View Full Version : SHOT Show 2005 Reports?
BearFlag
01-29-2005, 01:56
I just got back from the first day of SHOT SHOW, my brother, his friend, and I managed to cover about 2/3rds of the convention on the first day. But we found a few jewels.
Crye Precision stuff rocks as does the new Blackwater gear. Specifically, they have a x-harness that is brilliant. It has several features like zippers and straps in innovative locations that make you think.... how come nobody has done this before???? It can fold up down sideways etc, and even accepts a ballistic plate up front or soft armor on the sides. I suggest you check it out if you are at the shot, it is not on BW's website yet but it should be up in the coming weeks. Crye's bodyarmor is awesome, you have to see it for yourself, all their equipment is really impressive.
RCBS/LeMas bullets are even more amazing than I thought. They were having major technical issues as a result of a Virus installed on their computer by Bill gates, but they still had a few good things to look at.
We stopped by the Kifaru suite at the Hilton International, and talked w/ Mel and got to try on all the various packs, and he introduced a new pack, called the "Express" it looks like one of the best packs designed by Kifaru yet, it is just about the right size to be a serious use pack (and can grow rapidly w/ the addition of a few addon pouches.) but it is extremely well contoured to your body, and Mel said that he specifically designed it to be a suitable pack for medium length missions and lots of doorstomping. I'll try to get pictures if I can.
More to follow,
So far we have bookmarked a few items for purchase, so we might be comming home w/ orders for HSPrecision rifle, SA XD pistols, Rob Arms carbine, a Kifaru pack and some other toys.
If any of you guys are at the SHOT feel free to contact my brother and Ion my cell at 805-907-8898, ask for Jay.
All right, damn it. I KNOW there are a bunch of PS.com members attending; put down your beer, fire up the laptop and start posting some AARs! :)
Kyobanim
01-29-2005, 15:22
put down your beer
You sound like my wife
:D
Sacamuelas
01-29-2005, 17:05
I officially HATE you. ;) :D
Nice report... thanks. Anyone else? :munchin
Smokin Joe
01-29-2005, 17:22
I officially HATE you. ;) :D
Nice report... thanks. Anyone else? :munchin
You couldn't go either uh Sacamuelas?
Now I don't feel so bad. Misery is better with company :cool:
Roguish Lawyer
01-29-2005, 17:39
All right, damn it. I KNOW there are a bunch of PS.com members attending; put down your beer, fire up the laptop and start posting some AARs! :)
Yeah! :munchin
Kyobanim
01-29-2005, 17:41
I officially HATE you. ;) :D
Anyone else? :munchin
I hate him, too.
BearFlag
01-30-2005, 03:18
ITT has a new binocular/monocular night vision, it weighs about 65% of the weight of the PVS 7s, but each optic is independent and can be detached to be its own optic. It is about half of the size of the PVS 7s w/ both of them together, and about 2/3rds the size of the 14s. They wouldn't let me take pictures.
The new AR that FN is supposedly supposed to be making for the SF units in the US was notably absent, but Robinson Arms XCR looked superior IMO anyway, different strokes for different folks. The new Barret 25mm is also MIA.
We are heading back tomorrow for a few hours then are hooking up w/ an FFL and buying some pistols to go shooting, hopefully I get some photos.
Smokin Joe
01-30-2005, 06:08
Two Words:
Camera Bag :lifter
But then you would be violating the SHOT show policy.
On second thought better not. ;)
rubberneck
01-30-2005, 13:01
I am hoping to get a review of this:
http://www.robarm.com/xcrtm_modular_weapon_system.htm
Just finished my first day (had to miss the first two to work)--as a matter of fact, they have internet kiosks in the hall, from which I am typing just this moment. The show is quite a bit larger than I would have imagined... just about everything you could ever want. The only problem is that walking around makes you wish you had quite a bit more money. :D
Met AmbushMaster and Mr. Harsey, as well as Air.177. Mr. Harsey's just as big as you think he'd be, and has hands that could probably crush your skull; AM made me jump when I tapped him on the shoulder and he turned, looking like he was about to blast a couple into me. And Air... well, I didn't see any evidence of a Sock Monkey, but it could have just been hidden somewhere. :D
The other part I love about Vegas? Good cheap restaurants.
Roguish Lawyer
01-30-2005, 19:47
as a matter of fact, they have internet kiosks in the hall, from which I am typing just this moment.
