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Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence
2010 AWARD ENTRIES
The Award
From the Industry
For the Industry

Honoring Outstanding Achievement
Since 1992

Sponsored by Shooting Industry Magazine
Accessory of the Year
(Firearm related products: cases, cleaning products, holsters, frames,
mounts, reloading equipment and tools)
Please select up to three
    Battenfeld Technologies Caldwell Matrix Shooting Rest
    Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Silhouette Shadow Target
    BLACKHAWK! KNOXX Talon Thumbhole Stock
    Brownells AR-15 Builder Web Site
    BWE Firearms 50 THUMPER Suppressor
    Drymate RPM NRA AR-15 Firearms Assembly Cleaning Mat
    Galco Gunleather Tuck-N-Go Holster
    Hoppe’s BoreSnake Viper
    Hornady Lock-N-Load Sonic Cleaner
    Leupold & Stevens DeltaPoint Illuminated Reflex Sight
    MZA Associates NRA Combination Shooting Mat/Rifle Case
    PS Products NRA Firearms Record Book
    RCBS Pistol Bullet Feeder
    Roth Concept Innovations XRAIL Systems
    Safariland 032 ELS (Equipment Locking System) Competition Belt
    Shooters Ridge Magnum Swivel Shooting Stick
    Timney Triggers 870 Trigger Fix
    UCT Arms EXO Coated Greaseless 1911 Kit
    Wilcox Industries Universal Control Grip
       
Hunting Product of the Year
(Non-firearm products, including
archery, clothing, lures, rangefinders and equipment.)
Please select up to three
    Battenfeld Technologies Frankford Arsenal Ammo Vault
    Browning Full Curl Wool Apparel
    Buck Knives Folding ErgoHunter Model 598
    Bushnell Trophy Cam Trail Camera
    Danner Pronghorn GTX Hunting Boots
    Hunter Safety System Pro Series Fall Restraint Harness
    Hunter’s Specialities Scent-A-Way Tek 4 Clothing
    Leupold & Stevens Vendetta Bow-Mounted Rangefinder
    Shooter’s Ridge Large Sasquatch Blind Advantage
    Streamlight Buckmasters PackMate Flashlight
    SureFire Saint Minimus Headlamp
 
Self-Defense Product of the Year
(Flashlights, laser sights, less-lethal sprays and equipment.)
Please select up to three
    Bayco Products Nightstick LED Flashlight
    Bigfoot Holdings Tornado Personal Defence System
    Browning Hi Power Flashlight Model 5301
    Crimson Trace MVF-515 Red Vertical Foregrip
    Kimber PepperBlaster II
    LaserLyte Rear Sight Laser for XD/XD(M)
    LaserMax M&P Guide Rod Laser
    Leupold & Stevens MXc Compact Flashlight
    Streamlight Strion LED HP Flashlight
    SureFire M952V Vampire Weapon Light
    Viridian C5 Green Laser Sight for Sub-Compact
 
Optic of the Year
(Scopes, sights, and binoculars)
Please select up to three
    Aimpoint Hunter Series H34L Red-Dot Sight
    American Tech. Network Night Spirit Night Vision Monocular
    Burris Company Eliminator LaserScope
    Bushnell Fusion 1600 ARC Binoculars
    Carl Zeiss Sports Optics Victory 10x56 T* RF
    Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics 1-4x24mm CMR Riflescope
    Leupold & Stevens Redfield Revolution Riflescope
    MINOX ZA5 2-10x40 PLEX Riflescope
    Steiner Binoculars 10x50 Military LRF Rangefinding Binoculars
    Swarovski Optik EL 10x42 Swarovision High-Definition
    Weaver Super Slam 2-10x42 with EBX Reticle
Ammunition of the Year
(Bullets, cartridges, shot shells, powders)
Please select up to three
    BWE Firearms 50 THUMPER Subsonic Cartridge
    CCI Ammunition 17 HMR TNT Green Ammunition
    Federal Premium Black Cloud Snow Goose Ammunition
    Fiocchi Ammunition Tundra Shotshells
    Grizzly Cartridge Co. Grizzly/Xtreme Self-Defense Ammunition
    Hornady Superformance Centerfire Ammunition
    IMR Legendary Powders IMR 8208 XBR Powder
    Nosler Ballistic Tip Lead Free Bullets
    Remington HD Ultimate Home Defense Pistol & Revolver Cartridges
    Winchester Ammunition PDX1 410 Personal Defense Ammo
 
