NRA Media has announced the winners of the 2026 NRA Golden Bullseye Awards. Now in their 24th year, the Golden Bullseye Awards recognize outstanding innovative firearms, optics, shooting products, and ammunition. And there are also Golden Bullseye Awards for top shooters and for individuals who support the gun industry and Second Amendment rights.
Every year the NRA announces Golden Bullseye Award winners for various product categories (rifle, shotgun, handgun, optics, accessories, gear etc.). These awards are like the Oscars for the shooting industry. There are separate Golden Bullseye prizes awarded by different NRA Magazines — including American Rifleman, Shooting Sports USA, and American Hunter. The 2026 Golden Bullseye Awards will be officially awarded during the April NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas.
Golden Bullseye product awards are selected by the staff of the NRA’s American Rifleman and American Hunter magazines, with multiple categories recognized by each magazine. The selections are then reviewed by NRA Media management. To qualify for consideration for a Golden Bullseye Award, the product must have been: 1) Recently introduced; 2) Innovative in design/function; 3) Tested by a NRA Magazine/media staffer; 4) Reliable in the field; 5) Recognized as good value; and 6) Styled in a manner “befitting the shooting and hunting industry”.
American Rifleman 2026 Golden Bullseye Product Awards
The Tikka T3x Ace Target rifle is an affordable tactical rig capable of winning PRS and NRL matches right out of the box. It is offered in three chamberings: .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win. Two barrel lengths are available: 23.6″ and 26.0″. Standard features include two-stage trigger, adjustable cheekpiece, and forearm rails. The Tikka T3x Ace is available for $1799.00 – $1959.00 at EuroOptic.com.
In this video (above), our friend Erik Cortina tests the Tikka T3x Ace Target rifle, shooting from 100 to 1000 yards. The 6.5 Creedmoor T3x showed superb accuracy with Sako TRG Precision factory ammo. Erik stated he was “very impressed” (2:30 time-mark).
The 2026 Shooting Sports USA Golden Bullseye Competitor Award goes to four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Vincent Hancock. He has been one of the greatest skeet shooter in history. He is also recognized for coaching and mentoring Team USA shooters.
The NRA Media 2026 Golden Bullseye Freedom Award goes to noted attorney, scholar, and author Stephen P. Halbrook. In his legal practice Halbrook has won cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, and his scholarship has contributed to Second Amendment historical knowledge.
The NRA Publications 2026 Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award recipient is Anthony Imperato, the founder and President of Henry Repeating Arms. Imperato has been a strong supporter of the NRA and the Second Amendment rights.
The 2026 Golden Bullseye Woman of the Year winner, nominated by the editors of NRA Women.com, is Tanisha Moner. As a dedicated instruction, Tanisha brought firearms training to thousands of women through the Legally Armed in Detroit (L.A.I.D.) organization.
Now in its 150th year, the NRA remains a vital voice for American gun owners. And the NRA-ILA has just brought an important gun rights case to the U.S. Supreme Court. There have been controversies, but the NRA still remains the largest organization supporting gun rights in the United States. We think that all persons who value the Second Amendment should consider joining the NRA. And if you are already a member, consider extending your membership or getting a Life Membership.
The latest NRA promotion offers 25% to 33% discounts on 1-Year, 2-Year, 3-Year, and 5-Year memberships. CLICK HERE for OFFER. With the memberships you’ll get a free gift, either a Free Duffle Bag or Free Knife. These discounts will only be offered for a limited time, so don’t delay.
NRA Life Membership discounted from $1500 to $1000 — Save $500 (33%)
NRA 5-Year Membership discounted from $150 to $100 — Save $50 (33%)
NRA 3-Year Membership discounted from $100 to $75 — Save $25 (25%)
NRA 2-Year Membership discounted from $75 to $55 — Save $20 (27%)
NRA 1-Year Membership discounted from $45 to $30 — Save $15 (33%)
All memberships include your selection of a monthly print magazine: Shooting Illustrated, American Rifleman, American Hunter, or America’s Freedom.
This caught us by surprise — NRA’s American Rifleman Rifle of the Year is not a Ruger, not a Weatherby, not a Savage. It is a made-in-Germany Mauser. That’s noteworthy. The Mauser 18 bolt-action rifle has been named 2020 Rifle of the Year by the editors of American Rifleman magazine, as part of the NRA’s annual Golden Bullseye Awards. READ Mauser 18 FULL REVIEW.
