The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) and their wholesale members have selected this year’s Appreciation Award nominees. Each year, Nasgw awards the top optics, accessory, ammunition, and firearms manufacturers along with the leading importer and innovator, who best demonstrate a commitment to two-step distribution while providing outstanding service value.

“NASGW’s Appreciation Awards are an opportunity for our wholesale members to recognize the top manufacturers that support two-step distribution,” said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW President. “With great wholesaler voter turnout in 2023, we are looking forward to seeing who will be taking home awards in Columbus.” Wholesaler members evaluate manufacturers’ performance on four key criteria; distribution policy, marketing, sales and promotion; logistics and operations; and NASGW and industry support. This comprehensive assessment of manufacturer performance is designed to provide a more balanced appraisal that truly recognizes the best of the best, according to NASGW distributor members.

This year’s nominees are:

Firearm Manufacturer of the Year

• Colt
• Henry Repeating Arms
• Ruger
• SIG SAUER
• Smith & Wesson
• Springfield Armory

Optics Manufacturer of the Year

• EOTECH
• Holosun Technologies
• Leupold
• SIG SAUER
• Trijicon

Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year

• Fiocchi
• Hornady
• PMC Ammunition
• Vista Outdoor
• Winchester Ammunition

Accessory Manufacturer of the Year 

• American Outdoor Brands
• GSM Outdoor
• Magpul
• SilencerCo
• Streamlight

Importer of the Year

• Armscor Precision
• Century Arms
• EAA/USSG
• MagTech
• PMC Ammunition

Innovator of the Year

• Hornady
• Ruger
• SIG SAUER
• Smith & Wesson
• Springfield Armory

Winners of the NASGW Appreciation Awards will be announced on October 24th at the annual NASGW Appreciation dinner to kick off the 2023 NASGW Expo in Columbus, OH. 

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.