Handgun of the Year
Please select up to three
    Chiappa Firearms 1911-22
    Colt’s Manufacturing Co. Colt Rail Gun .45 ACP
    FNH USA FNX 9MM
    Glock Gen4 G22
    Kahr Arms KP3833 .380 ACP DAO
    Kimber Stainless Ultra Raptor II .45 ACP
    PARA USA GI Experts Stainless Semi Auto .45 ACP
    SIG SAUER P250 2SUM 9mm
    Smith & Wesson SW1911 Pro 9mm
    Sturm, Ruger & Co. SR9c
    Taurus 738 Taurus Compact Pistol (TCP)
    Walther PK380
 
Rifle of the Year
Please select up to three
    Browning X-Bolt White Gold Action Rifle
    Bushmaster Adaptive Combat Rifle (ACR)
    BWE Firearms The Hawg in 50 THUMPER
    Colt Defense LE6940 Law Enforcement Carbine
    FNH USA SCAR 17S
    Gibbs Rifle Company 1903-A4 Springfield Sniper
    Kimber Model 8400 Police Tactical .308 Win.
    Nosler Custom Model 48 Trophy Grade
    O.F. Mossberg & Sons 4x4 Bolt-Action Centerfire
    PARA USA TTR (Tactical Target Rifle)
    Remington Model 700 XCRII
    Rock River Arms RRA LAR-15 Elite Operator
    Savage Arms Model 16/116 with AccuStock
    Smith & Wesson M&P15 .22LR
    Steyr Arms Steyr AUG/A3
    Sturm, Ruger & Co. SR-556
    Winchester Repeating Arms Model 94 Lever Action
 
Shotgun of the Year
Please select up to three
    Benelli Vinci 12 Gauge Shotgun
    Browning Maxus 12 Gauge Hunter
    Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. A-10 American Over & Under
    Ithaca Gun Company Model 37 20 Gauge Women's Stock
    O.F. Mossberg & Sons 500 LPA Pump Action
    Remington 870 SPS ShurShot Turkey Predator
    Tri Star Sporting Arms Viper G2 28 Gauge Semi-Automatic
    Winchester Repeating Arms SX3 20 Gauge Autoloading
 
Knife of the Year
(Knives and specialty pocket tools)
Please select up to three
    Benchmade 741 Onslaught with AXIS Lock Design
    Browning Backcountry Camp Knife
    Buck Knives Paradigm Pro Model 337 Assisted-Opening Knife
    LaserLyte PB-3 Serrated Pistol Bayonet
    Puma Knife Company Scout Bowie-Style Fixed Blade
    SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Revolver SEAL Knife and Saw
    SureFire Crank Folding Utility Knife
 
