A BRIEF HISTORY OF O.F. MOSSBERG & SONS, INC.

Oscar Frederick Mossberg and his two sons, Iver and Harold, founded O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. in 1919. The company has remained a family owned business to this day, and is the oldest family owned firearms manufacturer in America. Since 1967, Oscar’s grandson, Alan, has driven the company to the success it has enjoyed over the decades. Today, Alan serves as Chairman-of-the-Board, and his son, Iver, now presides as the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

Beginning in 1919, firearm production consisted of a four barreled, .22 caliber handgun known as the “Brownie.” Following the success of the Brownie, .22 caliber rifles, shotguns, and rifle scopes were also developed, spawning a period of diversification within the sporting goods market. Mossberg was soon producing gun racks, golf clubs, campers and sailboats, while maintaining the core sporting firearms business.

Early in its manufacturing history, Mossberg began to earn the reputation for manufacturing “more gun for the money,” producing quality, extremely dependable firearms at an affordable price. They were also known for their groundbreaking innovations, serving as the first to develop and offer custom-type features as standard offerings.

Some of these “firsts” include Monte Carlo style stocks, molded trigger housings, spring-loaded, quick release swivels, the first 3-1/2” chambered, 12 gauge shotgun ever developed and manufactured and the first long gun manufacturer to be ISO 9001 certified. As a leader and advocate of safety, Mossberg was also one of the very first manufacturers to include a cablelock with each new gun sold.

Quality, durability, and dependability are hallmarks of the Mossberg reputation. Since 1979, Mossberg® shotguns are the only pump-action shotguns purchased by the U.S. government, which meet or exceed rigorous Mil-Spec and NIJ (National Institute of Justice) requirements.

Today, under the family’s guidance, the company has continued to build its reputation for innovation through the introduction of industry staples, such as the Mossberg® 935 Magnum™, 835® Ulti-Mag®, and the 500® and 590® home security and special purpose shotguns for military, law enforcement and personal protection. The new 100 ATR™ bolt-action rifle, 930™ Autoloading shotgun, 535 ATS™ and 505 Youth™ pump-actions, and the all-new Mossberg International™ line of over-and-under shotguns and rimfire rifles round out an already spectacular line-up of value-packed firearms.

Founded in 1919, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. is the oldest family owned firearms manufacturer in America, and is the largest pump-action shotgun manufacturer in the world. Leading the way with over 100 design and utility patents to its credit, and standing as the first ISO 9001 certified long gun manufacturer, Mossberg is considered to be one of the most innovative firearms manufacturers in U.S. history.

Press release from O.F. Mossbergs and Sons 12-01-2005