Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence
2006 PRE-NOMINEES
The Award
From the Industry
For the Industry

HonoringOutstaning Achievment
Since 1992

Sponsored by Shooting Industry Magazine

The list of names, companies and products below were presented to the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence for 2006 Award nomination consideration.

If you'd like to apply for Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence membership, click the application link below and complete all the information asked for (limit two members per company).

The voting Academy of Excellence members were asked to narrow the list of names and products below to the top three in each category. Their selections are the 2006 Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence award nominees.

Membership Application
Accessory of the Year
(Firearm related products: cases, cleaning products, holsters, fixed sights, frames,
mounts, reloading equipment and tools, safes, etc.)
Accuracy Grip AG Grip trigger finger placement device
Beretta Xtrema Gear Blind Bag
Bianchi Model 7145 Luminator Duty Holster
Birchwood Casey CopperTect Gun Cases with Intercept Technology
Blue Wonder Gun Care Kit with four, high-grade, gun care products
DKG Trading Hard-shell gun case
Galco Kodiak Shoulder Holster
Gunslick Match-Grade Cleaning Rod
HiViz Magni-Optics Comp shotgun sight
Hogue Scrimshaw Grips
Kimber KimPro Tac-Mag .45 ACP magazine with interchangeable floorplates
Para-Ordnance Para PXT 1911 magazines
Pelican Products 1430 Top Loader Protector Case
RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool
Remington Targetmaster Deluxe Cleaning Kit
Stoney Point PoleCat Rapid Pivot Monopod Attachment
Streamlight TLR-1 Tactical Rail Light
SureFire M83 Picatinny rail for Kalashnikov rifles
Thunderbolt Customs Little Sure Shot Gun Rest
Wheeler Engineering Deluxe Professional Screwdriver Set for gunsmithing
Specialty Product of the Year
(Air guns, archery equipment, clothing, outdoor equipment, etc.)
Birchwood Casey Camp Casey Sanitizing Hand Wipes
BlackHawk Warrior Wear Light Assault Boot
Blue Wonder Leather Care3
Bushnell 3-watt Luxeon white LED model flashlight
Champion VisiColor High-Visibility Paper Targets
Hunter’s Specialties Mac Daddy Elk Call
Nikon Field Recon Team Retractable Rangefinder Tether
Pelican Products M6 3W 2390 LED Flashlight
SureFire Kroma Flashlight Multi-level/Multi-color LED for hunters
Woolrich Inc. Elite Series Tactical Wear
High-Tech Product of the Year
(Radios, rangefinders, laser sights, software, etc.)
Bushnell Trail Scout Digital Camera Viewer
Crimson Trace G-Series Lasergrips for Glock
Federal Premium Online Ballistics Catalog
Leica CRF 1200 Rangemaster compact laser rangefinder
Nikon Digiscope P1 Pro WiFi
Stealth Cam Advanced 3.0 MP Digital Scouting Camera
Swarovski Laser Guide 8x30 rangefinding instrument and monocular
Optic of the Year
(Scopes, and binoculars)
Burris LaserScope Laser Rangefinding riflescope
Bushnell Elite 12x50 binocular
Carson Optical XM HD (High Definition) 10x42 binoculars
Elcan DigitalHunter riflescope with shot activated video capture
FM Optics High-Tech 2.5-10x40mm Hunting scope
Kahles USA 30mm CS 2.5-10x50 m0 riflescope
Leica Geovid 8x56 BRF-Y binoculars
Leupold VX-L Riflescope with concave objective lens
Meprolight MOR combination laser/reflex rifle sight
Nikon Omega Muzzleloading 3-9x40 riflescope with BDC 250 Reticle
Steiner Predator Pro binocular
Swarovski Habicht PVI-2 HIGH GRID riflescope with BE 4 Digital illumination
Vortex Optics Razor 10X42 waterproof binoculars
Zeiss Victory Diavari 6-24x72 riflescope
Ammunition of the Year
(Bullets, cartridges, shot shells, powders)
Bear Ammunition Golden Bear .410 Gauge
CCI Select Precision .22 long rifle competition ammo
Federal Fusion ammunition
FNH USA 5.7 x 28mm ammunition
Freedom Arms .500 Wyoming Express cartridge
Goex Pinnacle Black Dawge Cartridges
Hornady LEVERevolution spire-pointed, Flex-Tip cartridges
Remington Managed-Recoil BuckHammer 12-gauge Shotgun Slug
Winchester XP3 bullet
Handgun of the Year
Beretta Px4 Storm
EAA Witness Elite Match pistol
Ed Brown Special Forces Model 1911 pistol
FNH USA Five-seveN USG 5.7x28mm
Freedom Arms .500 Wyoming Express revolver
Heckler & Koch USP Compact Tactical .357 SIG
Kahr Arms Model CW4040 .40 S&W
Kimber Grand Raptor II .45 ACP
Para-Ordnance Lite Hawg .45 pistol with integral light rail
Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan double action revolver
Sigarms P229 SAS SIG Anti-Snag pistol in .40 S&W
Smith & Wesson Military & Police .40 S&W pistol
Springfield XD .45 ACP
Taurus PT24/7 Pro PLS-9SSPTi-17 with Titanium slide
Rifle of the Year
ArmaLite Semi-automatic Sniper System (SASS) .308
Benelli R-1 Rifle with ComforTech
Browning T-Bolt .22 bolt action rifle
CZ-USA CZ 550 Ultimate Hunting rifle
DPMS/Panther Arms Pardus .223 rifle
Ed Brown Express bolt action rifle with Controlled Feed Action
FNH USA A3 G SPR .308 Win.