Mauser 18 Bolt-Action Rifle is Rifle of the Year
How did the Mauser 18 win top honors? The American Rifleman says it’s because this rifle offers excellent “accuracy and ruggedness at an exceptional price point”. The Mauser 18 is available in both short action and long action types, with a wide variety of chamberings, making it suitable for nearly all types of hunting — from varmints to Big Game. The Mauser 18 is available in .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06, and .300 Win Mag. The Mauser 18 is relatively light — rifle weight without optics is 6.4 lbs (standard) and 6.6 lbs (Magnum).
In announcing the M18’s selection, the American Rifleman stated: “…At an MSRP of $699, the Mauser M18 is priced a bit higher than most competing models, but well below any new-production Mauser since the height of the Cold War. While rifles in this class are typically spartan, the M18 offers a few extras along with better-than-expected test results. Purists who can’t separate the brand from its full-length-extractor/controlled-round-feed legacy won’t be fans, but hunters seeking an affordable rifle with reasonable expectations of Mauser performance and durability, likely will be.”
The Mauser 18 features a synthetic stock with a classic American hunter profile (like a Remington 700 stock). There are rubberized grip inlays. The steel receiver has a 3-lug bolt for shorter bolt throw. The rifle boasts a 3-position safety allows hunters to safely carry a round in the chamber without fear of the bolt being nudged out of battery. A five-round magazine offers ample capacity for follow-up shots. The Mauser 18 also features an adjustable trigger allows you to set your own preferred pull weight.
“The Mauser 18 was introduced as ‘The People’s Rifle’, and it has been embraced by hunters throughout the world who want a rugged, reliable, and accurate rifle at a great price. To be recognized as the 2020 American Rifleman Rifle of the Year further validates how exceptional this rifle is in its category.” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group.
If you’re like most of us NRA members, you get a copy of American Rifleman magazine in the mail every month. It’s an excellent publication. You may not know that there is a TV version of the magazine — American Rifleman on the Outdoor Channel. This quality television series is broadcast via cable television, and many episodes can be streamed live through the internet, so you can watch on your mobile devices.
The 2019/2020 American Rifleman new season kicks off in a few weeks. In the meantime, you can watch some interesting past episodes. There are a dozen American Rifleman videos on the Outdoor Channel Preview Page. In addition, numerous ad-free episodes are available on YouTube.
Leupold Factory Tour:
Founded in 1907, Leupold & Stevens produces high-quality optics (with a legendary warranty) in Beaverton, Oregon. Leupold scopes are favorites for hunters as well as competitive shooters. In this episode, American Rifleman TV takes a tour of the Leupold & Stevens factory in Oregon.
Nosler Hunting Rifle Showcase:
Nosler doesn’t just sell bullets and loaded ammunition. Nosler also crafts high-quality Nosler-branded hunting rifles. This video covers the creation of a Nosler rifle start to finish in Nosler’s production facility in Central Oregon. Nosler has offered rifles since 2005. Nosler’s goal was to offer quality hunting rifles that “must be simple, rugged, fully weather-resistant, and provide minute-of-angle accuracy with readily available factory ammunition.”
Springfield Armory M1A Review:
The Springfield Armory M1A is a civilian, semi-auto rifle based on the U.S. Military’s M14. Your Editor owned an M1A, and it was a fun gun. In High Power and Service Rifle competition, low-recoil 5.56 (.223) AR-platform rifles have displaced the M1A, but there is a hugely popular Springfield M1A Match every year at Camp Perry. The M1A Match at Perry offers over $25,000 in cash and prize awards each year.
Three factory ammo types shot 0.53″, 0.55″, and 0.57″ respectively. That’s impressive.
Chassis rifles are hugely popular for PRS/NRL practical rifle competition. There are many good options for Production Class. You may not know that Weatherby, a company that built its reputation on hunting rifles, offers a great-shooting chassis rifle for PRS comps and other tactical disciplines.
Called the Vanguard® Modular Chassis (VMC), this rig has shown remarkable accuracy. Vanguard’s VMC features a Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) aluminum stock, Luth AR MBA-1 buttstock, and 22″ heavy barrel. The Weatherby Vanguard action is fitted with an adjustable 2-stage trigger. Priced at $1519.00 MSRP, this rifle can be campaigned in the PRS “Production Class”, which limits complete rifles to $2000.00 without optics. The rifle is offered in three chamberings: .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester.
Weatherby says its Vanguard Modular Chassis tactical rifle is very accurate. To back that claim, Weatherby offers a SUB-MOA accuracy guarantee — Weatherby guarantees the rifle will shoot .99” or smaller 3-shot groups at 100 yards when used with Weatherby® factory or premium ammunition.
