Awards & Honors

Morris Swarts of Professional Marketing Inc. received ZeroTech Optics' 2026 Sports Inc. Rep of the Year award for his 30+ years in the shooting sports industry and dedication to dealer relationships. The recognition was presented at ZeroTech's Dealer Appreciation Party in Nashville, where Pine City Outdoors of Jackson, Alabama was also honored as Dealer of the Year.

ZeroTech Optics honored Pine City Outdoors of Jackson, Alabama as its 2026 Sports Inc. Dealer of the Year at an event in Nashville. Owner Shane Sturdivant's retailer was recognized for product knowledge, customer presentation, and partnership strength, receiving a custom limited-edition ZeroTech Optics timepiece by Stirling Timepieces.

Burris Optics' Fullfield riflescope earned Outdoor Life's "Great Buy" award in their 2026 Best Rifle Scopes for Hunting test. The scope impressed testers with its straightforward design, simple operation, durable construction, and passed the publication's drop test, earning recognition for its trusted heritage among American hunters.

Federal Ammunition was named Vendor Partner of the Year by Los Cazadores, a Texas-based hunting retailer celebrating 40 years in business. Federal's Chairman and CEO Jason Vanderbrink accepted the award from Los Cazadores CEO Craig Harrison and Vice President Chuck Anderson at the Big Buck Bash in San Antonio.

Silencer Central presented U.S. Senator Mike Rounds with its U.S. Senator of the Year award, recognizing his leadership on firearm policy. Founder and CEO Brandon Maddox highlighted Rounds' sponsorship of the Modernizing Law Enforcement Notification Act and the Hearing Protection Act as key accomplishments for responsible gun owners.

Bushnell's R7 4-20x50 FFP riflescope won Editor's Choice as the top hunting scope of 2026 in Outdoor Life's annual Optics Test, competing against 25 other brands. The scope impressed reviewers with its ED Prime glass, Hybrid Dot Tree reticle, and durability, maintaining zero through the test's inaugural drop test.

EchoCore Suppressors' Topo 22 earned second place in the .22LR suppressor category at the 2026 Silencer Summit and maintains its No. 2 position in consolidated all-time rankings. The titanium suppressor, manufactured using advanced DMLS additive technology, is distributed exclusively through Silencer Shop and its nationwide dealer network.

EchoCore Suppressors' Sector 5.56 Full Size maintains its No. 1 ranking among 5.56 suppressors in the Silencer Summit's consolidated testing results following the 2026 evaluation. The suppressor's top position is based on Shooter's Ear LEQ dBA measurements, which evaluate acoustic energy over time to reflect real-world sound exposure. EchoCore Suppressors products are distributed exclusively through Silencer Shop and its nationwide dealer network.

Silencer Central, founded by Brandon Maddox, has been ranked No. 1801 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, marking its fourth consecutive year on the list. The Sioux Falls-based suppressor retailer's ranking reflects revenue growth measured over a three-year period.

GSM Outdoors received the 2025 Outdoor Supplier of the Year award from Academy Sports + Outdoors, recognizing exceptional partnership and category leadership. CEO Eddie Castro highlighted the company's commitment to dependable service, innovation, and reliable delivery across hunting, fishing, and outdoor categories.

Dead Air Silencers' Nomad Ti OTB suppressor has been selected as a 2026 Petersen's Hunting Editor's Choice Award recipient. The over-the-barrel design, made from 3D-printed Grade 9 titanium, offers premium suppression in a compact package weighing only 10.5 ounces.

Beretta USA announced that its Beretta AX800 Suprema earned Top Range Performer of the Year and the Beretta 92G Elite LTT II, developed with Langdon Tactical Technology, received Competition Gun of the Year at the 2026 Industry Choice Awards.

Murray Road Agency, a Charleston-based strategic marketing firm serving the outdoor industry, has been named a Marketing Firm Regional Winner in the 2026 Best of South Carolina awards presented by The Guide to South Carolina. CEO Tim Brandt highlighted the recognition reflects their client relationships and team's commitment to helping outdoor brands connect authentically with audiences.

CZ presented its inaugural Breakthrough Awards to Davidson's and Ann Arbor Arms during a gala at the company's 90th Anniversary Celebration in Prague. Davidson's received the distributor award and Ann Arbor Arms the retail award, both recognized for exceptional growth, partnership commitment, and brand advancement.

Henry Repeating Arms has been nominated for the 2026 Wisconsin Governor's Outdoor Industry Award in the Outdoor Business of the Year category. The company, led by Founder and CEO Anthony Imperato, completed its transition to a fully Wisconsin-based manufacturer in March 2025, consolidating operations across four facilities in Rice Lake and Ladysmith.

Otis Technology received the 2026 Northern New York–Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (NNY AUSA) Community Partner of the Year award. CEO Brad McIntyre accepted the honor, recognizing the company's commitment to supporting soldiers, military families, veterans, and the Fort Drum community through partnerships and charitable initiatives.

Springfield Armory's Echelon 4.0FC 9mm pistol earned the highest gold ranking in the National Tactical Officers Association's Member Tested and Recommended program, scoring 4.65 out of 5.00. The hybrid-style pistol joins the Echelon 4.5F and 4.0C as NTOA MTR gold-ranked firearms, featuring a modular design with a 4" barrel and full-size grip module.

Dead Air Silencers announced that multiple products, including the Nomad LTi XC, Nomad Ti XC, Enhanced Brake for Nomad Suppressors, and Mask, received 2026 Editor's Choice Awards from Hunt Alaska. CEO Ernie Beckwirth praised the recognition, crediting the company's team dedication to producing high-performance suppressors for hunters and shooters.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources honored Conservation Officer Luke Robare with a Medal of Valor and Lifesaving Award for his heroic response to a violent attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on September 28, 2025. Robare neutralized the threat within minutes of arriving on scene, working alongside Grand Blanc Township Police Officer Jason Carpentier.

Dead Air Silencers received the 2025 Shooting Sports Retailer Gold Award in the suppressor category, recognized by readers and retailers nationwide. CEO Ernie Beckwith credited the team's innovation, retail partner support, and customer trust for the honor.