Heckler & Koch HK416 Enhanced 5.56mm carbine
Kimber Model 8400 Classic .30-06
Magnum Research MagnumLite .17 Mach-2 graphite rifle
Majestic Arms MA 4 rifle system with interchangeable barrels and bolt
Marlin 336XLR .30/30 designed for Hornady’s LEVERevolution cartridge
Nosler Nosler Custom Model 48 Sporter 270 WSM rifle
Remington Arms Model Seven CDL
Ruger M77 Mark II Frontier rifle
Sako 85 Hunter
Savage Model 93R17BTVS .17 HMR with AccuTrigger and Thumbhole Stock
Smith & Wesson M&P15 .223 semi auto rifle
Taurus Gaucho Carbine C-S/A45PSA .45 Long Colt
Uberti Lightning Rifle in .45LC
Winchester Super X Rifle auto loader in .300 WSM
Shotgun of the Year
Austin & Halleck Model 520 Muzzleloader Shotgun
Benelli SuperNOVA pump action shotgun with ComforTech
Beretta 3901 Target RL 12 ga. for youth and smaller stature shooters
Browning Cynergy Classic Field over and under 12 ga.
FNH USA TPS Tactical Police Shotgun
Franchi Renaissance over and under
Kimber Valier Grade II 16 ga.
O.F. Mossberg Model 835 Ulti-Mag Thumbhole Turkey 3 1/2 Pump
Remington Model 1100 Competition
Winchester Super X3 Field auto loading 12 ga.
Knife of the Year
(Knives and multi-purpose tools)
Al Mar Knives 25th Anniversary Shiva fixed blade
Benchmade Model 610 Rukus Blackwood design folding knife
BlackHawk Blades Kalista concealment knife
Blackwater BWGF5 folding knife
Browning Mastersmith Collection Master Knifemaker Series
Buck Knives Omni Hunter fixed blade
Cold Steel: Black Sable folding knife
Gerber Legendary Blades LMF II ASEK 10" survival knife
Katz Knives Alamo Bowie Genuine Stag knife
Leatherman Model e306x Folding Knife
Remington Sportsman Series F.A.S.T. (Fast Action Soft Touch) knives
Savage Hunter's Edge quick-change, multiple-blade knife
SOG Arcitech 20th anniversary Platinum line folding knife
United Cutlery Uzi Automatic, Model ZF0016BA (law enforcement only)
Safety Product of the Year
(Safes, safety devices, eye and ear protection. )
ASP Tactical Handcuffs with dual keyway access and Flex Frame technology
Child Guard LLC CS-100 Gun Lock
Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff
Revision Bullet Ant Tactical Goggle
RidgeLine Inc. Pro Ears Dimension Plus Hearing/Amplification System
Safe Direction Limited Edition Ballistic Containment System/Pistol Case
Silencio Falcon Electronic Hearing Protection
SureFire Fox Ears digitally regulated inside the ear canal hearing device
TruckVault Extreme Series All-Weather Secure Storage System
Walker’s Game Ear Digital HD-2 amplification/hearing protection
Citizenship Award
(A company or dealership that most exemplifies the traits of service to the community through contributions, donations or volunteer hours.)
Ellett Brothers For contributing 10 percent of its profits from September 2005 sales to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and challenging vendors, customers and competitors to make similar donations. Also for supporting American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program through planning committees, fundraising efforts and matching contributions.
