Alan Mossberg, chairman of Mossberg passed away on Nov. 6 at his home in Florida, surrounded by friends and family. He was 89.
“On behalf of the Executive Team and over 500 U.S.-based employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Alan’s family during this difficult time,” said Mossberg President and COO Doug Bell. “A great leader, visionary, and champion of bringing high quality, innovative firearms to the masses, Alan was a tireless advocate for gun rights and gun safety while always working to ensure that the American traditions of hunting and shooting sports live on for many years to come.”
“More importantly, Alan was a devoted husband, father and friend,” said Bell. “He will be greatly missed.”
Born to Oscar Mossberg, Alan was one of the original sons at O.F. Mossberg & Sons along with his brother Harold. Starting at a young age he would take on a larger role at Mossberg, which is undoubtedly among the most recognizable and appreciated gun companies in the world.
He is survived by a large family of Mossberg sons and daughters, including Iver and Jonathan Mossberg, Gretchen Highsmith and Linnea Helalat. Iver Mossberg currently heads the company as its CEO.
Alan was a strong supporter of shooting sports, hunting, wildlife conservation, and firearms safety. He was heavily involved with Ducks Unlimited, NRA, NSSF, NWTF, North American Hunt Club, SAAMI and the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team.
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Starting in 1989 Alan directed Mossberg to include a gun lock with every Mossberg firearm, which has become standard industry practice. The company is over 100 years old, founded in 1919 by Oscar Frederick Mossberg.
The Mossberg company originally produced simple, economical firearms following the introduction of the classic Mossberg Brownie pistol. The company expanded during World War II, making firearm components for the U.S. and the U.K. as well as supplying the Army and the Navy with trainer rifles.
Today Mossberg is almost synonymous with their extremely popular 500 series of pump shotguns, which are used around the world for hunting, sport, personal protection and military and police use. But the company is also respected for its wide range of rifles and handguns in addition to its shotguns.
The first firearm I ever encountered, then eventually fired was my Dad’s Mossberg .20 gauge bolt action. It’s now mine and I still shoot it, 60 years after he bought it.
I am sure I speak for many recreational hunters and shooters when I say my first firearm was a Mossberg. That 22 firearm accuracy, reliability and affordability made such a favorable impression on me (and my father) that I was hooked on hunting and target shooting from then and until now. Thank you Alan Mossberg (and your family) for 64 plus years of my outdoor sports enjoyment.