The name Walther is synonymous with the development of innovative air rifles. Competitors throughout the world, including Olympic and international champions, put their trust in the technical perfection of these sporting arms. The same is true for members of gun clubs and recreational shooters. Carl Walther is today a leading manufacturer of air rifles for sporting and recreation. The success story began in the 1950s and 1960s, when air rifle shooting started to gain wide popularity. The LG51, the first spring-piston rifle developed by Walther, played a major part in this. The Master air rifle LG55 M was used by the gold-medal-winning Swiss team at the 1966 world championships. And in 1964 Walther brought out a rifle with enhanced precision: the Walther LGV.