:munchin
I hate all of you. Especially those who went to this show.
Roguish Lawyer
01-31-2005, 19:34
Well, today is the last day. Add a day or two for hangover recov, errrrrrrrrr, TRAVEL, and maybe we'll be seeing some reports. ;)
Sadly, in my case, it actually was travel, rather than RL's more pleasant implication.
Got home last night, after fighting traffic up the 101. The day at the show was a good one: got up late, had a nice steak-and-eggs breakfast, and took a leisurely stroll to the show. Did some more exploring (you can't see it all in one day). I'm not much of a hunter, so I spent more time in the guns/ammo/gear concourse; the LEO/tactical section was quite interesting, if smaller than I would have imagined. All of the firearms companies had a booth or two: the main one, large and pavilion-style, with all of their product line on stands for touching/handling, and some with smaller side booths in a different section (typically the LEO section) for their more specialized offerings. Needless to say, a beautiful thing for a guy who spends most of his time in an area conspicuously without well-stocked gun stores--sometimes you just have to find out how something is going to feel in your hand.
Some of my favorite booths ended up being Chris Reeve Knives (the Yarborough is a fine knife indeed), Stan Bulmer's LeMas booth (relegated to a back corner of the LEO section, which I half-jokingly suspected was due to the fact that they had a monitor running a continuous loop of video that included footage of the wound channel/cavity in a hog as a result of a shot from a .308 LeMas round), and the Blackwater area, in which they had a man handing out cups of beer. I also enjoyed the HK, Para, and Taurus areas (I have a soft spot in my heart for Taurus revolvers, except for that crazy duty-sized .454 Casull). Honorable mention to the lady handing out the beef jerky.
Met some more folks, as well. Talked to AM for a while longer, who introduced me to the Team Sergeant. Spoke with them for a while, during which Air.177 snuck up on us (well, me, at least: apparently TS's peripheral vision is nigh-invincible). I was also introduced to The Reaper, with whom I chatted for a few moments. I finished the day by going back to say goodbye to AM and Mr. Harsey and Mr. Reeve before I left. I am pleased to say that all of the folks I met from here are very nice, gracious men, and I am honored to have met them; I will admit, it is a bit odd to have Mr. Harsey call me 'sir,' but then, that's just further evidence that his parents raised him up right.
In all, a great time. The only problem with the show is that it's so big that everything eventually seems to blur together; simple sensory overload. But there's so much great stuff and so many great people there that I would recommend it to anyone interested in such things; the expense is trivial compared to the experience. I'll be there next year, that's for sure.
Did Chris Reeve Knives have The Reaper knife there?
militarymoron
02-02-2005, 00:58
i spent all four days there and still didn't see everything - same as last year. it was my pleasure to meet mr harsey, air.177, AM, TS, reaper (again), guy, amongst others.
my brain is mush right now, but some of the things (besides those already mentioned) that caught my eye were:
- eVent fabric water proof garments in ACU pattern and soft shells (level 5) from opstechnical gear
- level 1-3 polartec stuff; that thermogrid 100 stuff is cool - lighter, warmer and more compressible than regular fleece.
- leitner-wise piston conversions for the M4 and MRPs.
- magnifier for the aimpoint
- gladius flashlight
- scout lights from SF. that one with the KL4 head is bright for such a compact light. i'll let reaper fill ya'll in on the SF products.
- kifaru's show and tell at the hilton. that express pack IS nice. mel was walking the show with it. i had a multicam marauder on most of the time.
there's a lot more, but it's beddy time for me.
cheers,
MM
Chrisman
02-02-2005, 01:20
Ok, you read my younger brothers review of the shot show...so now I'll try to improve on it. http://professionalsoldiers.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=59646#
On the second day we went with out with reckless abandon to the other massive hall where most of the big hitters are that aren't related to hunting.
In a hall that could hold a 747 we seemed to stop every 10 or 15ft to eyeball and handle everything we could from knives and packs to NODs and some of the most innovative firearms I've every laid my hands on. Not only touch but talk about everything that went into it, usually with the main man himself. I'll describe each one as I remember.
