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Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence
2008 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 17th year that these outstanding achievements have been formally recognized by industry leaders who, together, form the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence.
The 2008 award recipients were announced
Friday, July 28, 2008 • Hartford/Windsor Marriott, Windsor CT
"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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2008 Accessory of the Year
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Also Nominated:
Brownells
Professional Magna Tip Tool Set
RCBS
RASS Portable Shooting Bench
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2008 Specialty Product of the Year
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2008 High-Tech Product of the Year
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2008 Optic of the Year
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2008 Knife of the Year
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2008 Ammunition of the Year |
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2008 Handgun of the Year |
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2008 Rifle of the Year |
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2008 Shotgun of the Year |
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2008 Safety Product of the Year |
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BLACKHAWK!: Hawkhook Rescue Tool
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2008 Citizenship Award |
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Brownells
For its contributions to the NRA endowment for youth education programs, support of 4H programs in Iowa, the Progressive Farmer magazine’s youth shooting program, and the Iowa Pheasants Forever’s Build a Habitat program. For its first-of-a-kind gunsmith’s job fair. For its continued support of the NRA, including a NRA membership drive with 1,000 members signed up in 2007.
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2008 Distributor of the Year |
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Ellett Brothers
For taking great pride in serving and supporting the independent retailer for 75 years. For its continuing work with manufacturers to develop new and innovative products such as the newly introduced Taurus Model 327. For continued support of industry organizations such as the NSSF, NRA, Congressional Sportsman Caucus, and NASGW. For its commitment to the growth and future of the shooting sports industry by working with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and local conservation groups.
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2008 Manufacturer of the Year |
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Ruger
For remaking the company to better serve the firearms industry, including creating new firearm and ammunition combinations that eclipse current performance standards, such as Ruger Compact Magnum rifles and the Ruger SP101 .327 Federal Magnum revolver. For the Voice of the Customer program seeking input from consumers and resulting in the M77 Hawkeye rifles, Charger pistol, the SR9 and the LCP. For enhanced dealer offerings including co-op advertising, special order programs and expanded Web site content.
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2008 Shooting Industry Award |
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Bob Hodgdon, Hodgdon Powder Co.
For spending 60 years with Hodgdon Powder providing propellants for shooters and hunters. For helping build the company into what it is today, a company featuring 54 reliable, high-performance muzzleloading and smokeless powder products. For being a tireless defender of the Second Amendment and being instrumental in starting the NRA Handloading Endowment. For being an avid hunter, reloader and shooter.
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Also Nominated:
F. Hewitt Grant,
Ellett Brothers
Tom Taylor,
Smith & Wesson
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