Academy of Excellence honors industry's best - Industry News

Shooting Industry, June, 2003

The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence presented its 2003 awards April 25 at a special reception in Orlando, Fla.

Bob Morrison, the executive vice president and COO of Taurus International, received the Shooting Industry Award, the only individual honor presented by the academy.

Savage was honored as the Manufacturer of the Year, and with the Rifle of the Year award. RSR Group was recognized as the Distributor of the Year.

Now in its 12th year, the academy is sponsored by the Firearms Marketing Group (FMG), publisher of Shooting Industry, GUNS and American A Handgunner magazines. No one at FMG is permitted to vote for the awards.

The academy consists of 460 U industry executives, gun dealers and outdoor writers. They vote twice for each award, first in the potential-nominee round and then to determine who will receive the awards. This year, the academy considered 173 potential nominees. Thirty-six made the final ballot.

"As always, it is exciting to see who the academy selects to receive awards," said Tom von Rosen, FMG publisher. "It's a challenge just to make the final ballot. We are pleased that the award is so eagerly sought and the competition so keen."

Randy Molde, director of the academy, and Russ Thurman, editor of Shooting Industry magazine, presented the awards.

Morrison was honored for his leadership at Taurus, his work with the ATF on behalf of the industry, and "for his instrumental role in the unrelenting battle against senseless lawsuits aimed at the firearm industry."

In thanking the academy, Morrison said, "I think this may be the highlight of my career."

He also challenged those throughout the industry.

"I'd like to ask you one thing, continue your fight against the senseless lawsuits," Morrison said. "I ask you to continue your belief in the freedoms that we enjoy and the liberty that we've given everybody in this world."

Savage Arms was honored as the Manufacturer of the Year for its value-price package concept, new product innovation and introduction of the new Savage AccuTrigger. The Savage AccuTrigger equipped Model 12BVSS received the Rifle of the Year award.

RSR Group was presented the Distributor of the Year award for its excellent customer service, exclusive products, knowledgeable sales reps and a comprehensive Website for retailers.

Handgun of the Year honors went to Smith & Wesson for its X-Frame Model 500 Revolver in S&W .500 Magnum.

The Benelli Super Black Eagle with SteadyGrip was named Shotgun of the Year.

The Ammunition of the Year award went to Winchester for its .223 Winchester Super Short Magnum.

Leupold was honored with the Optic of the Year award for its Vari-X III 4.5-14x50mm Illuminated Reticle Riflescope.

The Accessory of the Year award was presented to Lyman for its l200DPS Digital Powder System Scale and Auto Dispenser.

The High-Tech Product of the Year award went to SureFire for its A2 Aviator Microprocessor Controlled Smart Flashlight.

Benchmade received the Knife of the Year award for its Model 921 Switchback Two Blade Folder.

The Specialty Product of the Year award went to Daisy for its Winchester Model 1894 Air Rifle.

The academy also announced a new award to be presented for the first time in 2004. The Shooting industry Citizenship Award will honor a company or dealership that most exemplifies the traits of citizenship and service to the community.

"Companies and dealers are doing great things in their communities throughout the country," Thurman said. "We want to recognize those deeds. At the same time, we are issuing A Call To Citizenship, challenging everyone to get involved in serving their communities."

A complete list of this year's nominees, photographs from the awards reception, and a history of all the awards presented by the academy since 1992 are available on the Website: www.shootingindustry.com.