Galco For the “Holsters for Heroes” program. This two-for-one donation program puts free Galco shoulder holsters in the hands of armed forces personnel deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gerber Legendary Blades For their generous donation of products, funds and resources to the military and support groups within the United States, resulting in the successful completion of combat missions under fire and saving the lives of several American soldiers.
Kimber For working with the USA Shooting Rapid Fire Pistol Team to create the Team Match II pistol for use in action shooting competitions. With a royalty program created from the general sale of these pistols, Kimber has contributed $400,000 to the team, and has become the largest donor of any firearms company in their history.
Lipsey’s For their extraordinary involvement and contributions to Baton Rouge, surrounding communities and the state of Louisiana. During Hurricane Katrina, Lipsey’s opened its warehouse for use as a relief staging area, donated 19 handguns to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department and spear-headed search and rescue operations. Following Hurricane Rita, Lipsey’s organized a relief fund for families. Throughout 2005, Lipsey’s supported fundraisers for a variety of organizations and was instrumental in establishing the Louisiana Sportsmen’s Caucus.
Louder Than Words For their unique efforts uniting a group of custom gunsmiths to create one-of-a-kind firearms to be raffled for special causes. Since 2004, LTW’s efforts have generated $42,000 toward Ted Nugent’s “Kamp for Kids.” LTW recently built a custom handgun package to benefit pistolsmith Terry Tussey (who was permanently disabled in 2005) and raised $10,000 to help Terry outfit a special transport van. All funds raised by LTW raffle guns go directly to the beneficiary, with no operating costs deducted.
Para-Ordnance Mfg. Inc For ensuring that future generations of shooters will enjoy the practical shooting sports through royalties given to the United States Practical Shooting Association’s Junior Program. USPSA is the recipient of the royalties from the sale of two models of Todd Jarrett Signature/USPSA Para pistols. Para started donating money to USPSA in 2005 with the sale of these Limited Edition pistols designed by USPSA Gold Team member Todd Jarrett.
Manufacturer of the Year
ATK Ammunition and Related 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 in the combined Shotshell Revolution technologies, new Fusion rifle brand and bullet design, Gunslick, Shooters Ridge and RCBS brand positioning and product introductions. And for investing in the future of hunting and the shooting sports through 4-H, NSSF and multiple conservation group royalty programs.
Benchmade Knife Co. For its steadfast commitment to industry dealers with a relentless progression of innovative new products, giving dealers the edge needed to compete in today’s challenged market-scape. For its commitment to dealers that extends to a unique Credit-My-Dealer program, which shares the profits of all consumer-direct Web sales. For performance-driven manufacturing that delivers for scores of America’s police and military professionals who must have product reliability the first time, every time. And for ownership dedicated to the industry, and to a solid dedication of capital investment in made-in-the-USA products.
FNH USA/FN Herstal For delivering true firearms innovation across a diverse product line. For standing up to potential pressure and manufacturing the Five-seveN USG and 5.7x28mm sporting round for America's firearms industry. For supplying more than 70 percent of the U.S. military small arms and establishing itself as a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of quality, precision firearms. For FNH USA’s dynamic growth rate over the past four years fueled by its full commitment to new products, new advancements and unyielding quality for the LE, consumer and military markets.
Galco International For providing high-quality holsters and firearms accessories — all made in the USA since 1969. For outfitting hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers, military personnel and armed citizens, and employing workers in America while shipping shooting products to users around the world. For creating the “Holsters for Heroes” donation program, which has provided over $50,000 worth of holsters to armed forces members deploying to the Middle East. For responding to the increased demands of a nation at war and expanding recreational and defensive shooting markets by introducing more new products this past year than any year in the last decade.
Glock For its enduring dedication to civilian, law enforcement and military markets, with a full family of durable and dependable pistols meeting every need for freedom defenders throughout the world and at home. For tackling mainstream media head-on with the hiring of celebrity spokesperson, R. Lee Ermey, “The Gunny” to promote and encourage the safe and responsible ownership of firearms in a new way. For celebrating 20 years of operations in North America.
Kimber For leading the way in the 1911 resurgence with innovative new products, for establishing new design and performance benchmarks for classic hunting rifles made in America and for becoming the largest donor of any firearms company to the USA Shooting Team.
Nikon For its leadership in optical design and quality manufacturing of products and for its dedication to making optics profitable for dealers. For nearly 90 years of sport optics history, earning an unsurpassed reputation for optical performance. Nikon announced over 40 new product models and variations for 2005 and 65 new offerings for 2006.
