Driven by its Flex system, MVP rifle line and marketing alliances with the Duck Commander crew and competitive shooting ninjas Jerry, Kay and Lena Miculek, Mossberg was awarded the 2014 Innovator of the Year prize by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers in Little Rock, Arkansas.

While other companies might have flashy PR campaigns or high-profile events, Mossberg has clearly made a lot of headway with products that appeal to the everyday shooter and push the envelope of what can excite the shooting sports retail market. The new FLEX guns in .22 LR and 20 gauge shotgun, the MVP rifle in 7.62 and Duck Commander series of shotguns and 22LR ARs are clearly making a mark.

“Recognition for developing the most innovative products is a tremendous honor, particularly when this acknowledgement comes from our customers,” said Tom Taylor, Mossberg Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “And in such a competitive market, Mossberg is extremely proud, and humbled, to be a two-time recipient of the innovator award. Developing, manufacturing and marketing the highest-quality, leading-edge firearms are the focus of our entire team.”

It's the second time in three years Mossberg — America's oldest family-owned firearms manufacturer — has been recognized by the NASGW as the industry's most innovative partner.