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.

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.

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.

“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.