Val J. Forgett, Jr., (July 31, 1930 – November 25, 2002) founded the
Navy Arms Company, Inc., in 1956 and is internationally recognized as the "father of the modern replica firearms business". Forgett created and designed over 100 different replica
firearm
A firearm is any type of gun designed to be readily carried and used by an individual. The term is legally defined further in different countries (see Legal definitions).
The first firearms originated in 10th-century China, when bamboo tubes ...
s models.
Forgett was President of the National Firearms Museum and Chairman of the United States International Muzzle Loading Team, leading the U.S. to five consecutive World Championships, a feat unmatched to this day. An avid big-game hunter, Forgett was recognized by
Safari Club International
Safari Club International (SCI) is a US organization composed of hunters dedicated to protecting the freedom to hunt. SCI has more than 50,000 members and 180 local chapters. SCI members agree to abide by the organization's code of ethics, whi ...
(SCI) as the first person in over 100 years to take all
"Big Five" game species of Africa (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo) with a muzzle-loading rifle.
Obituaries
When Forgett died in 2002 from the effects of
myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare blood cancer, numerous firearms magazines published memorials of his life, including:
*Guns & Ammo ("The Passing of a Legend")
*National Shooting Sports Foundation
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Forgett, Val J. Jr.
1930 births
2002 deaths
Deaths from myelodysplastic syndrome