Introduction to Mossberg
Founded in 1919, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. stands as the oldest family-owned firearms manufacturer in the United States, with a reputation built on affordability, reliability, and innovative firearm design. From its beginnings in New Haven, Connecticut, to its rise as a dominant force in the firearms industry, Mossberg has consistently delivered firearms that cater to military, law enforcement, hunters, and civilian shooters alike.
Founding and Early Years
Oscar Frederick Mossberg, a Swedish immigrant with a deep background in firearms engineering, established O.F. Mossberg & Sons in March 1919 alongside his sons, Harold and Iver. Prior to founding his namesake company, Mossberg had been a key figure at Marlin-Rockwell Corporation, where he contributed to military firearm production during World War I. His experience in designing machine guns and small arms at Marlin-Rockwell played a crucial role in shaping the ethos of Mossberg’s later designs—durability, simplicity, and reliability.
The company's first product, the "Brownie," was a four-barreled .22 caliber derringer pistol. Designed with trappers and outdoorsmen in mind, the Brownie quickly gained a reputation for ruggedness and practicality. This initial success set the stage for the company's expansion into shotguns and rifles, eventually leading to some of the most widely used firearms in American history.
Firearm Innovations and Legacy
Throughout the decades, the company has introduced a wide array of firearms, but the company is best known for its shotguns, particularly the Model 500 series, which has become one of the most widely used pump-action shotguns in the world. Introduced in 1961, the Mossberg 500 was designed to be a versatile, rugged shotgun suitable for both military and civilian applications. Its ambidextrous tang-mounted safety, twin action bars, and modular design made it an industry leader.
Expanding on the success of the 500, the company introduced the 590 and 590A1 series, military-grade versions that met the U.S. Army’s Mil-Spec 3443E standards, a rigorous series of tests assessing durability, reliability, and performance in extreme conditions. The 590A1 remains the only pump-action shotgun to ever pass these stringent military requirements, securing its place as the preferred shotgun of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Mossberg has also been a pioneer in shotgun customization. In 2012, it introduced the Flex System, the first tool-free modular shotgun platform, allowing users to quickly swap stocks, forends, and recoil pads to suit different applications. This innovation further cemented Mossberg’s reputation as a leader in adaptability and user-focused firearm design.
Beyond shotguns, the company expanded into the rifle market with the MVP series, a groundbreaking line of bolt-action rifles capable of accepting standard AR-15 and AR-10 magazines. This innovation bridged the gap between traditional hunting rifles and modern tactical firearms, providing shooters with unparalleled versatility.
Mossberg has also contributed significantly to the tactical and home-defense markets with firearms like the Shockwave, a non-NFA 14-inch barreled firearm that provides the stopping power of a shotgun while remaining compact enough for home defense.
Competitive Positioning
The firearms industry is fiercely competitive, and Mossberg has continually proven its ability to stand alongside giants like Remington and Winchester. One of Mossberg’s most notable rivalries is with the Remington 870, the closest competitor to the Model 500 series. While the 870 features a steel receiver, the Mossberg 500 uses a lightweight anodized aluminum receiver with a steel-to-steel bolt lockup, maintaining strength while reducing weight. The top-mounted tang safety of the Mossberg 500 also makes it superior for left-handed shooters, while the Remington 870’s cross-bolt safety is geared toward right-handed users.
In the bolt-action rifle category, the company competes with legacy models like the Winchester Model 70 and Remington 700 with its Patriot and MVP series, both known for accuracy, affordability, and innovative magazine compatibility.
Mossberg’s ability to innovate while keeping prices accessible has allowed it to dominate the budget-friendly shotgun market. While competitors often price military-grade shotguns at a premium, Mossberg maintains affordability without sacrificing durability, ensuring widespread adoption among law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters.
Expansion into Handguns and Future Developments
Although the company built its reputation on shotguns and rifles, the company re-entered the handgun market in 2019 with the MC1sc, a polymer-framed striker-fired pistol designed for concealed carry. This was followed by the MC2c, a compact 9mm handgun designed to compete with industry leaders like the Glock 43X and Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. The introduction of these handguns signaled Mossberg’s intent to expand into the personal defense market, applying the same rugged reliability that made its long guns famous.
The company has also expanded its production capabilities by shifting some operations to Eagle Pass, Texas, a move that allows it to meet increasing demand while maintaining quality control.
Military and Law Enforcement Use
Mossberg firearms have played a critical role in both military and law enforcement. The Mossberg 590A1 remains a standard-issue shotgun for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and numerous police departments across the country. Its heavy-walled barrel, metal trigger guard, and increased durability make it an ideal choice for combat and law enforcement operations.
Law enforcement agencies also favor the Mossberg 930 semi-automatic shotgun, a gas-operated platform known for reliability in rapid-fire applications. The Maverick 88, Mossberg’s budget-friendly pump-action shotgun, is widely used by law enforcement and security personnel for its affordability and dependability.
Legacy and Enduring Impact
For over a century, O.F. Mossberg & Sons has upheld a tradition of innovation, quality, and affordability. Whether through the legendary Mossberg 500, the military-grade 590A1, the versatile MVP bolt-action series, or the modern MC series handguns, the company has continuously adapted to meet the needs of shooters across all disciplines.
With a legacy deeply intertwined with military service, law enforcement, hunting, and home defense, Mossberg has cemented itself as one of the most respected names in the firearms industry. As the company continues to innovate and expand, its unwavering commitment to reliability and customer-focused firearm design ensures that it will remain a dominant force in the industry for years to come.
Read here for more:
Discussion groups can be found here and here.
If you know of any forums or sites that should be referenced on this listing, please let us know here.