Near Half-MOA Accuracy with Factory Ammo (5-Shot Groups)
It turns out Weatherby’s accuracy claims are conservative. This tactical rifle is closer to a half-MOA rig than a 1-MOA gun. American Rifleman tested a .308 Win version of this rifle and recorded really stellar accuracy — close to half-MOA. What’s more, this rifle is not fussy — with a 1:10″-twist barrel it proved very accurate with six types of factory ammo, with three of types registering 0.57″ or better.
The rifle delivered near-half-inch 5-shot groups with two types of Hornady ammo along with Black Hills 168gr. The worst group of six ammo types tested, Black Hills 175gr, was 0.76″, still very impressive for factory fodder. With good hand-loads this gun could go well under half-MOA (for five shots).
Vanguard Modular Chassis FIVE-SHOT Factory Ammo Test Groups:
0.53 inches | Hornady 168gr Match BTHP (2718 fps)
0.55 inches | Hornady 155gr Steel Match (2612 fps)
0.57 inches | Black Hills 168gr BTHP (2608 fps)
0.66 inches | Federal Premium 168gr MatchKing BTHP (2659 fps)
0.70 inches | Hornady 155gr American Gunner (2697 fps)
0.76 inches | Black Hills 175gr BTHP (2603 fps)
NOTE: Group sizes are for 5-shot groups shot from bench at 100 yards with Caldwell pedestal rest and rear sandbag. Pentax Lightseeker 6-24x50mm scope. Velocities in FPS from PACT Chronograph.
The accuracy testing was done by gunwriter Mike Detty, who notes: “My single best group was fired with Hornady’s Match 168-gr. BTHP ammunition. Five shots measured just slightly more than a half-inch. Hornady’s 155-gr. Steel Match ammo wasn’t far behind with a group of .55″. Also accounting for the small groups is the VMC’s wonderful trigger. It is a two-stage affair and the first stage has about 3/8” take up with about a pound of pressure until it reaches the second stage where another 1 ¾ lbs. was required to break the shot.”
Vanguard Modular Chassis FEATURES:
Action with Fully Enclosed Bolt Sleeve, Integral Recoil Lug
CNC-machined, hard-anodized, 6061 aluminum chassis
Fully adjustable LUTH-AR MBA-1 buttstock
Adjustable 2-stage trigger with 3-Position Safety
PRS Production Class Cost Limits
Production Division combined rifle and scope MSRP as listed on the company’s website shall not exceed $3,000 USD, the rifle shall not exceed $2,000 USD and the optic not exceed $2,000 USD. [Editor: For example, you could have a $2,000 rifle with a $1000.00 scope or vice-versa. The total system cannot exceed $3000. Rifle alone cannot exceed $2000.00 retail sale price.]
Production Division rifles are not permitted to be altered or improved in any way from the original factory configuration.
The NRA’s American Rifleman showcased an interesting project this week — an upgraded Ruger American Rifle Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor. The video below shows how a laminated wood stock from Boyds Gunstocks was adapted for the Ruger. A Boyds Prairie Hunter model in gray laminate was selected. This was custom-bedded to the Ruger’s action using Brownell’s Acraglas.
All Ruger American Rifle models employ dual aluminum V-Blocks to support the action. These fit slots in the underside of the action. Boyds makes its own version of these V-Blocks which were installed in the Boyds stock to secure the action.
Project leader Joe Kurtenbach says the size, shape, and geometry of the Boyds V-Blocks is very accurate, so they fit the Ruger action well. To further support the action, Acraglas bedding compound was applied to the inside of the stock, after release compound was applied to the barreled action. With this DIY bedding job, the Boyds laminated stock is definitely an improvement over this original “Tupperware” factory stock.
DIY Bargain Hunter Upgrade
American Rifleman states: “The Ruger American has some great features—hammer-forged barrel, reliable action, crisp trigger — but many would not consider the molded, polymer stock to be among them. Luckily, there are aftermarket options to enhance the rifle’s utility and aesthetics. A durable, attractive stock from Boyds Gunstocks and some DIY action bedding, using Brownells Acraglas, is the next step in the precision-driven hunting rifle build.”
Choice of Gun and 6.5 Creedmoor Chambering
For this project, American Rifleman’s Joe Kurtenbach selected one of his favorite cartridges, the 6.5 Creedmoor. Introduced in 2007 by Hornady, the accurate, flat-shooting 6.5 Creedmoor has proven very popular with both hunters and tactical/PRS shooters. The Ruger American Rifle Predator was chosen for its affordable price, reliable action, and Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger.
