Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. Selling Non-Gun Self-Defense — page 16 Academy Of Excellence Selects Final Nominees he Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence has announced the final nominations for its 2008 awards. The academy considered 150 entries in 14 categories before selecting 43 for the final ballot. The 500 members of the academy are now considering the nominees for the prestigious awards, which will be announced during a reception on July 25 in Windsor, Conn. This year, a number of companies have a high number of nominations, academy officials noted. “It’s not unusual for a company to be nominated in more than one category, but this year, we have two companies, Leupold and Smith & Wesson, with three nominations, and an impressive four nominations for SureFire,” said Randy Moldé, academy director. “In addition, there is a significant increase in T the quality of products in all categories. That’s good for the industry. It does, however, make it more challenging for the voting members of the academy. They have some tough choices to make.” This is the second year the final nominees were selected using stricter screening guide- “This year, we have two companies, Leupold and Smith & Wesson, with three nominations, and an impressive four nominations for SureFire.” lines. After the academy members selected the top entries in each product category, during the first round of voting, manufacturers had 10 days to submit their products for verification to ensure they are “in production.” “The objective is not to burden compa- nies with another requirement, but to reinforce the already strong integrity of the academy,” Moldé said. “And it works. The new requirement has eliminated the entry of ‘vaporware’ products.” Established in 1992, the academy is sponsored by FMG Publications, publisher of Shooting Industry, GUNS, American Handgunner and American COP magazines. However, no one at the publisher is permitted to vote. The voting power is held exclusively by the academy, which includes 500 industry executives, gun dealers and outdoor writers. The awards presentation and reception will be held in conjunction with the Shooting Industry Masters. For more information, visit www.shootingindustry.com. The 2008 final nominees are: Handgun of the Year • Ruger: LCP .380 • Smith & Wesson: Model 327 Night Guard Revolver .357 Mag. • Taurus International: The Judge .45 Colt/.410 Magnum • Browning: X-Bolt Rifle • Sig Sauer: Sig 556 SWAT • Winchester: Model 70 Reintroduction • Benelli USA: Ultra Light 20 Gauge • Browning: Citori 625 Over/Under • Remington Arms: Model 870 SPS ShurShot Synthetic Turkey • Smith & Wesson: Elite Silver Over/Under • Brownells: Professional Magna Tip Tool Set • RCBS: RASS Portable Shooting Bench • SureFire: X300 WeaponLight • Birchwood Casey: Dirty Bird Multi-Color Splattering Targets • Leupold: MX Modular Flashlight System • SureFire: E1B Backup Flashlight • Crimson Trace: Model LG-660 Lasergrips • Hodgdon Powder: Reloading Data Center Web-Site • Leupold: RX-IV Boone & Crockett Edition Digital Rangefinder • Federal: Black Cloud FS Steel Shotshell • Hornady: Ruger Compact Magnum Cartridge (RCMs) • Winchester: E-Tip Lead-Free Bullet • Aimpoint: Micro H-1 Red-Dot Sight JUNE 2008 Knife of the Year • Leupold: Prismatic Shotgun/Muzzleloader/Rifle Scope • Trijicon: AccuPoint 3-9x40 Riflescope Rifle of the Year Safety Product of the Year • Benchmade: 950 SBK Rift Folding Knife • Leatherman: Skeletool Multi-Tool • SureFire: EW08 LEO Law Enforcement Utility Knife • BLACKHAWK!: Hawkhook Rescue Tool • SureFire: EP400 SWAT Ears Hearing Protection • Waffentechnik Borkott & Eickhorn: SARD (Search and Rescue Device) (The nomination details for the following service awards appeared in Shooting Industry’s May issue. They may also be viewed at www.shootingindustry.com.) • F. Hewitt Grant, Ellett Brothers • Bob Hodgdon, Hodgdon Powder • Tom Taylor, Smith & Wesson • BLACKHAWK! Products Group • Ruger • Smith & Wesson • AcuSport • Ellett Brothers • RSR Group Shotgun of the Year Accessory of the Year Shooting Industry Award Specialty Product of the Year Manufacturer of the Year High-Tech Product of the Year Distributor of the Year Ammunition of the Year Citizenship Award Optic of the Year 8 • Brownells • Ellett Brothers • Hodgdon Powder Co. www.shootingindustry.com