2024 Pioneer Award: Brandon L. Maddox, Founder/CEO Silencer Central

by
posted on June 19, 2024
** 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. **
2024 Pioneer Award: Brandon L. Maddox, Founder/CEO Silencer Central

The coveted Golden Bullseye Awards, now in their 22nd year, were created as a way for us to publicly recognize the firearm industry’s best-performing, highest-value and most innovative products from the previous year. Some years there are runaway standouts, but more often than not, there are numerous contenders worthy of accolade within a given category, and the selection process to nail down a slate of recipients can require no small amount of rigorous discussion on the part of the editors. This year we were blessed with a sizable crop of great new guns that could have won an award, but below you will find our consensus winners.

“Last year was one of massive new-product introductions from the recreational shooting sports industry,” said NRA Publications Executive Director Doug Hamlin. “As a result, the editorial staff had some tough decisions to make to identify the best all-new products.”


2024 Pioneer Award: Brandon L. Maddox, Founder/CEO Silencer Central
Brandon Maddox has revolutionized the suppressor industry in the United States in just the past 15 years. More so than any person since perhaps Hiram Percy Maxim, the inventor of the modern suppressor, Maddox has changed the landscape of suppressor use and ownership thanks to his efforts to greatly simplify the silencer-buying process.

Suppressor Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm

Maddox started Silencer Central (then called South Dakota Silencer) back in 2005 after a frustrating experience buying a suppressor for himself. This set him on a mission to develop a process that was easier for everyone, and, as a result, today, American citizens living in all 42 of the states where silencers are currently legal can purchase one directly from Silencer Central.

Silencer Central Banish suppresor silencer yellow boxes stacked long row

Not only does the company assist its customers by submitting all of their paperwork for them, but Silencer Central also assists with the fingerprinting and photography requirements. Each purchase comes with a free state-specific gun trust and, once approved, your suppressor ships straight to your door.

Brandon Maddox next to Silencer Central company logo man in blue coat arms crossed smiling

“A heartfelt congratulations to Silencer Central founder and CEO Brandon Maddox on his Pioneer Award recognition,” said NRA Publications Executive Director Doug Hamlin. “Brandon epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well in the United States of America. He has really opened up the silencer new-product category to the masses.”

For more information, visit silencercentral.com.

Latest

Ed Friedman The Armed Citizen F
Ed Friedman The Armed Citizen F

American Rifleman’s Editor Explains How This Historic Title is Staying Relevant

As the new editor in chief of American Rifleman—and former editor in chief of Shooting Illustrated—Ed Friedman has the critical and challenging task of bringing this storied title into the digital age.

Colt Gets $40 Million Contract for M4/M4A1 Carbines

Colt’s Manufacturing has been awarded a $40,863,564 firm-fixed-price contract with U.S. Army Contracting Command to produce M4/M4A1 carbines for sale to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Macedonia and Tunisia.

The Stenzel Industries SAK-21: A Uniquely American AK

More than an American-made AK, Stenzel Industries calls the SAK-21 “a modular, purpose-built firearm, developed to meet the demands of special operations forces and professional shooters.”

Review: Browning Citori 825 Field

For hunting and sporting use, Browning’s latest Citori 825 Field shotgun is more than up to the task.

The Armed Citizen® April 27, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Growth in Youth Shooting Sports Signals Bright Future for the 2nd Amendment

Judging by the record number joining clubs and teams, mass-media’s disinformation and political rhetoric are losing their luster with today’s youth, who are making time to head to the range.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.