An Industry Salute To The Years Best

.Each year an innovative few set new standards of excellence through product design and service to the industry. This marks the 20th year that these outstanding achievements have been formally recognized by industry leaders who, together, form the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence.

The 2011 award recipients were announced

Friday, July 22, 2011 • Holiday Inn University Plaza in Bowling Green, KY.

“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

2011 Accessory of the Year

Butler Creek: Baby UpLULA Loader

>> Click Here To View Video <<

Also Nominated:

Hornady	Leupold	Nikon

2011 Hunting Product of the Year

Leupold: RX-1000i TBR With Digitally eNhanced Accuracy (DNA) Rangefinder

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Also Nominated:

Bushnell	Trijicon

2011 Self-Defense Product of the Year

Crimson Trace: LightGuard Tactical Light

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Also Nominated:

SureFire	Viridian Green Laser Sights

2011 Ammunition of the Year

Hornady: Superformance Varmint Ammuntiion

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Also Nominated:

Federal	Hodgdon

2011 Optic of the Year

Leupold: VX-R 3-9x40mm Riflescope

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Also Nominated:

Nikon	Trijicon

2011 Knife of the Year

Benchmade: 915 Triage

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Also Nominated:

Buck Knives	Leatherman

2011 Safety Product of the Year

SureFire: EP3 Sonic Defenders Earplug

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Also Nominated:

Battenfeld Technologies	GunVault

2011 Handgun of the Year

Ruger: LC9 9mm Pistol

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Also Nominated:

Kimber	Smith & Wesson

2011 Rifle of the Year

Ruger: Gunsite Scout Rifle (M77-GS)

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Also Nominated:

Kimber	Remington	Savage

2011 Shotgun of the Year

Benelli USA: Super Vinci 12-Gauge

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Also Nominated:

Mossberg	Remington

2011 Citizenship Award

Ellett Brothers

For its continuing mission of cultivating strong community bonds and supporting those in need. For passionately supporting local charities such as Adopt-A-Family and We Care Food Pantry. For continuing to reach out to the children in neighboring communities by donating Christmas gifts. For dedicated employees who exemplify the power of unity and compassion.

Also Nominated:

Hunter’s Specialties || Kimber

2011 Distributor of the Year

Ellett Brothers

For continuing to commit its resources to maximizing customer service at a very competitive price by opening a sales office in California and a distribution center in Nevada, to better serve customers in the western U.S. For utilizing its distribution centers in the Northeast and Midwest to offer next-day service, making it easy for dealers to reduce inventory and maximize sales.

Also Nominated:

Brownells || Sports South

2011 Manufacturer of the Year

Hornady

For innovation and leadership in bullet, ammunition and reloading tool design and development. For service, support, delivery and commitment to customers at all levels. For groundbreaking products, innovation and “outside-the-box” development, coupled with an overwhelming passion for the shooting sports that has inspired new product development throughout the industry.

Also Nominated:

ATK Commercial Products || Hodgdon Powder Company || Ruger

2011 Shooting Industry Award

Larry Potterfield, Midway USA

For donations to youth shooting sports that topped $4 million in 2010, which includes $1 million to NWTF youth shooting programs and $500,000 to the NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge. For establishing the Scholastic Shooting Trust Fund, which was created to sustain high school, college and university shooting programs. For investing donations through the Scholastic Shooting Trust Fund annually through grants to qualifying school programs.

Also Nominated:

Bob Nosler, Nosler || Mark W. DeYoung, ATK