Safety Product of the Year
(Safes, safety devices, eye and ear protection. )
Please select up to three
    Benchmade 9 CB Rescue Hook
    BLACKHAWK! Ergonomic Duty Belt Harness for LE
    Browning Tactical Series Mark II/Model AR35F Safe
    Champion Ballistic Shooting Glasses
    GunVault GunVault MVB500
    Just Plugs Shotgun Shell Ear Plugs
    Revision Eyewear Wolfspider Tactical Goggles
    SureFire MINI Sound Suppressor
Citizenship Award
(A company or dealership that most exemplifies the traits of service to the community through contributions, donations or volunteer hours.)
Please select up to three
    Ellett Brothers For cultivating strong community bonds and support for those in need, including local charities such as the Adopt-A-Family Program and the We Care Food Pantry. For donating Christmas gifts to the children of The Boys Farm Inc. and Thornwell Home for Children in neighboring communities. For raising over $150,000 in five years to assist the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
    Kimber For donating over $750,000 to the USA Shooting Team, making Kimber the largest donor of any firearms company in history of USA Shooting. For launching the “Shooting for a Million” promotion, which aims to reach the million-dollar level by the 2012 Olympics. For being a major supporter of NRA and various conservation groups.
    Lipsey's For the members of the Lipsey’s team, who have unselfishly given their time and money to worthwhile causes within the outdoor industry, as well their local community, including the Add-A-Buck program for NRA ILA, and matching funds for the NRA foundation. For strong support of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Boy Scouts, a company-wide campaign for the United Way and the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
    Revision Eyewear For launching “A Hero’s Christmas,” an initiative in support of our troops, which invited customers and friends to donate 500 sets of eyewear to deployed troops in Any Soldiers, Any Sailor, Any Airman and Any Marine.
    Taurus For its extraordinary support of youth shooting programs and the NRA. For partnering with the Boy Scouts of America, offering time, resources and financial support, and realizing the tremendous importance of youth to the future of shooting sports. For sponsoring the South Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America and Sporting Clays Invitational, which raised more than $255,000 to benefit Boy Scouts programs.
Manufacturer of the Year
Please select up to three
    ATK Commercial Products For establishing a leadership position in the shooting sports industry. For active involvement in and promotion of conservation and education programs and services. For implementing a progressive dealer program and support system in Premium Partners. For new product innovation through FLITECONTROL, 338 Federal, 327 Federal Magnum, Fusion, Black Cloud and the RCBS R.A.S.S. Bench. For investing in the future of hunting and the shooting sports through 4-H, NSSF and multiple conservation programs.
    BLACKHAWK! For purchasing U.S. manufacturing plants for apparel manufacturing, tooling, R&D and injection molding, which creates local jobs and maintains existing jobs within the facilities. For leading the way in developing lifesaving and innovative products, such as the HPFU uniform for Special Forces, duty harness for police and recoil-reducing KNOXX stocks. For continuing to grow in capabilities and for hiring new employees during the recession.
    Buck Knives For announcing their “American Commitment” in early 2009 with the goals of greatly increasing the percentage of knives made in their Idaho plant, and substantially reducing their dependence on imports. For taking this bold step forward and being successful, with dealers welcoming the change, and customers verifying Buck’s belief that people prefer products made in America with retail sales that exceeded forecasts. For planning an upsurge in domestic production, with a 10-percent increase in their Idaho workforce.
    Colt Defense For being the leading supplier of military grade rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers to the U.S. Military, and owning the venerable M16 and M4 technical data packages. For developing a diverse portfolio of small arms systems designed to meet the requirements of military and law enforcement customers around the world, including the Advanced Colt Carbine – Monolithic, Advanced Piston Carbine, Advanced Hybrid Carbine and Sub Compact Weapon.
    Crimson Trace For leading the laser sighting market with innovation, quality, customer service and sales. For state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which is capable of going from idea to engineering, to prototype, to manufacturing — all done in house. For leading the industry in OEM partnerships that create value and profit for manufacturers and dealers alike. For dependability that is second to none, as the factory-installed laser sighting choice among firearm manufacturers.
