Mossberg is a fascinating and enduring name in the firearms industry. Not only for the strength of its product lineup—including legendary models like the Mossberg 500, 590 Shockwave, and Patriot rifles—but for its century-long journey marked by innovation, resilience, and dedication to American manufacturing.
It’s an interesting company because of its ability to adapt through major historical shifts while staying true to its mission: offering rugged, affordable, and forward-thinking firearms to hunters, shooters, and professionals alike.
What Does Mossberg Do?
O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. is a premier American firearms manufacturer known for its extensive lineup of shotguns, rifles, and handguns. Their catalog includes – just to show some examples:
- Shotguns: From the venerable 500 series and military-grade Mossberg 590A1, to the compact Mossberg Shockwave and the cutting-edge Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical, their shotguns cover everything from hunting to tactical operations.
- Rifles: Mossberg’s Patriot, MVP, and lever-action lines offer robust performance for hunting and precision shooting.
- Handguns: Recent entries like the MC1 and MC2c reflect the brand’s expansion into the pistol market, combining ergonomic design with reliability.
The company’s firearms are praised for their modularity, dependability, and affordability, especially within the shotgun category.
An Exciting History
The story of Mossberg is deeply rooted in American ingenuity and perseverance. Founded in 1919 by Swedish immigrant Oscar Frederick Mossberg and his two sons, Harold and Iver, the company began in a small loft in New Haven, Connecticut. Their first product, the Brownie, a .22-caliber four-shot pocket pistol, laid the foundation for a brand that would help shape the future of firearms.
Key Milestones in Mossberg’s Journey:
- 1922: Launch of the Model K, Mossberg’s first rifle, showing early signs of their design-forward thinking.
- 1940s (War Years): Mossberg secured government contracts to produce .50-caliber machine gun parts and rifle components. Their Model 42MB .22 rifle trained British troops during WWII.
- Post-WWII: Innovations like the Model 183D bolt-action shotgun with adjustable choke and the Palomino lever-action line showcased their ability to pivot in a peacetime market.
- 1962: Introduction of the 500 series, a game-changing pump-action shotgun that has since become a staple for sportsmen, home defenders, and military personnel alike.
- 1979: The U.S. government adopted the Model 500 for military use, cementing Mossberg’s place among elite firearm makers.
- 1989: This entrepreneur pioneered safety initiatives, including developing one of the first firearm-integrated cable locks.
- 1990s-2000s: Mossberg continued innovating with specialty shotguns like the 590 Mariner™ for maritime use, the Flex™ Modular Platform, and the competition-ready 930 JM Pro Series.
- 2017: Release of the 590 Shockwave, a revolutionary non-NFA firearm that changed how the industry approached compact defense shotguns.
- 2019: Celebrated 100 years in business, remaining a family-owned company focused on delivering practical and innovative firearm solutions.
Mossberg’s continued relevance is built on this legacy—always looking forward, while honoring its roots.
What Characterizes the Company?
Mossberg stands out for several defining traits:
- Innovation: Many now-standard firearm features—like ambidextrous safeties and adjustable stocks—were pioneered by this company. Their “Shooting System” approach allows upgrades and modifications that are often compatible with older models.
- Military-Grade Quality: Their pump shotguns are the only ones purchased by the U.S. government that meet or exceed Mil-S-3443 specifications.
- Affordability with Performance: Mossberg consistently delivers high-quality firearms at accessible price points, making models like the Mossberg Maverick 88 and Patriot rifle incredibly popular with value-conscious shooters.
- Customizability: With modular platforms and accessory-ready designs, Mossberg shotguns like the 500 Tactical, 940 Pro, and 590M offer unparalleled flexibility.
- American Heritage: Every Mossberg firearm is proudly made in the USA, with production rooted in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Reviews
Mossberg firearms consistently receive positive feedback across different shooting communities:
- Reliability: The 500 and 590A1 are often cited for their durability, even under harsh conditions.
- User-Friendly Design: Beginners appreciate the simplicity of the Maverick 88 and the intuitive controls on shotguns.
- Tactical Excellence: The 590 Shockwave and 940 Pro Tactical are standout favorites for home defense and law enforcement use.
- Value for Money: Reviewers highlight that few companies offer the same level of quality at this business’ price point.
Enthusiasts and professionals alike recognize this company as a brand that balances innovation with everyday practicality.
More Information & Contact
- Business name: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
- Website: www.mossberg.com
- Phone number: (203) 230-5300
- Email: Use form on homepage
- Address: 7 Grasso Avenue, North Haven, CT 06473, USA