Tom Houghton, the founder of H-S Precision, passed away on July 15, 2014, in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 72 years old.

Tom made countless contributions to firearms technology and to the industry as a whole. Starting out as a barrel maker in Prescott, Ariz., employing the traditional cut rifling process and using what would eventually become H-S Precision’s 10X barrels, Tom set several world accuracy records in benchrest competitions. Today, H-S Precision is the largest supplier of ballistic test barrels to firearms and ammo manufacturers in the world.

One of the pioneers in the development of fiberglass stocks, Houghton originated the Kevlar/graphite-reinforced stock with an integral aluminum bedding block chassis that was adopted by the U.S. Army for its M24 sniper weapon system (SWS). In 1990, he was awarded a patent for an innovative takedown rifle system.

In 1998, H-S Precision introduced its Pro-Series 2000 stainless steel bolt action and began manufacturing its own line of semi-custom rifles. Today, H-S Precision is the only gun company that designs and manufacturers every single component that goes into its sporting and tactical rifles, and it is the first to offer a 0.5-MOA accuracy guarantee (for .30-caliber and smaller firearms). H-S Precision’s rifles are used by the FBI, the ATF, the Israeli Defense Forces and law enforcement agencies—as well as hunters and varmint shooters—all around the world.

Tom is survived by his wife, Vivian, his daughter, Tricia Hoeke, and his sons, Tom Houghton II, Todd Houghton and Tim Houghton. He was my friend.