    Hornady For continually pursuing innovation and striving to lead the industry in bullet, ammunition and reloading tool design and development. For introducing groundbreaking products such as the 204 Ruger, the Lock-N-Load AP and Lock-N-Load Sonic Cleaner, LEVERevolution, Critical Defense and Superformance ammunition. For Hornady’s innovation and “outside-the-box” development, coupled with an overwhelming passion for the shooting sports that has inspired new product development throughout the industry.
    Hunter Safety System For dedication to making treestand hunting as safe as possible. For featuring a line of safety harnesses that range in size to ensure all hunters, regardless of size or weight, can comfortably and safely hunt from treestands. For manufacturing harnesses that have saved countless lives, and striving to educate the public about the need to wear a fall restraint system. For launching numerous accessories that make certain the hunter’s hunt is not the last.
    Kimber For taking a leadership position in supporting causes such as USA Shooting, NRA and conservation groups. For quality initiatives in pistol and rifle manufacturing, which led to unprecedented growth. For developing an advanced and efficient dealer-direct distributing network of nearly 2,000 dealers.
    Leupold & Stevens For reviving Redfield, a legendary American brand, specifically for American hunters seeking the utmost in quality and performance at affordable prices. For introducing Redfield Revolution riflescopes and committing to building them at Leupold & Stevens’ Oregon facility with American workers. For introducing a truly innovative product for 2010, the Vendetta bow-mounted rangefinder — which is the only product of its kind.
    Nosler For over 60 years of product innovation, including the recent progression into the rifle and ammunition market, guided by three generations of Noslers who are committed to excellence. For standardizing the 280 Remington Ackley Improved, reinventing the custom rifle market, and for heightening the benchmark for manufacturing and customer satisfaction. For ensuring that customers in newly legislated lead-free zones can utilize a premium projectile with the invention of the patent-pending E-Tip and Ballistic Tip Lead Free.
    O.F. Mossberg & Sons For being a leader for over 90 years in the design and manufacturing of hunting, shooting, military and law enforcement firearms. For introducing 17 new products, including the first-ever adjustable pump-action shotgun. For products like Bantam Series and the 510 Mini, which help Mossberg expand its focus on youth in the effort to secure a future for America’s hunting and shooting heritage, in addition to supporting groups like YSSA, Boy Scouts and IHEA.
    Savage Arms For leading the industry with innovations in accuracy that provide everyday shooters a performance that is similar to expensive custom rifles. For the AccuTrigger, which is now the standard by which all “new” triggers are judged. For the new AccuStock 3D bedding system, giving a gunsmith fit in off-the-shelf rifles.
    Smith & Wesson For being a leader in the firearms industry by supporting NSSF, NRA and USA Shooting Teams, sponsoring competitive programs and growing youth, women and new shooters though support of First Shots, BSA and others. For continuing to host and expand Ladies’ Shooting Camps. For being a leader in driving business at the dealer level, with the introduction of innovative products, such as the M&P15-22 rifle. For leading the way with the largest consumer, dealer and distributor incentive programs in the industry.
    Sturm, Ruger & Co. For diligently working to meet the desires of customers at all levels: consumer, retailer and distributor. For continuing the Voice of the Customer program, which has resulted in a new product category with the SR-556 and Ruger’s first true compact pistol, the SR9c. For ongoing efforts to enhance information access through a Web site that features expanded video content, up-to-date product information, customer input and an interactive online catalog. For expanding engineering and production staff and processes to support new product development and lean manufacturing.
    SureFire For 30 years dedicated to manufacturing products to meet or exceed the needs of the war fighter and peacekeeper. For pioneering the laser-aiming sight in 1979, the weapon light in 1986, and the first tactical flashlight and universal weapon light in 1988. For inventing, quantifying and qualifying the “tactical light.” For keeping all operations — including machining, assembly, packaging and distribution — in Southern California. For manufacturing products that are all backed by a no-hassle lifetime guarantee.
    Swarovski Optik For being a leading manufacturer in producing the highest precision in sporting optics for over 60 years. For manufacturing models that demonstrate innovation and the highest-quality craftsmanship. For remaining committed to the environment through special projects and manufacturing processes. For believing in constantly improving what is good, with the wish of revealing the beauty of the world with “the eyes of the hawk” to “see the unseen.”
       
