In a heartfelt ceremony at the NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Virginia, the National Rifle Association of America honored Anthony Imperato, the founder and CEO of Henry Repeating Arms, with a one-of-a-kind presentation rifle on October 17, 2025. This tribute marked a culmination of nearly three decades of unwavering support and partnership with the NRA and the NRA Foundation. On behalf of the NRA, I want to congratulate Anthony on this tremendous Lifetime Achievement, remarked Doug Hamlin, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO. Your generosity is second to none, but you also exemplify American exceptionalism. You founded Henry with your dad, and you now have 800 employees with multiple manufacturing facilities. Its all because of your driving force, your enthusiasm and your passion. Youve been very supportive of the National Rifle Association, so on behalf of our staff and our members, I just want to say thank you for everything you do. Imperatos relationship with the NRA spans years of meaningful contributionsfrom setting a World Record with 1,000 Henry Golden Boy Silver rifles at the NRA Whittington Center in 2016, to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars through high-profile donations to the NRA Foundations Live Auction. Notably, a firearms set led to a remarkable $100,000 donation in 2014. Another significant contribution was a custom-wrapped Henry Ford F-150 pickup outfitted with a Henry Big Boy, netting $70,000 in 2015. Perhaps most importantly, he has donated 1,100 youth rifles through Friends of NRA, helping introduce young Americans to safe and responsible firearms use. The custom rifle presented to Imperato, the Honorary Anthony Imperato Rifle, is a unique piece: a New Original Henry chambered in .44-40 WCF. It features a 24-inch octagonal blued steel barrel, a solid brass receiver hand-engraved by Baron Engravings Alyssa Montini, and an exhibition-grade American Walnut stock. On one side, a portrait of Imperato is engraved beneath the title FOUNDER, and the opposite side bears the inscription: Presented to Honor a Legacy of American Excellence. Its unique serial number, IMPERATO0001, ensures its status as a symbol of lasting recognition for an industry icon. This one-of-a-kind rifle will be displayed in the NRA National Firearms Museum. In his acceptance speech, Imperato reflected on his journey in the firearms industry: I grew up working in my grandfather and fathers police equipment shop, and it wound up being an incredible blessing. Making firearms and having that special bond with the consumer, thats the business that were in, he stated, radiating pride and appreciation. Im honored; this is just magnificent, he added. Its been a great pleasure to work with so many wonderful folks from the National Rifle Association all these yearsyoure dear to my heart. Thank you so much. More than a ceremonial gesture, the presentation rifle embodies the spirit of innovation, leadership, and patriotism that defines Imperatos legacy. As the driving force behind one of Americas most iconic firearms manufacturers, his contributions continue to shape the future of American gun ownership and Second Amendment advocacy. This event underscores the deep ties within the firearms community and the shared commitment to preserving the values of the Second Amendment as well as empowering the next generation of firearms enthusiasts. As the NRA honors individuals like Imperato, it reflects the ongoing evolution of gun culture in Americaa culture marked by advocacy, support for responsible ownership, and a commitment to youth engagement through firearms education.