The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) and its wholesale members are proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 NASGW Appreciation Awards. Each year, these prestigious awards recognize the top firearms, optics, ammunition and accessory manufacturers, along with the industry's leading importer and innovator, for their commitment to two-step distribution and the service and value they provide to the shooting sports industry.
NASGW wholesaler members cast their votes based on four key criteria:
- Distribution policy
- Marketing, sales and promotion
- Logistics and operations
- NASGW and industry support
This evaluation process gives NASGW's wholesale members an opportunity to recognize the companies that distinguish themselves through strong partnerships, operational excellence and continued support of the two-step distribution model.
"The Appreciation Awards are unique because they reflect the day-to-day experience of our wholesale members," said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW President. "These finalists have earned recognition for the way they support distribution, serve their partners and contribute to the strength of the shooting sports industry. We look forward to recognizing them in Phoenix and announcing this year's recipients at the Appreciation Dinner."
The finalists for the 2026 NASGW Appreciation Awards are:
Firearm Manufacturer of the Year
- Glock
- Ruger
- SIG SAUER
- Smith & Wesson
- Springfield Armory
Optics Manufacturer of the Year
- EOTECH
- Holosun Technologies
- Leupold
- SIG SAUER
- Trijicon
Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year
- Hornady
- MagTech Ammunition
- PMC Ammunition
- The Kinetic Group
- Winchester Ammunition
Accessory Manufacturer of the Year
- American Tactical
- GSM Outdoors
- Magpul Industries
- Radian Weapons
- Streamlight
Importer of the Year
- Century Arms
- Gforce Arms
- MagTech Ammunition
- PMC Ammunition
- Taurus
Innovator of the Year
- Glock
- Leupold
- Ruger
- SIG SAUER
- Taurus
Winners of the 2026 NASGW Appreciation Awards will be announced during the NASGW Annual Appreciation Reception and Dinner on Monday, October 12. The dinner kicks off the week of the 2026 NASGW Annual Meeting & Expo, taking place October 13–15 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
About NASGW: The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers is comprised of wholesalers, manufacturers, independent sales reps, media, and service providers - both national and international - all of whom are primarily focused on shooting sports equipment and accessories. As a trade association representing the business interests of its members, NASGW's mission is to bring shooting sports buyers and sellers together. For more information about the NASGW, visit the association's website at www.nasgw.org.