Firearm Industry Inducts Three Standouts into NSSF Hall of Fame

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, has honored three new inductees—Robert Delfay, Richard Hammett, and Arthur Wheaton—to its Hall of Fame at the 2025 SHOT Show. These career leaders were recognized for accomplishments that have significantly strengthened the firearm industry and expanded the shooting sports, hunting, and firearm ownership.

Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO, praised the contributions of the three Hall of Fame inductees in remarks made at the NSSF Members Meeting at the SHOT Show. SHOT Show is the largest trade show of hunting, shooting, law enforcement, and outdoor-related products in the world.

“On behalf of a grateful industry, it’s my honor to recognize Bob Delfay, Dick Hammett, and Art Wheaton for their exemplary careers and their many professional accomplishments. They each played pivotal roles in creating a better future for the firearm industry and popularizing the shooting sports and hunting. They have earned our respect and praise,” said Bartozzi.

The inductees have their images and career highlights displayed in large panels erected in one of the most heavily trafficked corridors of the show. “The contributions of these three inductees are directly linked to the success of this great trade show and its importance to the millions of employees and customers connected to SHOT Show,” said Bartozzi.

Robert Delfay

Bob Delfay served 30 years with NSSF, including the last 10 years as its President and CEO. During his career, he was at the forefront of some of industry’s biggest, most impactful initiatives. These included developing the SHOT Show into the world’s largest trade show of its kind; the creation in 1971 of the first National Hunting and Fishing Day, which Congress officially recognized to occur on the fourth Saturday of every September; and the formation of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund that was supported by 200 companies to fight frivolous lawsuits filed by municipalities. In retirement, Delfay didn’t rest as he helped establish a 10-year, $1 million dollar grant program, in partnership with NSSF, to benefit the future of hunting and conservation.

Richard Hammett

Dick Hammett spent 42 years with Olin Corporation in finance, marketing, and senior management roles. He was President of the Winchester Division from 2002 until his retirement in 2011. Hammett was both a passionate sportsman and industry leader, having served on the Board of Governors for both NSSF and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute. Hammett was an ardent champion and supporter of youth shooting sports programs, including 4-H, the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, and the Scholastic Clay Target Program, and he was an advisory board member for Kids and Clays, an organization that raises money for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Arthur Wheaton

The Chairman of NSSF’s Board of Governors from 2002 to 2007, Art Wheaton has maintained a focus throughout his life on conservation, hunting, and the responsible use of firearms. He spent more than four decades with Remington Arms Company, starting as a junior engineer and eventually retiring as Vice President General Manager Worldwide Sales in 2001. NSSF launched major programs during Wheaton’s tenure as Chairman, including Families Afield, Hunting Heritage Partnership, and First Shots. Wheaton supported NSSF’s expansion of retailer-focused services, and he championed the growth of NSSF’s fledgling Scholastic Clay Target Program, which today has more than 21,000 high school athletes participating in 47 states.