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

Army 250Th Part 4 6
Army 250Th Part 4 6

250 Years of the U.S. Army: From Vietnam to Today

For more than half a century, the U.S. Army's standard infantry rifle has undergone a remarkable transformation, from the battle rifles of World War II to the compact, modular carbines carried by soldiers today.

The Alpha Foxtrot Attila: Not Just Another 2011

In a marketplace filled with 2011-style pistols, Alpha Foxtrot decided to go a different direction with its Attila handgun design, which is built to use Shield Arms S15 magazines.

JP Morgan Rescinds Discriminatory Policy Against Gunmakers

In January, JPMorgan Chase joined Citigroup and Bank of America in rescinding policies discriminating against lawful businesses in the firearm industry—in this case, reversing their policy against lending to rifle manufacturers.

Remembering Past NRA President David A. Keene

David A. Keene, a prominent conservative leader and NRA President from 2011 to 2013, died on March 8, 2026, at 80 years old, from pancreatic cancer.

Semi-Automatic Bans Are Unconstitutional

If the logical application of the rule of law means anything in this constitutional republic, bans on massively popular semi-automatic firearms will be found unconstitutional.

New Handloading Helpers: The Latest Reloading Gear From RCBS

When Hodgdon Powder Company took over RCBS in 2024, company leaders said positive change was coming. By looking at the new products RCBS introduced in 2026, it’s clear they were right.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.