The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) kicked off the NASGW Expo on Tuesday evening, with the Annual Appreciation Dinner. Each year, the NASGW Expo brings together wholesalers and manufacturers from across the shooting sports industry to connect, collaborate, and plan for the year ahead. The event serves as a cornerstone for product launches, business meetings, and celebrating the partnerships that drive the industry forward.
A highlight of the Expo is NASGW’s Appreciation Dinner, where the association recognizes top-performing manufacturers and partners across six categories with the annual Appreciation Awards. These honors celebrate companies that exemplify excellence in two-step distribution and demonstrate exceptional service, value, and commitment to the shooting sports industry.
In addition to the Appreciation Awards, NASGW once again partnered with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) to present the Caliber Awards, recognizing the most innovative new products in seven categories. An independent panel of 18 industry professionals—including wholesalers, manufacturers, and media members—evaluated each entry to determine category winners as well as the Best Overall New Product.
To qualify, products must have been publicly released between the end of last year’s NASGW Expo and the start of this year’s event. Only NASGW member manufacturers in good standing were eligible, and all submissions were entered through the NASGW Expo New Product Showcase.
The Caliber Awards offer a unique and unbiased evaluation process, representing the voices of those who buy, sell, and review shooting sports products every day. This year’s competition was especially strong, with more than 140 submissions narrowed down to three finalists per category. Judges evaluated each product on uniqueness, market need, value, innovation, and presentation.
“Each year, we are reminded of the incredible innovation and dedication that defines our industry,” said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW President. “The Appreciation and Caliber Awards honor the best of the best—companies and products that not only drive the marketplace but also uphold the values and partnerships that make the shooting sports industry so strong.”
NASGW Appreciation Award Winners
Firearm Manufacturer of the Year
Ruger
Optics Manufacturer of the Year
Holosun Technologies
Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year
Hornady
Accessory Manufacturer of the Yea
Dead Air Silencers
Importer of the Year
Century Arms
Innovator of the Year
Springfield Armory
NASGW-POMA Caliber Award Winners
Best New Accessory
Radian Weapons - AFTERBURNER + RAMJET for Glock G43X
Best New Ammunition
Federal Ammunition - 7mm Backcountry Cartridge
Best New Handgun
Ruger - RXM
Best New Optic
Leupold - VX-6HD Gen 2
Best New Rifle
Henry Repeating Arms - SPD Hush
Best New Shotgun
Mossberg - 990 Aftershock
Best New Suppressor
HUXWRX Safety Co. - FLOW 9K Ti
Best New Overall Product
Ruger - RXM