, the visionary founder of Evernham & Associates, passed away on January 9, 2026, at age 80 in Fishers, Indiana—a poignant loss for the firearms industry and the broader 2A community. Evernham’s career was a masterclass in dedication, spanning stints at Simmons Gun Specialties and Winchester-Olin before he launched his own firm in 1983. This wasn’t just a business move; it was a bold stake in the ground during an era when the industry faced relentless regulatory headwinds post-1968 Gun Control Act. His expertise in shotguns wasn’t mere hobbyism—he earned induction into the Indiana Trapshooters Hall of Fame in 2020, embodying the shooter-first ethos that defines true industry pioneers. Evernham didn’t just sell guns; he elevated the craft, mentoring a generation on precision engineering and the unyielding pursuit of ballistic perfection.

What makes Evernham’s legacy resonate today is its quiet defiance against anti-gun narratives. In an age of corporate timidity, where big players like Winchester-Olin navigated politics with kid gloves, Evernham built a boutique powerhouse focused on innovation without apology. His work at Evernham & Associates specialized in custom shotgun solutions, influencing everything from competition trap guns to practical field pieces that armed everyday defenders. For the 2A community, this is a rallying reminder: the right to keep and bear arms thrives on individuals like him—shotgunners who outshoot critics and outlast fads. As ATF rules tighten and supply chains wobble, Evernham’s blueprint endures: innovate locally, shoot straight, and never yield an inch.

His passing underscores a shifting guard in the industry, with fewer WWII-era vets and hands-on legends left to pass the torch. Younger gunsmiths and entrepreneurs would do well to study Evernham’s path—rooted in real-world shooting, not boardroom spreadsheets. The 2A world loses a Hall of Famer, but his influence will echo in every trap range and custom barrel for decades. Rest in peace, Mike; your shots still ring true.