NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer for 2020: Dennis Reese

by
posted on May 30, 2020
** 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. **
dennis-reese-golden-bullseye-pioneer-2020-f.jpg

Every year, along with our choice for the best new products on the market, staff members from American Rifleman collaborate with those from our sister publications to pick one person in the firearm industry who deserves to be recognized as a pioneer. This year, it was only fitting that the National Rifle Association recognized the man who helped build an industry giant: Dennis Reese.

“I could not be more honored to be given the National Rifle Association’s Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award,” said Dennis Reese, CEO-owner of Springfield Armory. “From the earliest days of the company to where it stands today, our relationship with the NRA has been one that is extremely important to me, both personally and professionally. The Association’s work to promote our Second Amendment rights is absolutely necessary to ensure those rights, enshrined in the United States’ Constitution, are protected.”

Reese has been part of Springfield Armory in Geneseo, Ill., since its founding in 1974. He worked with his father, Robert Reese, in the company’s early years and has been an integral part right through to his role as CEO and owner today, 46 years later. Building on his passion for civilian-legal firearms inspired by iconic military classics, Reese has taken a hands-on role from the beginning and steered the course though substantial change along the way.

Reese has been deeply involved with the company’s development and introduction of M1911-A1 pistols, M1 Garand rifles and the M1A (a semi-automatic-only rendition of the U.S. M14) for the civilian market; however, he has also overseen the introduction of numerous other innovative products that have expanded the company’s product line beyond these classic platforms.

From the XD series of polymer-frame pistols (including the popular XD-M and XD-S variations) to the 911 series of pocket pistols to the Saint series of AR-pattern carbines and pistols, Springfield has stayed on the cutting edge of the consumer firearms market.

Add to this the exciting new Hellcat micro 9 mm—Handgun Of The Year—a pistol that has rewritten the rules on what shooters can (and should) expect from their CCW pistol, and you can easily see how Reese’s leadership has advanced Springfield Armory to become a leader in personal protection and tactical shooting.


Reese has also ensured that Springfield Armory gives back to the firearms community, supporting groups such as the pistol and rifle team of Hillsdale College in Michigan. By giving back, Reese has committed Springfield Armory’s help in nurturing the next generation of shooters and firearms enthusiasts.

That includes steadfast support for NRA’s mission, and accordingly Dennis Reese was recognized for his personal commitment to American rights and liberties through an invitation to join the NRA’s exclusive Golden Ring of Freedom.

“Springfield Armory will continue to do its part in helping protect our right to keep and bear arms, and will work hard to keep bringing exciting and innovative firearms to the consumer market. I am both proud and honored to receive this prestigious award from NRA and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future,” said Reese.

Latest

Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main
Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main

Guns Of The U.S. Tankers In World War II

Since the end of World War II, debates have raged about the effectiveness of American armored fighting vehicles in that conflict. Despite all the Monday morning armored quarterbacking, American AFVs were war-winners, driven to victory by some the finest fighting men our nation has ever produced.

MidwayUSA Foundation Awards Over $14 Million In Cash Grants In 2025

In honor of National Shooting Sports Month—held annually in August—along with the growing popularity of the sport with new participants, MidwayUSA Foundation announced it has distributed more than $14.2 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports in 2025.

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.