THe last day was a sunny day, no rain and still a large crowd

We parked near the tents (Gold Buildings) and started there

Vendors as varied as dog protective gear to Blackwater Contracting were all included in this LARGE trade show

Some of the stuff at the FAB Defense, Targets and training barrel plugs

Another shot of their pistol grip / bipod and their mount to attach a Glock to a rifle, this one is on an MP5

The FAB Defense AK rail which locks into place and adds lots of attachment points around the AK47

THere is even a rail that reaches back over the receiver cover for a solid optics mount without needed to use the standard optics rail on the receiver side.

Another FAB Defense AK47 rail system. This one is smaller and is set up with a bipod and pistol grip

The MGI modular AR15

SMGI Hydra QCB (Quick-Change Barrel) system set up here for Glock magazines in 9mm

The left handed version of the 7.62x39 AR15

This is a unique AR that shoots in 7.62x39 and it's set up to shoot left handed

 

The standard right handed version of the 7.62x39 AR15 that uses AK47 magazines

Two more pics of the AR15 that uses AK47 magazines and shoots 7.62x39

Some of the calibers they have for this modular AR lower include: 5.56x45 (.223), 7.62x39, 5.45x39, 7.62x25, 9mm, .45 acp, .22LR, .22 Magnum, .40 S&W, 6.8x43mm (6.8 SPC), 6.5 Grendel and .50 Beowulf.  The 45ACP, can use Grease Gun magazines, 9x19mm can use Sten magazines

Quick Change Barrel system allows you to change barrels in just seconds.

QCB Upper Receiver utilizes standard M16 barrels with the Delta Ring, barrel nut, sling swivel and front hand guard keeper removed.

 

SO Tech gear, very good gear made in the USA

S.O.TECH explained their new bag with lots of options. Another quality item from one of the better gear manufacturers

Steyr / Mannlicher

STEYR HS .50 is a long range, high precision rifle, with an effective range of up to 1,640 yards (1,500 m).

It was designed as a single shot bolt action rifle, and is available in the caliber .50 BMG.

The STEYR HS .50 features a cold hammer forged fluted barrel, adjustable bi-pod, and a highly efficient muzzle brake, which reduces recoil substantially to increase shooting comfort.

The top mounted Picatinny rail (Mil. Std. 1913 rail) allows quick and easy installation of various optics, or night vision devices.

The STEYR HS .50 is designed to field strip easily for transportation or maintenance purposes.

STEYR AUG A3

The STEYR AUG A3 modular weapon system is the latest result of the continued development of the world renowned STEYR AUG rifle series.

The STEYR AUG A3 design is also based on modular system components, which can be configured from one variant to another quickly and easily, without tools, and at unit level, in order to meet a wide range of future weapon requirements.

The STEYR AUG A3 “bullpup” design maintained its short overall length, without influencing the barrel length, to meet or exceed, required accuracy standards.

The STEYR AUG A3 features a number of Picatinny rails (Mil. Std. 1913 rails), which allow the quick and easy mounting of various accessories, such as a grenade launcher, illumination and target acquisition devices, including a variety of optics or night vision devices.

Due to its utmost flexibility design concept, the STEYR AUG A3 is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose assault rifle, for day and night operations.

Ruger offered the new LCP™ Pistol which will be available mid-March 2008

• Caliber: .380 Auto
• Capacity: 6+1 Rounds
• Finish: Blued
• Grip: Glass-Filled Nylon
• Barrel Length: 2.75"
• Groove: 6
• Twist: 1:16" RH
• Overall Length: 5.16"
• Weight: 9.4 oz
• California Approved: No
• Massachusetts Approved: No
• Front Sight(s): Fixed
• Rear Sight(s): Fixed
• Other Features: N/A
• Suggested Retail Price: $ 330.00
• Miscellaneous: One 6-Round Magazine Included. Available for sale beginning mid-March, 2008.

Priced at just over $300 this will be a very good seller I predict

Ruger also offered the

The New Ruger SR9™ is one of the slimmest 9mm pistols available. The SR9™ is comfortable and controllable, and with a 17+1 capacity, it packs all the features required by today's most demanding shooters. A must for law enforcement officers looking for Ruger's legendary reliability, the SR9™ is available in Brushed Stainless or Blackened Stainless finishes, and now with an OD Green grip frame.