    Taurus For affordable, quality new product introductions, including the Judge Public Defender, 738 Taurus Compact Pistol .380 and 709 SLIM 9mm, which show Taurus is at the forefront of product innovation. For offering the best in customer support and safety with the Taurus Unlimited Lifetime Repair Policy and Taurus Security System. For playing a vital role in protecting the Second Amendment by offering free one-year NRA memberships with new firearm purchases.
Distributor of the Year
Please select up to three
    Brownells For outstanding customer service, extensive product selection and unconditionally guaranteed satisfaction, which are the basis on which Brownells has thrived and grown since 1939. For their huge inventory, making them able to fill most orders the same day, thereby helping their dealers provide great service to their customers. For serving as a partner to industry organizations, as a source of knowledge to the gunsmithing and firearms community, and as a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment.
    Ellett Brothers For recognition of the need of retailers to trust in a reliable distributor, and ultimately making it easy for them to turn inventory and maximize profits. For the Two-Day Program, which tackles real-time issues by allowing retailers to get product to their customers in two days at most locations in the contiguous United States at a reasonable cost. For continuing to support the NRL-ILA, Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus, NASGW, NYSA, Boy Scouts of America, YSSF and local conservation groups.
    Glenn Zanders Sporting Goods For being a third-generation, family-owned sporting goods distributor that serves 14,000 dealers. For running a 100-percent wholesale operation, offering free truck delivery to stocking dealers in a 10-state area. For not increasing the price on ammo and black rifles, but holding the line with their normal markup, and supplying their dealers in the order purchase orders were received. For their straight talk and performance, and operating out of a new state-of-the-art distribution center in Sparta, Ill.
    Lipsey's For continuing to “aim higher” in all aspects of Lipsey’s commitments to dealers, team members and their community. For strong relationships with their customers, which has earned Lipsey’s an excellent reputation for over 50 years. For being a company that customers look to for product knowledge, industry knowledge and innovation. For living up to their expected level of customer service with the motto “zero defects” — every day.
    RSR Group For leading the shooting sports industry with superior customer service, a knowledgeable sales staff, excellent product selection and same-day shipping. For offering retailers innovative opportunities to grow their businesses, including the E-Show, the first virtual industry tradeshow, which offers dealers exclusive specials without disrupting their daily business. For actively working to preserve the future of the industry, supporting organizations such as NSSF, NRA and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.
Shooting Industry Award
(Individuals who have made valuable contributions to the shooting industry through product design, industry representation or marketing expertise.)
Please select up to three
    Ghassan "Gus" Bader, Tri-Star Sporting Arms For continually striving for quality and fair play in our industry. For his public efforts to make the firearms industry one in which we can all be proud. For his tireless and unselfish effort to further conservation of wildlife, youth participation in the shooting sports and promotion of a positive image for the shooting sports. For being one of our industry’s unsung heroes.
    Chuck Buck, Buck Knives For 60 years of dedication to the family business, with time out for service to his country in the U.S. Navy. For leading Buck Knives to some of its most innovative advances. For traveling thousands of miles a year as the icon of the knives bearing his name, to meet with dealers and consumers to hear their opinions and personally sign their knife blades. For being a respected leader of the knife industry. For steadfast involvement with church and community activities.
    Ryan Busse, Kimber For leading Kimber’s unprecedented dealer-direct sales effort since its inception, as well as being an effective spokesman for the company.
    Lewis Danielson, Crimson Trace For establishing the highest standard of laser sights in the shooting industry, and revolutionizing the laser sighting market though firearm manufacturer partnerships. For commitment to the industry and country by holding himself, his company, his products and his employees to the highest benchmark of quality, honesty, moral values and professionalism. For leading Crimson Trace to be a founding member of HAVA, and for instituting a policy that all employees must be members of the NRA.