Savage Arms For continuing to pioneer new, innovative products and technologies to completely reinvent and define the Savage/Stevens brand. For providing the best American-made quality at a reasonable price in an increasingly difficult market. For fostering and maintaining a workplace culture that expects every employee to be responsive to the consumer’s needs. For continuing to improve its manufacturing processes and offer revolutionary features and for persistence in anticipating and designing practical product offerings based on customer response and Savage’s employees using and evaluating the product.
Smith & Wesson For a continuing commitment to manufacture 100-percent, American-made firearms. For introducing 43 new products, including the M&P pistol series and M&P15 tactical rifle. For responding to consumer demand with the re-introduction of the Model 29 50th Anniversary special, Model 21 and Model 22. For continued support of shooting sports with programs such as NSSF’s First Shots and Step Outside, International Hunter Education Association initiatives, as well as many women’s and youth shooting sponsorships. For numerous innovative initiatives such as the M&P pistol DVD and the “Shooting for Hawaii” dealer incentive. For dramatic expansion of a direct sales team to support dealers and distributors. And for playing an integral role in the protection of Second Amendment rights and the enactment of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.
Taurus For an active role in the protection of firearms freedoms through free NRA membership to each purchaser of Taurus firearms which has added more than 40,000 new members. For involvement in the “Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act” and community outreach efforts to preserve hunting and shooting heritage. For active support of “Project Childsafe,” which has given away well over 30 million gun safety locks across the U.S. And for leading production of new and unique products with unmatched growth in profitability and turns at the distributor level.
Distributor of the Year
AcuSport For continued distributor-to-dealer modernization via consultative selling and efficient, profitable retail solutions, and an unparalleled delivery service guarantee. For over 40 years of unceasing support of the shooting sports industry through the NSSF, NRA and Hunting Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, and as premier distributor representative in the “Give-a-Day” program. For its active role with state and federal legislators to ensure the preservation of the industry, and its employee's affiliation with their local community and worthy causes by volunteering their time to various agencies.
Big Rock Sports For continued commitment to independent sporting goods dealers through six strategically located distribution centers, offering one- to two-day delivery across the United States of over 100,000 shooting sports products. For providing face-to-face dealer sales support and services with 160 field service representatives, and for offering exclusive and proprietary dealer-only sports products developed under the Big Rock Sports “Outfitting the American Sportsman” seal. For hosting three of the industry’s leading dealer-only regional trade shows and for developing one of the industry’s best Web sites to service the independent shooting sports dealers.
Davidson’s For 73 years of commitment to excellence in customer service through evolving programs that benefit retailers nationwide. Additionally, for offering an extensive inventory of firearms including exclusive limited edition guns, 24 hour consumer to dealer support through GalleryofGuns.com and an “all live” customer service staff offers dealers a wealth of business services, solutions and support.
Ellett Brothers For its continuous support of the firearm industry and its innovative service to gun dealers. In 2005, Ellett Brothers contributed $35,000 to the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, money raised during its 2005 Dealer Show. In all, Ellett Brothers has contributed more than $130,000 to the Heritage Fund. For development of the Ellett Link, an enhanced Web-based program that streamlines dealer ordering and ser vice, and for providing competitive pricing, excellent customer service and a knowledgeable sales staff, resulting in a 20-percent growth in 2005.
Lipsey’s For exemplary service to the community, the industry and its dealers through dedicated citizenship involvement and award-winning customer service and diverse product offerings. In 2005, Lipsey’s was honored with the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics for its ethical business practices in advertising/marketing, customer and vendor relations and high standards in the workplace. For around-the-clock service to dealers during Hurricane Katrina and its involvement in NASGW, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the NRA and other national organizations.
RSR Group For more than 28 years as a wholesale distributor, leading the way with innovation, competitive prices, knowledgeable sales staff and incomparable customer service. For it ongoing commitment to the preservation of the shooting sports industry by supporting the NSSF, NRA and the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund and the Hunting Heritage Trust’s “Give-A-Day for Years to Come” program. For introducing new concepts, such as the RSR E-Show, the first-ever shooting sports industry virtual trade show, and the RSR E-Vault, a new series of vendor specific online showcases, which provide the advantages of large industry trade events at the dealers’ convenience and from the comfort of their home or office.
Sports South For offering dealers unprecedented distribution and efficiency and for continuing an industry-leading role in technology development in support of dealers, with innovations ranging from electronic ordering systems, firearms management systems to complete point-of-sales solutions.
