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. The tribute marked a culmination of nearly three decades of unwavering support and partnership with NRA and the NRA Foundation.
“On behalf of the NRA, I want to congratulate Anthony on this tremendous Lifetime Achievement,” said 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. It’s all because of your driving force, your enthusiasm and your passion. You’ve 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.”
Imperato’s relationship with the NRA spans years of meaningful contributions—from 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 Foundation’s Live Auction, including a firearms set that brought in mind-boggling $100,000 in 2014. Another highlight was the custom-wrapped Henry Ford F-150 pickup (outfitted with a Henry Big Boy) that netted $70,000 in 2015. Perhaps most notably, he has donated 1,100 youth rifles through Friends of NRA, helping to introduce young Americans to safe and responsible firearms use.
The custom rifle presented to Imperato, the Honorary Anthony Imperato Rifle, is a 1-of-1 New Original Henry chambered in .44-40 WCF, featuring a 24½-inch octagonal blued steel barrel, a solid brass receiver hand-engraved by Baron Engraving’s 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 singular status as a symbol of lasting recognition to an industry icon.
The rifle will be displayed in the NRA National Firearms Museum.
“I grew up working in my grandfather and father’s police equipment shop, and it wound up being an incredible blessing being in this industry—whether it’s the industry itself or the consumers. Making firearms and having that special bond with the consumer, that’s the business that we’re in,” said Imperato.
“I’m honored; this is just magnificent,” he added. “It’s been a great pleasure to work with so many wonderful folks from the National Rifle Association all these years—you’re 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 Imperato’s legacy. As the driving force behind one of America’s most iconic firearms manufacturers, his contributions continue to shape the future of American gun ownership and Second Amendment advocacy.
Learn more about Henry Repeating Arms, the NRA Foundation, Friends of NRA and the NRA National Firearms Museum.
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