Daniel Baird Wesson II (April 22, 1916 – November 24, 1978)[1] was an American inventor and firearms maker, who in 1968 founded the company now known as Dan Wesson Firearms.
[1] After the family company was acquired by conglomerate Bangor Punta, he left and launched Dan Wesson Arms Inc. in 1968.
Wesson's firearms were known for a high quality of craftsmanship, and the company introduced a rare design among revolvers; the ability to change barrels and grips with simple hand tools, which made these guns popular with shooters.
Wesson died in November 1978, having suffered a heart attack while chopping wood at his home in Monson, Massachusetts.
[1] His company subsequently went through several ownership changes, was run by his son Seth from 1991 to 1995, and in 2005 was acquired by CZ-USA.