Zanders Sporting Goods For its ongoing service to shooting sports dealers since 1976 and earning an enviable reputation for working hand-in-hand with dealers. For not only stocking traditional products, but for acquiring unique products that offer their dealers higher-than-normal profit margins and exceptional value for their customers. Joining forces with Eley Ammunition (Zanders is the exclusive U.S. Distributor), Zanders has supported and sponsored the U.S. Shooting Team for years. Zanders is a member of the TALO Group of Distributors and has often taken a leadership position in guiding the group’s many dealer projects.
Shooting Industry Award
(Individuals who have made valuable contributions to the shooting industry through product design, industry representation or marketing expertise.)
Craig Boddington For working tirelessly behind the scenes to quietly help a number of important organizations and create opportunities for disabled veterans. For serving as a board member of the Boone & Crockett Club and president of the Weatherby Foundation. A retired Marine with 30 years of service, Craig remains actively involved with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, donating his time for fund-raising activities and arranging free hunts for paralyzed veterans every year.
Frank Brownell
Brownells		 For taking personalized customer service and business integrity to the highest level with the company’s unconditional, 100-percent satisfaction guarantee. For working to guarantee the future of our industry by supporting colleges with gunsmithing programs and contributing to the NSSF Heritage Fund. For funding the NRA Summer Youth Shooting Camp with $500,000 and the Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor Development Program with $253,000. And for supporting law enforcement by opening the company’s in-plant AV-equipped training room and Big Springs Range, at no charge, to area agencies for training use.
Ryan Busse
Kimber		 For charting, developing and directing Kimber’s dealer-direct sales program from inception to over 2,000 Kimber Master Dealers — making it the most successful direct-sales program in the firearms industry.
Les deAsis
Benchmade Knife Co.		 For his industry-altering model for the custom design and manufacture of a premium product, which has helped to elevate the performance and profits of one of man’s oldest tools. For helping dealers realize a whole new profit center through his stewardship of the specialty cutlery market. And for an undying passion to continually innovate and refusal to accept “good as good enough,” which has earned him a rock-solid reputation in the shooting industry and beyond.
Mark W. DeYoung
ATK		 For effectively leading the largest ammunition manufacturing organization in the world and category excellence across multiple product lines. For raising the branding and new product introduction bar with initiatives like Shooters Ridge brand, Shotshell Revolution. For technologically advancing hunting ammunition with the new Fusion brand. For continued leadership, serving on boards for the NSSF, HSSHF, SAAMI and WMI, and promoting youth education programs like the 4-H Shooting Sports. And for supporting numerous conservation organizations.
Richard Lipsey
Lipsey’s		 For 45 years of continued dedication to the shooting industry through active involvement in national and local, civic and charitable activities. For guiding the NASGW as chairman of the board in offering more dealer services and industry involvement, and his tireless assistance to Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims through rescue and recovery efforts, as well as providing shelter and assistance to families who were displaced by the storms. For leading a company that was honored in 2005 for its integrity, reflecting his deep commitment to honesty and service to his community and the industry.
Dr. John Matthews Surefire For pioneering the development of an entire category of law enforcement and military "tactical flashlights" and weapon-mounted lights that are today recognized for their engineering excellence, rugged reliability and cutting-edge technology. A Benefactor Member of NRA, Dr. Matthews and SureFire established a licensing program with NRA that became the prototype business model for NRA to build its licensing programs. With a Ph. D. in engineering, Dr. Matthews has devoted his career to developing the very best tactical products with new technologies, such as SureFire's new sound suppressors, to serve those who go in harm's way.
Thomas Millett
Millett Sights		 For impacting the industry by developing a complete line of replacement handgun sights and the Dual Crimp system to install front sights that forced handgun manufacturers to up-grade the quality of factory sights as standard issue. As the leader in an innovative company, he was involved in the planning and implementation of new products, personnel and sales for Millett. Tom enjoyed working closely with dealers and distributors to assure his products fit the need in the marketplace.
Larry Potterfield Midway USA For continued dedication of time and money to the preservation of the rights of gun owners through the formation of NRA/ILA endowment programs. For starting the NRA Roundup program in 1992, which has raised $3 million dollars for NRA programs and the protection of the Second Amendment. Also for introducing television viewers to guns, gunsmithing and the shooting sports through “GunTec TV,” introduced in 2005.
Jeff Reh
Beretta USA Corp.		 For his tireless and vital efforts as Beretta USA’s general counsel in fighting frivolous industry lawsuit that were aimed at rendering legal companies bankrupt. His steadfast efforts, and the efforts of those in his team, culminated in the defining victory of 2005, represented by Congress passing the shield law in October 2005.