The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) kicked off its 2026 Expo week Monday evening with the Annual Appreciation Dinner at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Each year, the NASGW Expo brings together wholesalers, manufacturers and industry partners 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 evening was the presentation of the annual NASGW Appreciation Awards, recognizing top-performing manufacturers and industry partners across six categories. Selected by NASGW wholesaler members, the awards recognize companies that demonstrate excellence in two-step distribution and provide exceptional service, value and support to the shooting sports industry.
NASGW also partnered with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) to present the 2026 NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards, recognizing the most innovative new products across seven categories. An independent panel of 21 industry judges, comprised of NASGW and POMA members, evaluated the entries to determine a winner in each category as well as the Best Overall New Product.
Eligible products were submitted through the NASGW Expo New Product Showcase and evaluated based on uniqueness, market need, product value, ingenuity and presentation. The judging process narrowed the field to three finalists in each category before selecting this year's winners.
Now in their tenth year, the Caliber Awards provide a unique approach to recognizing product innovation by bringing together the perspectives of professionals who buy, sell, test, review and report on shooting sports products every day.
"Each year, the Appreciation and Caliber Awards give us an opportunity to recognize two of the things that make this industry successful—strong business partnerships and continued product innovation," said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW President. "This year's recipients represent companies and products that are making a meaningful impact across the shooting sports marketplace. We congratulate all of our 2026 winners and finalists."
NASGW Appreciation Award Winners
Firearm Manufacturer of the Year
Smith & Wesson
Optics Manufacturer of the Year
Holosun Technologies
Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year
Hornady
Accessory Manufacturer of the Year
Radian Weapons
Importer of the Year
Century Arms
Innovator of the Year
SIG SAUER
NASGW-POMA Caliber Award Winners
Best New Accessory
SIG SAUER – FOXTROT2R LIGHTFIGHT
Best New Ammunition
Federal Ammunition – 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Cartridge
Best New Handgun
Canik USA – Prime Radian
Best New Optic
Leupold - VX-4HD
Best New Rifle
Savage Arms – m110 Carbon Hunter
Best New Shotgun
Ruger Firearms – Ruger® Red Label™ III
Best New Suppressor
Dead Air Silencers – Nomad Ti OTB
Best New Overall Product
Canik USA – Prime Radian
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 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.
About POMA
POMA continues to uphold its tradition of promoting excellence in communications at all levels. This includes connecting the companies and organizations whose focus is the outdoor industry with the content creators who can help tell their stories and promote their products.
For More Information Please Contact:
Gregg Alexander
National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers
galexander@nasgw.org