Colt offered a few new things this year, a Double Action Only pistol, a new Delta Elite, and some other things

Colt is bringing back the Delta Elite and offering a DAO pistol that will take some getting used to

Colt also offered a forward pistol grip with built in light and laser

The Colt booth was large, but not as large as some

A commemorative pistol set for Roy Rogers with lots of gold trim

 

Some Hooters girls at a wholesalers booth, They had this Galil and H&K .22lr on display

Semi-Auto H&K in .22lr

Some of the best safes available and made in the USA are Fort Knox. Their display was impressive and they have a few new options for 2008

Plenty of celebrity testimonials of Fort Knox safes

This western theme safe really catches the eye, as does this mirrored safe with clear plexiglass door. It was for display only, but I'd be first in line if they ever offer these for sale

Green grips for the Beretta pistol from Houge

 

Benelli booth had lots of their shotguns on display including the Beretta Benelli M4 Shotgun in use with the US military as the M1014

 

Daisy air rifles had a large display

 

California Competition Works was at the show with many models of their shotgun carriers that holds 4 rds 12ga or 5 rds 20ga horizontally on belt, allows shooter to grab as many as he/she is able to manipulate per reload.

Armalite offered no AR-180 this year but they mentioned a side folding stock for the AR-180 in the future as well as an aluminum lower. They did have a 7.62x39 AR model

The 7.62 M-15 (AR) looks like a typical AR, and has a standard AR magazine well, but there were no magazines available for photos they said

So here is the Armalite 7.62x39 rifles on the AR platform

An Armalite AR-10 carbine in .308 (7.62 x 51mm) in OD green

Model: A2 Carbine with Green or Black Furniture
Caliber: 7.62mm NATO
Barrel: 16" Double Lapped, Chrome Lined, Threaded 5/8x24
Rifling Twist: RH 1:11.25"
Muzzle Device: Flash Suppressor
Front Sight Base: A2 Front Sight Assembly
Rear Sight: .70/.195 Battle Sight
Upper Receiver: Forged A2
Trigger: Tactical Two Stage
Overall Length: 37.1"
Weight: 9 lbs.
Finish: Hard Anodized Aluminum, Manganese Phosphated Steel
Accuracy: 1.5 - 2 MOA

Auction Arms booth was a little smaller than their competition and a bit out of the way. Here is a cool carpet I'd like in my gun room

Some of the AKs for sale in distributors booths

A custom Sig 556 for sale through a wholesaler. A real nice color for this rifle

Two more pics of this custom Sig 556

Surefire is offering their own throw levers which look promising

Scopecoat and other vendors on display

A John Wayne commemorative holster combo from DeSantis holsters

This DeSantis Gunhide® exclusive package is a fitting tribute to one of the film industry's most beloved icons. In five decades of Hollywood classics, John Wayne mastered the role of western hero like no other actor in cinema history. Against overwhelming odds, when Duke reached for his six-gun, you knew that a few more bad guys were going for a one way trip to Boot Hill! He was a hero for the ages. Now, celebrate his long and extraordinary career with this limited-edition John Wayne holster and gun belt set, available exclusively from DeSantis Gunhide®. The holster and belt are faithful reproductions of the rig used by Duke for most of his western movies. Officially licensed by Wayne Enterprises, each belt is fitted with a heavy cast emblem with an engraved serial number. The back of each holster is heavily embossed with Duke's trademark signature and official logos from Wayne Enterprises and DeSantis Gunhide® commemorating the 100th anniversary. It is destined to become a collector's item to be passed on from generation to generation.

Kalashnikov 101 Series, gray plain.  New model of the only officially licensed Kalashnikov knife series. With an overall length of 9 7/8", the new 101 design is a massive heavy duty knife, which performs extremely well not only in tactical situations, but also in the great outdoors. The FRN handle provides for a safe and secure grip, and the 1.5 mm stainless steel liners underneath the handle scales provide additional stability. Friction grooves in the handle and thumb ramp allow safe handling. The rust resistant 440C stainless steel blade can be opened with the thumb stud or the side-guards, even with gloves on. The glass-breaker tip at the end of the handle is another useful feature of the 101. Liner locking system and pocket clip for tip-up carry. Blade length: 4". Weight: 6.4 oz. With bead blasted plain edge blade.