In this video, Kurtenback explains how and why the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering and Ruger American Rifle were chosen for the Precision Hunter rifle build project.
The Air Armor Tech Long Gun Case (LGC) holds multiple firearms up to 52″ OAL. When deflated, the 8-lb LGC stows in a 18″ x 9″ diameter roll. The LGC easily holds two long rifles with optics. The LGC comes complete with internal tie-downs for rifle and pistol, plus external shoulder straps for field carry.
Here’s something new and clever — a gun case with inflatable air chambers to protect the rifle. This definitely could have benefits for hunters and tactical shooters. This new Air Armor Tech military-grade gun case was recently tested by American Rifleman magazine. This gun case was developed by Blaine “Rock” Tompkins, a retired fighter pilot.
American Rifleman’s tester liked the product: “Typical foam-filled soft cases are inexpensive but don’t offer all that much padding. While hard cases provide more protection, they are bulky and take up a lot of storage space. Air Armor Tech’s inflatable gun cases … provide plenty of padding while being lightweight and easy to store. The three-pipe inflation system allows both of the 3-inch-thick (when fully inflated) air bladders to be quickly inflated.” Air Armor Tech offers two sizes, the Long Gun Case (LGC) that holds guns up to 52″ OAL, and the Mid-Length Gun Case (MLGC) that holds firearms up to 42″ OAL.
Air Armor Tech’s cases aren’t cheap — the LGC is $549 while the smaller MLGC is $499 — but when you consider your investment in rifle and optics, maybe this makes sense, particularly for hunters. Inside the bag are twin air bladders (see photo above) that cushion your guns. When deflated, the Air Armor Tech case can be rolled into a something the size of a sleeping bag.
Here are three videos that show the Air Armor Tech case works — and how it even floats. This air-cushioned bag definitely offers added protection for expensive firearms and optics.
Air Armor Tech Gun Case Features
Air Armor Tech Case on River Trip
Air Armor Tech Extended Field Test Report
“Air Armor Tech sent me a military grade inflatable rifle case to review. I’ve been using it for a couple of months on hunting trips, trips to the range and just about anything else I take a rifle or shotgun to. After using it for months, I can state without hesitation that the Air Armor Tech rifle and shotgun case is the toughest, lightest, handiest and best-made rifle case I have ever owned. It also protects my long guns better than anything I have ever tried. Besides, it even floats.” — Gun Guy, 09/25/17
Weatherby has a new modular rifle for PRS comps and other tactical disciplines. Called the Vanguard® Modular Chassis (VMC), this rifle features a Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) aluminum stock, Luth AR MBA-1 buttstock, and 22″ heavy barrel. The Weatherby Vanguard action is fitted with an adjustable 2-stage trigger. Priced at $1519.00 MSRP, this rifle can be campaigned in the PRS “Production Class”, which limits complete rifles to $2000.00 without optics. The rifle is offered in three chamberings: .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester.
Weatherby says its Vanguard Modular Chassis tactical rifle is very accurate. To back that claim, Weatherby offers a SUB-MOA accuracy guarantee — Weatherby guarantees the rifle will shoot .99” or smaller 3-shot groups at 100 yards when used with Weatherby® factory or premium ammunition.
Near Half-MOA Accuracy with Factory Ammo
It turns out Weatherby’s accuracy claims are conservative. This tactical rifle is closer to a half-MOA rig than a 1-MOA gun. American Rifleman recently tested a .308 Win version of this rifle and recorded really stellar accuracy — close to half-MOA. What’s more, this rifle is not fussy — with a 1:10″-twist barrel it proved very accurate with six different types of factory ammo.
In fact, the rifle delivered near-half-inch 5-shot groups with two types of Hornady factory ammo, and the worst group (of six ammo types) was 0.76″, still very impressive for factory fodder. With good hand-loads this gun could go well under half-MOA (for five shots).
Vanguard Modular Chassis FIVE-SHOT Test Groups with Factory Ammo:
0.53 inches | Hornady 168gr Match BTHP (2718 fps)
0.55 inches | Hornady 155gr Steel Match (2612 fps)
0.57 inches | Black Hills 168gr BTHP (2608 fps)
0.66 inches | Federal Premium 168gr MatchKing BTHP (2659 fps)
0.70 inches | Hornady 155gr American Gunner (2697 fps)
0.76 inches | Black Hills 175gr BTHP (2603 fps)
NOTE: Group sizes are for 5-shot groups shot from bench at 100 yards with Caldwell pedestal rest and rear sandbag. Pentax Lightseeker 6-24x50mm scope. Velocities in FPS from PACT Chronograph.
