At the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Industry Appreciation dinner held October 25, 2022, in Kansas City, the NASGW presented its Appreciation Awards. According to NASGW, each year, the organization awards the top optics, accessory, ammunition, and firearms manufacturers, along with the leading importer and innovator, who best demonstrate a commitment to the 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. Wholesaler members evaluate manufacturers' performance on four key criteria; distribution policy, marketing, sales, and promotion; logistics and operations; and NASGW and industry support.

The 2022 Appreciation Awards winners are:

Firearm Manufacturer of the Year: Springfield Armory

Optics Manufacturer of the Year: Holoson Technologies

Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year: PMC Ammunition

Accessory Manufacturer of the Year: Franklin Armory

Importer of the Year: Zastava Arms

Innovator of the Year: Springfield Armory

In addition, NASGW partners with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) to give Caliber Awards to the year’s best new products, as voted on by an independent panel of 18 industry judges, comprised of NASGW members and POMA members. In order to qualify for a Caliber Award, manufacturers must be a NASGW member in good standing and the product must have been publicly released after November 1, 2021. 

The 2022 Caliber Award Winners are:

Best New Accessory: Caldwell Claymore Target Thrower

Best New Optic: Holosun EPS Carry

Best New Ammunition: Hornady Outfitter

Best New Handgun: Sig Sauer P365-XMACRO

Best New Rifle: Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT

Best New Shotgun: Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey Optic-Ready

Best Overall New Product: Sig Sauer P365-XMACRO