NASGW 2018 Award Winners

by
posted on October 18, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
nasgw_2018_winners.jpg

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), the association representing shooting sports wholesalers, manufacturers, and their trade partners, announced the winners of its annual Leadership and Caliber Awards Tuesday night at the NASGW Expo Awards Dinner.

"The Annual NASGW Appreciation & Awards Dinner is an event we look forward to all year," said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW president. "It's a pleasure to recognize our Leadership Award winners who exemplify a commitment to two-step distribution. And in their second year, the NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards are gaining more notoriety within the shooting sports industry. "

The Annual Awards Dinner is one of the premier events at the NASGW Expo, which brings together wholesalers and manufacturers within the shooting sports industry to plan sales for the upcoming year. 

Winners for the NASGW Leadership Awards are:

Firearm Manufacturer of the Year
Ruger

Optics Manufacturer of the Year
Leupold

Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year
Hornady

Accessory Manufacturer of the Year
Birchwood Casey

Importer of the Year
Aguila

Innovator of the Year
SIG Sauer and Ruger

In addition to this year's Leadership Awards, NASGW partnered with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), to select the best new products in six categories as well as an overall best new product. "It is an honor to once again partner with NASGW for the 2nd Annual Caliber Awards, which recognizes the innovations within the shooting sports industry," said Kevin Orthman, executive director of POMA. "The NASGW Awards Dinner is always one of the premier events for the year and it was a pleasure to recognize such amazing new products. Thank you once again to NASGW for the opportunity to partner on the Caliber Awards. "

To qualify for the Caliber Awards, manufacturers must be a NASGW member in good standing, the product must have launched within the last year, and products needed to be submitted through the NASGW Expo website. 

Winners for the NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards are:

Best New Accessory
Mantix X2


 
Best New Optic
SIG Sauer BDX



Best New Ammunition
Vista Outdoor/Federal Premium Valkyrie 224




Best New Handgun
FN 509 Tactical


 
Best New Rifle
Bergara Premium Series HMR Pro


 

Best New Shotgun
Mossberg 590 Mag Fed


 
Best New Overall Product
SIG Sauer P365 9 mm Micro Carry



Latest

Beretta 1301 A300 Comparison 1
Beretta 1301 A300 Comparison 1

Beretta's 1301 Tactical vs. A300 Ultima Patrol Shotguns: Which Should You Choose?

Ever since Beretta launched the A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun in 2024 as a less-pricey alternative to the 1301 Tactical, shotgunners have debated whether the 1301 is worth the extra cost. Let's examine them both.

ZEV Technologies Escaping Washington State’s Hostile Political Climate

ZEV Technologies announced it is moving its headquarters and manufacturing operations out of Washington state to Utah’s Second Amendment-friendly business climate.

U.S. v. Hemani Arguments

On March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Hemani. The case involves a defendant who is fighting a federal indictment for possessing a firearm while being a marijuana user.

Will Canada Attempt a Door-to-Door Gun Confiscation?

Whether, after Oct. 30, 2026, the federal government in Canada will escalate to door-to-door confiscation or whether they will be forced in the courts and legislatures to confront the failure of a policy that trades liberty for an illusion of control remains to be seen.

Rifleman Review: Federal 7 mm Backcountry

Unlike other recent cartridge launches, the key to Federal Ammunition's 7 mm Backcountry wasn't just in the design of the cartridge but also the type of material used in its case construction.

Big Bite in a Small Package: The Henry Repeating Arms Bear's Leg

Henry Repeating Arms is stepping up its lever-action game with the addition of its Bear's Leg design, a tactical lever-action that provides power and versatility in a compact platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.