While 2020 will largely be remembered for the unprecedented toll the COVID pandemic took on the world, we at NRA Women have decided to end the year by focusing on some of the more positive events that occurred—which includes the launch of this website. Thanks to a corps of dedicated writers and editors, we have been able to bring you daily content that we hope has entertained, informed and educated you on all that the outdoor industry has to offer women.
One of the most rewarding parts of our jobs at NRA Women is when we can tell our readers about standout products and people within our industry. These are products that may make your outdoor life easier or at the very least more enjoyable. And when we can recognize them with a coveted NRA Publications Golden Bullseye Award, it’s even sweeter.
This year, NRAWomen.com is proud to be included in presenting these awards for the first time, which NRA Publications has been bestowing on the best of the best in the eyes of its magazine editors for 16 years. For 2021, we are excited to introduce a new category specific to NRA Women: Industry Woman of the Year, which recognizes a woman in the firearm/outdoor industry whose reach extends beyond products or manufacturers, creating a community that facilitates women’s entry into the world of firearms, hunting or Second Amendment advocacy.
Without further ado, the editors of NRAWomen.com are proud to announce its inaugural 2021 Golden Bullseye winners:
Handgun of the Year: Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ Semi-Automatic Pistol
Long Gun of the Year: Savage Arms Renegauge Shotgun
Gear of the Year: Girls With Guns Clothing Carbine Pants
Firearm Industry Woman of the Year: Linda Powell, Director of Media Relations, Mossberg
Although we have reported on the winning products on this website, we will be sharing more about the recipient of the “Industry Woman of the Year” Award in the coming weeks. After all, when a person's name is typically preceded by the words, “legendary” or “incomparable,” don’t you want to know why? Many of you reading this already know her, but for those who don’t, we are looking forward to helping you get to know Mossberg Director of Media Relations Linda Powell.
So how are the winners selected? When it comes to products chosen, certain criteria must be met in order to be considered for a Golden Bullseye Award. As such the criteria are that the product must have met are:
- Recently introduced and available to consumers prior to the selection of the Golden Bullseye Awards;
- Used/tested by a staff member or regular contributor to the magazine and/or affiliated media;
- Reliable in the field, meeting or exceeding the evaluator’s expectations;
- Innovative in design and function;
- Readily perceived as a value to the purchaser; and
- Styled in a manner befitting the shooting and hunting industry and, perhaps more importantly, its enthusiasts.
The "Industry Woman of the Year" nominee must have accomplished at least one of the following:
- Through her professional capacity, has made significant contributions that have resulted in an increased number of female shooters, hunters and Second Amendment advocates
- Advanced the firearm industry through invention, innovation or manufacture of firearms or gear
- Fostered women’s involvement in the shooting sports or hunting through mentoring, education or awareness, and through the creation of an environment that welcomes the female shooter, promoting camaraderie and community
- As an industry ambassador, has exemplified outstanding leadership characteristics by which female newcomers can model their participation
