SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade) Show 2012 took place in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands Convention Center last week.
With 630,000 net square feet and some 1,600 exhibitors it is the largest and most comprehensive trade show for all professionals involved with the shooting sports, hunting and law enforcement industries and the world's premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics and related products and services. The SHOT Show attracts buyers from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
To the casual observer not much has changed since the last show, apart from larger attendance (61,000 this year) and more celebrity appearances. The Columbia River Knife and Tool Booth became particularly crowded when Aerosmith Lead singer and American Idol judge, Stephen Tyler showed up to see CRKT's latest knives.
A hot theme this year, once again, was an extension from the tactical community: Zombies. Ammunition made for zombies, targets depicting zombies were on hand from many more mainstream vendors and manufacturers such as Hornady's ZombieMax billed as "ammunition for the undead!" and Birchwood-Casey's Darkotic reactive splattering targets which look like creatures from a horror movie instead of traditional deer or prarie dog shaped targets, that show a white halo around each bullet hole.
Although, they have been around for a few years, energizer's line of tactical lights made quite an impression. As a long-time fan of SureFire, Lenslight, Streamlight, Longbow, Gladius and other high-end tactical lights; I was quite impressed with Energizer's offerings in the tactical flashlight arena.
Energizer® Hard Case Tactical® - designed to be virtually indestructible, with attributes critical to helping military personnel and law enforcement officers perform their jobs safely and effectively
Energizer® Night Strike® - designed to meet the specific lighting needs of hunting and fishing enthusiasts
Energizer® Ultimate® – designed for adventurers who need dependable light in extreme conditions and temperatures
We will be conducting an in-depth review on their new tactical helmet light in an upcoming article.
In firearm news GLOCK introduced 3 pistols: the G21 (.45 Auto), G32 (.357) and G34 (9X19) as Gen4 models. The ergonomics of the Gen4 pistol have been refined by adding a Multiple Back Strap (MBS) system to the grip of the pistol. Each Gen4 comes with three difference grip options: a short, medium and large size, enabling the pistol to adapt to each individual shooter’s hand size with the removal and insertion of a single pin. In addition, the grip has been given a new Rough Textured Frame (RTF) to increase grip traction.
Another polymer handgun which debuted was the Ruger LCR in .22lr; a 13.5 ounce, small frame revolver with a surprisingly smooth trigger. This should make for a handy revolver to tuck in the pocket for a fishing trip or a trip to the "back 40".
On the knife fromt, SOG Knives will be debuting some interesting models 3rd Quarter of this year. A fixed blade and a folder with led lights incorporated into the handles similar to custom Japanese maker Nemoto's knives. SOG's pricepoint is about 1/10th that of the custom offering.
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