Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Honors Industry Best With 2010 Awards


Innovation met recognition at the 19th Annual Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Awards ceremony on July 23 at the Holiday Inn Midtown in Grand Island, Nebraska, where 14 of the firearm industry's best were recognized.

Winners were announced in conjunction with the Shooting Industry Masters. The 500-member Academy, comprised of manufacturers, distributors and dealers, awarded Ruger Manufacturer of the Year. Distributor of the Year went to Brownells. Ellett Brothers' Vice President/CEO Hewitt Grant earned the event's sole individual honor, the Shooting Industry Award, for his 40-plus years of dedication to the shooting sports industry as an advocate for gun rights.

The Academy considered 114 product entries and 41 service award entries before selecting the top-three in each category. After the nominees were finalized and the products verified, members selected one recipient for each award.

"The Academy's final selections represent the best of the best and make us all proud to be part of this industry," said Academy director Randy Molde.

Click Here to see all 14 Award Recipients for 2010.

Academy membership is limited to two individuals per industry-related company. If you’d like to help select the 2011 awards click here to go to the membership application page. Advertising or public relations agents and their employees are not eligible to join the academy.

Accessory of the Year
Firearm related products:
cases, cleaning products, holsters, frames, mounts,
reloading equipment and tools.

Hunting Product of the Year
Non-firearm products, including
archery, clothing, lures, rangefinders and equipment.

Self-Defense Product of the Year
Flashlights, laser sights, less-lethal sprays and equipment.

Safety Product of the Year
Safes, safety devices, eye and ear protection.

Optic of the Year
Scopes, sights and binoculars.

Handgun of the Year
Innovative model, caliber or design characteristics.

Rifle of the Year
Innovative model, caliber or design characteristics.

Shotgun of the Year
Innovative model, gauge or design characteristics.

Knife of the Year
Including knives and specialty pocket tools.

Ammunition of the Year
Bullets, cartridges, shot shells, powders.

*Citizenship Award
A company or dealership that most exemplifies the traits of service to the community through contributions, donations or volunteer hours.

*Distributor of the Year
For outstanding contribution to the industry through customer service,
product knowledge and sales support.

*Manufacturer of the Year
For outstanding contribution to the industry through product design, sales
and customer support.

*Shooting Industry Award
Individuals who have made valuable contributions to the shooting industry
through product design, industry representation or marketing expertise.

*Nominations for these awards must include detailed justification as to why
the individual or company deserves to be recognized by the academy.

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>> Download Entry Form <<
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Publishers’ Development Corp. in conjunction with Shooting Industry Magazine owns all rights to the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence name, award and contest.