Val J. Forgett, Jr., Founder of Navy Arms Company, Inc. (1956-present) and internationally recognized as the "father of the modern replica firearms business". Forgett created over 100 different replica firearm

Firearm

A firearm is a weapon that launches one, or many, projectile at high velocity through confined burning of a propellant. This subsonic burning process is technically known as deflagration, as opposed to supersonic combustion known as a detonation. In older firearms, the propellant was typically...

s models in his lifetime. Forgett was President of the National Firearms Museum, Chairman of the United States International Muzzle Loading Team, leading the U.S. to five consecutive World Championships, a feat unmatched to this day. A big game hunter who was recognized by Safari Club International (SCI) as the first person in over 100 years to take the African "Big Five" (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Cape Buffalo) with a muzzle loading rifle.

Obituaries

When Forgett died in 2002 from the effects of myelodysplastic syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndrome

The myelodysplastic syndromes are a diverse collection of hematological medical conditions that involve ineffective production of the myeloid class of blood cells....

(MDS), a rare blood cancer, numerous firearms magazines published memorials of his life, including:

• Guns & Ammo: "The Passing of a Legend"
• http://www.gunsandammomag.com/in_the_field/forgett_0625/index.html
• National Shooting Sports Foundation: http://www.wmsa.net/organizations/nssf/021202.htm