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Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence
2007 AWARDS |
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An Industry Salute
To The Mettle
Behind The Industry |
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Each year an innovative few set new standards of excellence through product design and service to the industry. This marks the 16th year that these outstanding achievements have been formally recognized by industry leaders who, together, form the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence.
The 2007 award recipients were announced
Friday, July 27, 2007 • At the Hilton, Ontario, CA.
"In 1992 the idea was conceived that maybe we should have an award that’s based upon merit decided by hundreds of individuals in the industry, not decided by an editorial board and not influenced by advertising," commented Shooting Industry magazine editor, Russ Thurman. "The Academy of Excellence awards have taken on significant importance. Integrity surrounds the awards and the voting process."
Honoring Outstanding Achievement
Since 1992
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2007 Accessory of the Year
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Also Nominated:
Caldwell
Lead Sled DFT Shooting Rest
Wheeler Engineering
Firearm Accurizing Torque
Wrench Screwdriver
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2007 Specialty Product of the Year
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2007 High-Tech Product of the Year
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2007 Optic of the Year
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2007 Knife of the Year
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2007 Ammunition of the Year |
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2007 Handgun of the Year |
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2007 Rifle of the Year |
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2007 Shotgun of the Year |
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2007 Safety Product of the Year |
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Benchmade: 10105 ERT-1 Emergency Response Tool
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2007 Citizenship Award |
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Ellett Brothers
For its leadership in demonstrating to the community how much people in the shooting business care. For raising $30,000 at its fourth consecutive silent auction for the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, bringing four-year donations to the fund totaling $160,000. For continuing its sponsorship of youth hunting and shooting programs in South Carolina, and for continuing its sponsorship of concealed weapons permit courses for the South Carolina senators and representatives.
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2007 Distributor of the Year |
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Ellett Brothers
For 73 years of supporting the shooting industry at the national and local level, including support of all National Conservation Groups and the NRA. For promoting and working with local schools and the local Chamber of Commerce, and supporting local fundraisers. For teaming with manufacturers to develop the Homeland Defender product line of tactical firearms, ammunition, chemical sprays and specialty items, which is offered strictly to shooting sports retailers.
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2007 Manufacturer of the Year |
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Smith & Wesson
For continued leadership in the industry and protection of the Second Amendment, including supporting at the highest levels the NSSF, NRA, USA Shooting and other associations and sponsorships. For the acquisition of Thompson/Center Arms and the introduction of more than 70 new products, including the M&P45 pistol, shotguns, bolt-action rifles and retro “Classics” revolvers. For selection by the U.S. Government of 73,000 Sigmas and 15,000 restraints for allied forces in the Middle East.
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2007 Shooting Industry Award |
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Ron Coburn, Savage Arms
For his determination to transform Savage Arms from a company in bankruptcy to a leading rifle manufacturer. For he wisdom to focus on just one product and make it better than anyone else. For daring to introduce revolutionary new products such as the AccuTrigger and the astuteness to offer products previously only available through custom gunmakers, such as right-bolt/left-port varmint rifles. For the compassion to become actively involved in such organizations as Paralyzed American Vets and 4-H.
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Also Nominated:
Michael F. Golden,
Smith & Wesson
Larry Potterfield,
MidwayUSA
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