NRA Publications Honors Top Guns and Gear

NRA Publications kicked off the 142nd NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston, Texas, this morning with an invitation-only breakfast recognizing the recipients of the 2013 NRA Golden Bullseye Awards. Selected by a panel of NRA Publications senior staff members, the prestigious Golden Bullseye Awards bestowed by American Rifleman, American Hunter and Shooting Illustrated celebrate the quality, innovation and value exemplified by recently introduced firearms, accessories and related equipment.

Nearly 100 shooting and hunting industry representatives gathered to “honor friends and colleagues for designing, manufacturing and marketing guns, ammunition and all manner of shooting and hunting gear to help NRA members exercise those freedoms won by the Founding Fathers and preserved by so many American heroes,” said Editorial Director John Zent, who delivered the keynote address at the 11th annual event.

Along with acknowledging top products, the event also commended outstanding personal achievement in the firearm industry with the presentation of the NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award. Intended to spotlight an individual, or members of a team or partnership, responsible for the development and introduction of shooting equipment that has made a profound, positive and enduring impact on the way Americans shoot and hunt, the 2013 Pioneer Award gives accolade to Stephen D. Hornady, president of Hornady Mfg. Co.

“I am deeply honored to be chosen for this award,” said Hornady, who, along with leading a major ammunition company, is an accomplished global hunter, champion of the shooting sports and NRA Board of Directors member. “It is a special recognition to be joining previous honorees that are such outstanding individuals committed to this industry. I hope I live up to the reputations of my colleagues and the people who selected me.”

The Golden Bullseye Awards from American Rifleman, presented by Editor-in-Chief Mark Keefe, include: Rifle of the Year, Ruger American; Shotgun of the Year, Franchi Affinity; Handgun of the Year, Springfield Armory XD-S; Tactical Gun of the Year, Mossberg FLEX; Ammunition Product of the Year, Hornady Critical Duty; Optic of the Year, Trijicon Tactical Advanced Riflescope; and Accessory of the Year, Galco M6X Auto Locking Holster.

Products recognized by Editor-in-Chief Scott Olmsted for American Hunter include: Rifle of the Year, Thompson/Center Dimension; Shotgun of the Year, Franchi Instinct; Ammunition Product of the Year, Remington HyperSonic Steel; Optic of the Year, Laser Genetics ND-3X50 Subzero; Gear of the Year, Brite-Strike EPLI; and Vehicle of the Year, 2013 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman.

Golden Bullseye Award winners for Shooting Illustrated, highlighted by Editor-in-Chief Adam Heggenstaller, include: Rifle of the Year, DPMS Tac 2; Shotgun of the Year, SRM Arms M1216; Handgun of the Year, FNH USA FNS-9; Ammunition Product of the Year, Buffalo Barnes Handgun Ammunition; Optic of the Year, Bushnell HDMR 3.5-21x50 mm Riflescope; and Accessory of the Year, 5.11 Tactical Screen Ops Gloves.