Rifles and shotguns made by O.F. Mossberg are very modestly priced; in some cases, they’re downright inexpensive.

I’ve been testing these American-made firearms for nearly ten years and have been exceedingly pleased with each one.

The photo above shows one buck taken in Central South Dakota on a brutally cold day in a howling wind. The Mossberg downed that buck with a precise shot and another the next week at 238 yards. That rifle remains one of my favorites, and shoots just as well as others costing twice the price.

Mossberg not only makes quality firearms, but innovative ones as well. The company was recently recognized for these attributes at a national retailer’s convention. Here’s how it all went down.

SD Rifle Deer 2012 024O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., America’s oldest family-owned and operated firearms manufacturer, was presented with the “2014 Innovator of the Year” Award during the opening night festivities at the 2014 National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesaler (NASGW) Expo & 41st Annual Meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas. During the annual Awards Reception and Dinner, NASGW recognizes those manufacturers who contribute significantly to the successful business climate of its wholesale members. This is the second time that Mossberg has been recognized as Innovator of the Year, since the inception of this prestigious award in the 2012.

“Recognition for developing the most innovative products is a tremendous honor, particularly when this acknowledgement comes from our customers,” commented Tom Taylor, 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.”

Mossberg recently announced increased manufacturing capabilities with the expansion of their Texas-based facility and bolstered several of their most-innovative firearm platforms in 2014, including 7.62mm (308 Win) chamberings in their ground-breaking MVP Series of bolt-action rifles and new 20-gauge and 22LR offerings to their FLEX System of shotguns and rifles. Joining forces with other family-focused partners, such as the Duck Commanders and pro-shooters, Jerry, Kay and Lena Miculek, brings higher visibility to the company’s product lines and increases product demand for distribution partners.

For more information about Mossberg firearms, visit mossberg.com.