    Les de Asis, Benchmade For showing years of dedication to the shooting sports industry as the founder and owner of Benchmade Knife Company. For being a staunch supporter of the independent shooting sports dealer, and being involved in many industry activities and causes. For announcing in 2010 that all Benchmade-branded products would be proudly made in the USA. For leading Benchmade to be awarded Oregon Manufacturer of the Year.
    Mark W. DeYoung, ATK For serving on the boards of the NSSF, HSSHF, SAAMI and WMI, and actively promoting youth education programs, such as 4-H Shooting Sports. For continued support of multiple conservation organizations. For effectively leading the largest ammunition manufacturing organization in the world to category excellence across multiple product lines. For heading up the nation’s leader in supporting our military, war fighters, law enforcement and homeland security with quality ammunition.
    Carlo Fiocchi, Fiocchi Ammunition For increasing sales at Fiocchi of America 500 percent since rejoining the family business in 2005. For relaunching the Fiocchi Sporting rifle line. For introducing the XTP bullet line, the Tundra shotshell line, the Ramp New Cowboy Action line and the new Law Enforcement line. For being an avid sporting clays shooter, possessing boundless knowledge of the ammunition business and history, combined with a great love of the USA and the shooting sports industry.
    Tom Fruetchel, Leupold & Stevens For leading Leupold & Stevens to record sales and profitability during his 12-year tenure as president/CEO. For leading Leupold to their position as the recognized worldwide leader in the sports optics market. For directing the 2010 relaunch of the Redfield brand. For playing a pioneering role in the formation of the NSSF Heritage Trust and acting as an active member of the NSSF Board of Directors.
    F. Hewitt Grant, Ellett Brothers For more than 40 years of dedication to the shooting sports industry as an advocate for gun rights, and in establishing Ellett Brothers as the leading distributor of shooting, hunting, archery and marine accessories. For supporting the education of legislators in the importance of concealed carry laws through the Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus. For his continued involvement with the NRA, The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, and serving as vice-chairman of the National Association of Sporting Good Wholesalers.
    LtGen Wm M. Keys, Colt's Manufacturing Company For serving as the president and CEO of Colt for over 10 years, during which time he navigated the company through municipal firearms litigation, assured its future by separating the defense business from the commercial business, and led both companies to prosperity. For enhancing product engineering and R&D efforts that have rebuilt Colt’s foundation for continued success in the industry.
    Richard A. Lipsey, Lipsey's For active participation and dedication in the outdoor industry since 1963. For actively supporting hundreds of causes, including NASGW, Boy Scouts, NRA and Ducks Unlimited. For a professional career that began in the retail sporting goods business with Steinberg’s Sports Center and later buying S&S Wholesale, which eventually became Lipsey’s, which is now one of the nation’s largest distributors of firearms.
    Randy Luth, DPMS For more than 20 years of AR-15 innovation and product development, building a garage-based parts company into one of the world’s premier AR manufacturers. For his devotion to fair play in the marketplace, his embracing of all types of shooters and his challenging of mindsets to revolutionize the way the industry views the AR platform. For his indomitable drive in popularizing the AR platform for hunting, boldly remaking the commercial popularity of the AR for all types of recreational shooting, which set the stage for enormous sales in the past year.
    John Matthews, Ph.D., SureFire For opening the doors of a company in 1979 that has literally saved lives. For leading his company, SureFire, to pioneer products such as the laser-aiming sight, the first handgun weapon light and the first tactical flashlight. For striving to produce the best, no matter what the cost, for those who go in harm’s way. For continuing this commitment today by keeping all SureFire operations in Southern California.
    Bob Nosler, Nosler For serving on multiple NRA advisory boards, and establishing the John A. Nosler Endowment, which supports the NRA’s Basic Rifle Training Program. For strategically leading his company into a mass expansion that introduced a new line of rifles, brass and ammunition, while reinventing current products and spearheading an aggressive marketing campaign. For exhibiting an unwavering commitment to the shooting heritage, and for his personal devotion, which has had a positive impact on the future of the shooting industry.
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