By the end of the 19^th Century, Daisy had established itself as the dominate force in the burgeoning air gun industry, having seen the appearance and demise of  some 30 competitors during its first decade.  The company continues to hold that market-dominant position today.

Daisy suffered a major loss with the death of Lewis Cass Hough on January 11, 1902 at the age of 56.  L.C. Hough was one of the founders of the Plymouth Iron Windmill Company and as General Manager had fought hard to keep the struggling company operating during its early years.  With his passing, C. H. “Uncle Charlie” Bennett was named General Manager and E. C. Hough, son of L.C., was named Secretary/Treasurer.  For the next 60 years this remarkable team directed the affairs of Daisy.

In January of 1903 Daisy introduced its first lever action repeater, the No. 3 which was a nickel plated, 1,000-shot rifle, that was to become the hallmark of Daisy styling and set the tone for forward thinking innovation that has served Daisy so well though the years.  The new little rifle so captured the attention and interest of wholesalers and consumers that it sold over 36,000 units the first year.

With the advent of the 20^th Century, Daisy’s export business was approaching 25% of its total annual sales without any real effort on the part of the company.  At that point Charlie Bennett determined to pursue the international market and rather than hire someone for that purpose decided to pack up and make the world tour himself.  From April to September 1907 Mr. Bennett traveled the world establishing Daisy’s export market.  His trip, especially the China leg, is one of the many interesting stories related at the Daisy Airgun Museum.

1880  ║  1890  ║ 1900  ║  1910  ║  1920  ║  1930  ║  1940  ║  The War Years
 1950  ║  1960  ║  1970  ║  1980  ║  1990  ║  2000  ║  The Museum