U.S.A. –-(Ammoland.com)- Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is proud to announce that it has been recognized by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) as Firearms Manufacturer of the Year for the twelfth consecutive year and as Firearms Innovator of the Year for the third time.

Over 500 NASGW members met on October 16 in Pittsburgh at the Annual Awards Dinner and Reception for the presentation of awards. Accepting these prestigious awards on behalf of Ruger was President and CEO, Chris Killoy.

”We are humbled to be recognized by the NASGW once again as Firearms Manufacturer and Innovator of the Year,” said Chris Killoy. “We remain committed to manufacturing innovative firearms and bringing them to market through our two-step distribution model.”

The NASGW is the organizer and sponsor of the NASGW Expo and Annual Meeting event. This annual event provides educational, marketing and communications opportunities to hunting and shooting sports wholesalers, manufacturers and sales professionals. The NASGW also uses this event to recognize manufacturers for their accomplishments from the previous year.

The Firearms Manufacturer of the Year recipient is determined by NASGW members who evaluate the performance of manufacturers on four key criteria: distribution policy; marketing, promotions and sales; logistics and operations; and NASGW and industry support. This assessment of manufacturer performance is designed to provide a balanced appraisal that recognizes the best manufacturer in its category according to NASGW members.

The Firearms Innovator of the Year award is given to the company that is committed to developing unique products, services or strategies that set that company apart from its competitors; has made an outstanding contribution in furthering the image and development of shooting sports; enhances and increases significantly the growth and expansion of shooting sports; and actively supports NASGW and its wholesaler member firms.