The first day my buddy Ian want to go to the HS Precision guys to order a HS Precision 2000 HTR http://www.hsprecision.com/new_htr.htm which was on display there in there custom desert paint job. He'll be down about 3k when its all down with Lepould glass. I own a Rem. 700 with a HS stock but this rifle "takes the cake". Heavy barrel and fluted with very nice crisp trigger. Very nice, my buddy Ian will love it. It will totally smoke the M24 he's using now. I'll give a review on it when I shoot it.
Robinson Arms was on our next list. I've been looking at this companies rifles for years and now I got to really check them out. On display they had thier XCR which in my mind is greatly superior to any AR15/M4 or gas operated rifle. Rob Arms (http://www.robarm.com/xcrtm_modular_weapon_system.htm) When we finally found the both there was a line of people checking out the XCR. I have a broken wrist from snowboarding in Tahoe so I was real careful picking it up. The weight and balance is very much like a M4. This one only had a 11.5 barrel on it with a Surefire grip light. This is a easy rifle to adjust to once in hand. The select fire is just what any shooter wants, canted like a HK rifle but with a shortened M4 lever. Very fast and very smooth, plus its ambidexrious. One of the best things I immediately noticed is the bolt release is right in front of your trigger finger(for right handed shooters) and is super fast to use...it might be on both sides too...I just don't remember. If you haven't seen a Robinson Arms rifle take the time because it's worth it. Solid construction with removable barrels! I'm going to order one as soon as I get to 10th in Febuary. I think I'll go with a 14.5 barrel and I'm working on getting my Class 3 to get a Select fire one...I'll have to see. I can't wait to get it though even if it isn't a select fire model. There were hundreds of Ar15/M4's there and none of them came close to what Robinson Arms offered. Check it out and visit there site.
Ok, more to follow...I'm smoked. I'll try to write another one tomorrow. Oh, they had free beer at the Kifaru suite...ahhh so nice. They sold beer at the show at like 2 in the afternoon so you could enjoy, ahhh.
Have a good one all, Cheers
Chrisman
Bill Harsey
02-02-2005, 09:03
Militarymoron,
It was my pleasure to meet you at SHOT Show. I hope you had enough to see and study while there.
My brain will be mush for a few more days while I write the after action notes for myself.
Each of the two main show rooms could hold several 747's, I think we have 20 acres indoors for SHOT and every square foot used up. It was 450 paces from Chris Reeve Knives to Sure Fire and that means at least a quarter mile one way, all show display every inch of the way too. If you see a restroom, use it! because it could be quite a hike to find one and the trees in Las Vegas don't provide much cover.
Of Note, I was at the 5.11 booth up in the Military and Law Enforcement section and spoke with the designer there. I was shown the new 5.11 tactical pants and the feature that impressed me was that they are now reinforcing the top of the front right hand pocket seam with stitched nylon for all the folks carrying pocket knives with clips. Thanks 5.11!!!
Smokin Joe
02-02-2005, 11:06
Militarymoron,
It was my pleasure to meet you at SHOT Show. I hope you had enough to see and study while there.
My brain will be mush for a few more days while I write the after action notes for myself.
Each of the two main show rooms could hold several 747's, I think we have 20 acres indoors for SHOT and every square foot used up. It was 450 paces from Chris Reeve Knives to Sure Fire and that means at least a quarter mile one way, all show display every inch of the way too. If you see a restroom, use it! because it could be quite a hike to find one and the trees in Las Vegas don't provide much cover.
Of Note, I was at the 5.11 booth up in the Military and Law Enforcement section and spoke with the designer there. I was shown the new 5.11 tactical pants and the feature that impressed me was that they are now reinforcing the top of the front right hand pocket seam with stitched nylon for all the folks carrying pocket knives with clips. Thanks 5.11!!!
Yet again us lefties get the shaft. :boohoo
Thanks 5.11 :p
Bill Harsey
02-02-2005, 11:56
Smokin' Joe, Things was real busy in the 5.11 display and I only saw the right side of the pants while it was being pointed out to me in a crowded corner. I'd thought about the left handed thing too.
Ok, SHOT was the Heat with most things of note already having been noted, I'll throw out what I found interesting that hasn't been mentioned yet:
Sigarms with the "X5" single action 226 variant
The Taser Girls (if you were there you know what I'm talkin about) ;-)
Jetboil stoves
Magpull with their improved followers and Ranger plates
DSArms with their Para FALs (and their Costa Rican Poster Models)
Swarovski optics with their new "rail mount" line of scopes. Very cool
The Surefire Institute whose cadre roster reads like a Who's Who of PS.com Personalities
Guy "M*&%$#F&*^in" Jones Need I say more?