The accuracy testing was done by gunwriter Mike Detty, who notes: “My single best group was fired with Hornady’s Match 168-gr. BTHP ammunition. Five shots measured just slightly more than a half-inch. Hornady’s 155-gr. Steel Match ammo wasn’t far behind with a group of .55″. Also accounting for the small groups is the VMC’s wonderful trigger. It is a two-stage affair and the first stage has about 3/8” take up with about a pound of pressure until it reaches the second stage where another 1 ¾ lbs. was required to break the shot.”
PRS Production Class Cost Limits
Production Division combined rifle and scope MSRP as listed on the company’s website shall not exceed $3,000 USD, the rifle shall not exceed $2,000 USD and the optic not exceed $2,000 USD. [Editor: For example, you could have a $2,000 rifle with a $1000.00 scope or vice-versa. The total system cannot exceed $3000. Rifle alone cannot exceed $2000.00 retail sale price.]
Production Division rifles are not permitted to be altered or improved in any way from the original factory configuration.
The NRA’s American Rifleman showcased an interesting project this week — an upgraded Ruger American Rifle Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor. The video below shows how a laminated wood stock from Boyd’s Gunstocks was adapted for the Ruger. A Boyds Prairie Hunter model in gray laminate was selected. This was custom-bedded to the Ruger’s action using Brownell’s Acraglas.
All Ruger American Rifle models employ dual aluminum V-Blocks to support the action. These fit slots in the underside of the action. Boyds makes its own version of these V-Blocks which were installed in the Boyds stock to secure the action.
Project leader Joe Kurtenbach says the size, shape, and geometry of the Boyds V-Blocks is very accurate, so they fit the Ruger action well. To further support the action, Acraglas bedding compound was applied to the inside of the stock, after release compound was applied to the barreled action. With this DIY bedding job, the Boyds laminated stock is definitely an improvement over this original “Tupperware” factory stock.
DIY Bargain Hunter Upgrade
American Rifleman states: “The Ruger American has some great features—hammer-forged barrel, reliable action, crisp trigger — but many would not consider the molded, polymer stock to be among them. Luckily, there are aftermarket options to enhance the rifle’s utility and aesthetics. A durable, attractive stock from Boyds Gunstocks and some DIY action bedding, using Brownells Acraglas, is the next step in the precision-driven hunting rifle build.”
Choice of Gun and 6.5 Creedmoor Chambering
For this project, American Rifleman’s Joe Kurtenbach selected one of his favorite cartridges, the 6.5 Creedmoor. Introduced in 2007 by Hornady, the accurate, flat-shooting 6.5 Creedmoor has proven very popular with both hunters and tactical/PRS shooters. The Ruger American Rifle Predator was chosen for its affordable price, reliable action, and Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger.
In this video, Kurtenback explains how and why the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering and Ruger American Rifle were chosen for the Precision Hunter rifle build project.
Most gun guys know that the NRA publishes a monthly magazine called American Rifleman. What you may not know is that NRA also offers an American Rifleman television series on the Outdoor Channel. On each episode the hosts of American Rifleman TV review popular firearms (pistols, rifles, and shotguns). Most episodes include an historical segment. For example, in the 2016 Season Premiere, American Rifleman TV looks back at WWII, spotlighting The Men & Guns of the Pacific.
Highlights from other American Rifleman TV Episodes:
Springfield Armory M1A Review:
The Springfield Armory M1A is a civilian, semi-auto rifle based on the U.S. Military’s M14. Your Editor owned an M1A, and it was a fun gun. In High Power and Service Rifle competition, low-recoil 5.56 (.223) AR-platform rifles have displaced the M1A, but there is a hugely popular Springfield M1A Match every year at Camp Perry. The M1A Match at Perry offers over $25,000 in cash and prize awards each year.
Leupold Factory Tour:
Founded in 1907, Leupold & Stevens produces high-quality optics (with a legendary warranty) in Beaverton, Oregon. Leupold scopes are favorites for hunters as well as competitive shooters. In this episode, American Rifleman TV takes a tour of the Leupold & Stevens factory in Oregon.
Ruger American Rimfire Review:
Ruger offers both Standard and Compact models of its American Rimfire in two chamberings: .22 LR and .22 WMR. This rifle features a detachable, rotary magazine, like Ruger’s popular 10/22. The American Rimfire is a very affordable, yet reliable and surprisingly accurate rifle.
All Ruger American Rifle models employ dual aluminum V-Blocks to support the action. These fit slots in the underside of the action. Boyds makes its own version of these V-Blocks which were installed in the Boyds stock to secure the action.
