Daisy BB Guns history of their first Daisy BB Gun As always, at Daisy, we aim (pun intended) to please!
Now ... if you're wondering how an airgun company came to be named Daisy, then read on for the fascinating
tale of a true entrepreneurial adventure ...

Daisy Outdoor Products is the world's oldest and largest manufacturer of BB Airguns, ammo and accessories. Each year we produce in excess of 5 million items, the bulk of which are Airguns, the firm's specialty. In addition, Daisy works with a number of national youth organizations to provide young owners of Daisy BB Gun's the opportunity to learn the responsibility of gun ownership, through shooting education programs and also the excitement of national shooting competitions.

We've Been Aiming to Please For Over 100 Years! Daisy BB Guns actually had its beginnings back in 1882 as Plymouth Iron Windmill Company, a manufacturer of windmills in Plymouth, Michigan; however, by the late 1880s the windmill business was changing and the struggling company began looking for new ways to attract customers.

Boy, It's A Daisy!

In 1886, Plymouth inventor Clarence Hamilton introduced a new idea to the windmill company. It was a combination of metal and wire, vaguely resembling a gun that could fire a lead ball using compressed air. Lewis Cass Hough, then president of the firm, gave it a try and, after his first shot, enthusiastically exclaimed, "Boy, that's a daisy!"

The name stuck and the BB gun went into production as a premium item given to farmers when they purchased a windmill. The gun was such a huge success that Plymouth Iron Windmill soon began manufacturing the Daisy BB gun in place of windmills! On January 26, 1895 the company's board of directors officially voted to change the name to Daisy Manufacturing Company, Inc.

The sturdy little Daisy BB gun quickly became a staple with American youth and youngsters all across the land cut their shooting teeth on a Daisy. Competition was keen at the time, with guns such as Bulls Eye, Dewey, Hero, Dandy, Atlas and others appearing almost overnight and disappearing just as quickly. Over the years Daisy has continued to improve and expand our line of airguns, putting model after model within the reach of every young shooter's pocketbook and skill level.

From North to South ... The Company Migrates

In 1958, we moved our corporate offices and manufacturing facilities from Plymouth to Rogers, Arkansas where the company has continued to prosper and grow. One gun, more than any other, played a major role in making Daisy the household name it is today. Introduced in 1939, the Daisy Red Ryder has sold over 9 million units, easily making it the most famous BB gun ever built! Today, Daisy has literally become a household word, selling guns in almost every country and on five continents.

For a complete history of Daisy, a timeline, old photos, and more commemorative items, medallions and gifts, visit www.daisymuseum.com.

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Daisy Outdoor Products