest takeaways from the trip was that the Krieghoff factory may not necessarily match what some people expect.

There are no vast automated production halls producing thousands of shotguns every week.

Instead, what you find is a building steeped in knowledge, tradition and craftsmanship. Every corner tells a story. Every workbench represents years of experience. Every firearm receives individual attention from start to finish.

In an age where so much manufacturing has become automated, Krieghoff continues to demonstrate the value of skilled hands, trained eyes and accumulated expertise.

Final Thoughts

Leaving Germany, I came away with an even greater appreciation for what makes the Krieghoff K-80 so special.

Seeing the manufacturing process firsthand, meeting the people behind the brand, and having the opportunity to shoot one at its home only reinforced its reputation as one of the finest competition shotguns ever produced.

The tradition, craftsmanship and dedication to quality are evident at every stage of production.

And after spending time at Krieghoff?

My only recommendation would be simple:

Buy one.