McMillan Stocks Founder Kelly McMillan Passes Away

by
posted on June 11, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Kelly Mcmillan Obituary F

Kelly McMillan, founder of McMillan Stocks and a strong supporter of the shooting sports and the National Rifle Association, passed away on June 1, 2021. Born in 1954 to a military family, McMillan eventually settled in Phoenix, Ariz., where in 1975, he and his father started McMillan Stocks, a company dedicated to the development of fiberglass rifle stocks for military and civilian use.

As the company grew, McMillan Stocks became known for its tactical and hunting options, and eventually, the company expanded into polymer synthetics, becoming one of the leading synthetic stock makers in the world. McMillan and his father, Gale McMillan, broke new ground during the development of the Marine Corps M40A1, developing the stock as a key foundational element of the rifle's overall design. The stock is still available today as the M40A1-HTG. The company also developed the popular A5 rifle stock seen across the world.

As the company grew, McMillan expanded into the firearm world with the launch of McMillan Firearms. One of the most iconic rifles to develop from McMillan's foray into guns was the TAC-50, a bolt-action precision rifle chambered in .50 BMG. First developed in the 1980s, the TAC-50 continues to serve in military roles across the world and was used in the longest confirmed sniper kill by a Canadian sniper in 2017 with a 3,871-yard shot. McMillan sold the company to Strategic Armory Corps in 2013.

In his personal life, McMillan was an avid participant in the shooting sports and sponsored national and junior shooting teams. He was also an avid sportsman, excelling in football and wrestling in his youth, but his ultimate passion was sport fishing. He also enjoyed swing dancing and met his wife of 16 years, Mary Jo, at a dance and competed across the United States in dance competitions.

McMillan is survived by his wife, children Michael, Dina, Ryan (Carrie) and Britainy, stepson Jason, numerous grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, his brother Rock (Susan) and several nieces and nephews. The family requests that any donations in his name be directed to the Guardian Long Range Competition, a non-profit raising funds to help orphaned children find their forever homes.

Latest

Silencer Central Banish 12 Suppressor 1
Silencer Central Banish 12 Suppressor 1

Silencer Central Banish 12: A Hunter-Friendly Shotgun Suppressor

Billed by Silencer Central as "the first shotgun suppressor designed specifically for hunters," the new Banish 12 has a number of field-friendly features and also stands out as one of the few shotgun suppressors on the market.

Marine Corps Knives Of World War II

Considered an essential piece of kit for every Marine, a wide variety of private-purchase and standard-issue knives were pressed into service in every theater of the war to tackle tasks ranging from hand-to-hand combat to everyday chores.

The Armed Citizen® July 21, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Great Firearm Sales Tax Holiday Trend—Will More States Join Florida?

Many states schedule a day, or a weekend, for residents to purchase arms and ammunition without the need to pay sales tax. Florida, however, is taking the savings to another level. Will more states follow?

Preview: DeSantis Horsehide Holster Upgrades

Horse leather often has a distinctive grain pattern and is generally even more durable, breathable and water-resistant than cowhide.

New For 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke In .375 H&H & .450 Bushmaster

The Christensen Arms Evoke is an affordable, bolt-action rifle platform that is now chambered for two unique big-game chamberings.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.