Smokin Joe
02-02-2005, 21:04
Smokin' Joe, Things was real busy in the 5.11 display and I only saw the right side of the pants while it was being pointed out to me in a crowded corner. I'd thought about the left handed thing too.
In all actuallity I always wondered why 5.11 put the mag/ cell phone pouch on the right side of there pants in the first place. It seemed disfunctional for there biggest market. I guess they finally caught on.... damn it.
Roguish Lawyer
02-02-2005, 22:20
Guy "M*&%$#F&*^in" Jones Need I say more?
Yes, please do. :D
I thought TR's intro to Guy as the Angry B**** M** was classic. :D I am trying to figger out how I missed the Chris Reeve booth! It must have been that jerky in the Hunting section :(
Oh well it was a good time and it went by rather quickly.
EGG
Yes, please do. :D
Well first of all I think Mr. Harsey summed it up pretty well by saying that we were all amazed that he lasted 3 whole days before challenging anyone to a pistol duel. I would also highly recommend that anyone who has not yet read the most recentr Lemas thread do so;as there is one hell of a good old fashioned Guy Rant in there :D
just funnin with you guy, you know we like to have you around, it's damn well entertaining if nothing else.
I could go on for at least a little while longer, but I am afraid that I just could not do justice to Guy. He really must be seen first hand to be believed
Ambush Master
02-03-2005, 08:30
Did Chris Reeve Knives have The Reaper knife there?No, "The Reaper" is a custom Harsey Knife. The Reaper did have it and Bill carried it around for a while, but it was only shown on a limited basis.
Eggroll, the Chris Reeve Booth was almost right across from one of the Jerky Booths !!! The backdrop had S/N 1 of the limited production Neil Roberts Warrior Knife hanging on it.
Bill Harsey
02-03-2005, 08:33
I thought TR's intro to Guy as the Angry B**** M** was classic. :D I am trying to figger out how I missed the Chris Reeve booth! It must have been that jerky in the Hunting section :(
Oh well it was a good time and it went by rather quickly.
EGG
Eggroll, Next time your at SHOT, pick up your directory when you check in at the large front desk called "SHOT Show Registration". SHOT puts this right out front at the main entrance so it's easy to find. The SHOT Show Directory lists every exhibitor and location of same. If you fail to do that, stop at any exhibitors booth and ask to see theirs to look up the location of the business you are looking for. I do this when "on the run" in there and it works.
That said, WHERE THE HELL WERE YA! We would have enjoyed meeting you.
I'll be there NEXT year :-) In the meantime, I have some stuff to shoot over your way. Do you shoot 9mm or 45?
EGG
Bill Harsey
02-03-2005, 09:11
I'll be there NEXT year :-) In the meantime, I have some stuff to shoot over your way. Do you shoot 9mm or 45?
EGG
Sir Eggroll, Next year it is. I get lost in there all the time and often can't re-find a booth even after being there once.
Was the question about .45 or 9 mm for me? If so, .45 it is.
Mr. Harsey
yes it was, can you email your mailing address along with type of 45 and I'll make it happen. Do you prefer camo or solid colors?
EGG
Bill Harsey
02-03-2005, 09:27
Mr. Harsey
yes it was, can you email your mailing address along with type of 45 and I'll make it happen. Do you prefer camo or solid colors?
EGG
PM headed your way Sir.
Bill Harsey
02-03-2005, 09:51
Many thanks to the SF guys who willingly (well, almost...) gave taped interviews for later broadcast to my friend Scott Linden.
Scott is the producer of Field and Stream Radio which has 2 million listeners on the Armed Forces Radio Network alone. The radio show is affiliated with the magazine of the same name.
I'll explain to him later who that guy he interviewed named John L. Plaster is.
Scott also taped a segment with SureFire. Many thanks from us for SureFire's hospitality and lending some "office space" at the SureFire booth for "the cause".
That was above and beyond considering the intensity of business during open show hours.
Thanks again to the Quiet Professionals who took the time to do "some radio" so the ones overseas serving in our military can hear a little from those who have gone before them. Field and Stream Radio is a strong supporter of our military men and women and has always honored them on the show.