KAL The design, contour and lines complement the style found in the original AK-47 rifle. The fines CNC machine work is incorporated into the anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handles, designed for a firm and secure grip. Handle inlays are made of G-10 material. The partially serrated, satin finished 4" blade, reminiscent of the bayonet used with the AK-47 rifle, is made of 440C stainless steel. Includes belt/pocket clip. Overall open length: 9". Weight: 6 oz.

Some large baseplates with large rings

 

H&K P30

The new P30TM is one of the most modern police pistols of our time. During its development, the most important requirements were flexibility, functionality and safety. Ergonomics of the grip have been markedly improved by interchangeable backstrap inserts and lateral plates. In combination with the ambidextrous operating controls, this pistol can be individually adapted to almost any user. No compromises have been made regarding safety. The P30 has a self-decocking, double action hammer with a firing pin block safety that eliminates the need for a manual safety. Its advanced loaded chamber indicator, which is easily seen and felt, positively indicates a loaded chamber. Another feature is the open square-notch rear sight with luminous contrast points (non-tritium), allowing an exact target acquisition even under poor lighting conditions.

Interchangeable backstrap inserts and lateral plates
Open square-notch rear sight with luminous contrast points
Loaded chamber indicator that is easily seen and felt
Ambidextrous operating controls
Integrated Picatinny rail
Slide mounted decocking device

 

HK45C with Dark Earth frame

The HK45TM and HK45CTM were developed to meet the needs of the most distinguished, elite U.S. military operators. The HK45 and HK45C are available in any one of the 10, HK specific variants, including the double-action and single-action Law Enforcement Modification known as the LEM. Left, right and ambidextrous control levers provide safety and/or de-cocking functions and can be fitted to the pistol by simply changing parts. A unique, internal mechanical recoil reduction system reduces the recoil forces imparted to the weapon and shooter by as much as 30%, improving shooter control during rapid firing. The HK45 and HK45C combine the accuracy, modularity, reliability and extended service life that you have come to expect from a company that prides itself for their “No Compromise” slogan. Both models can be fitted with threaded barrels for use with sound suppressors.

 

Winchester SX3

Feel it for yourself. The bold new look of the Super X3 is more than just aesthetic. The stock, grip and forearm dimensions are slimmer for a lighter, more controlled feel. Contributing to the feeling of lightness is an ultralight alloy magazine tube and recoil spring system that removes a half pound of weight. The new lightweight barrel further reduces weight with a narrow profile and a machined rib. Inside the barrel you'll find .742" Back-Bored Technology for the ideal combination of shot uniformity and velocity. The new gunmetal grey Perma-Cote™ UT (Ultra Tough) finish is more durable than traditional blueing. In fact, it is the toughest finish ever applied to a shotgun. Best of all, the centered balance and superior fit Winchester shotguns are renowned for remains intact.

The next era of Winchester autoloading shotguns. Winchester Firearms is respected for producing reliable, good looking, top performing shotguns. Our latest Super X3 models are no different. The self-adjusting Active Valve ensures speed, recoil reduction and durability in all conditions. An entirely new look with flowing lines adds a modern flare. Shoulder a Super X3 to feel the future of Winchester Firearms.

Lone Wolf Distributors had a large booth. America's largest single source, offering the world's finest manufacturers of aftermarket accessories and Glock OEM parts.

Stock Glock parts, competition Glock parts, CCW Glock parts, and lots more are all available from Lone Wolf

Serbu Firearms Home of the BFG-50 and SUPER-SHORTY

The SUPER-SHORTY is based on a Mossberg Maverick (also available on Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 at additional cost) 12-gauge shotgun which came from the factory with a pistol grip. Because of this, the SUPER-SHORTY is considered an AOW (Any Other Weapon) and can be transferred with a $5 stamp! The gun holds two 2-3/4" or 3" shells in the magazine, plus one in the chamber. The 16.5" overall length, 6.5" barrel and spring-locked foregrip, which pivots out of the way when not in use, make for a very compact package.

As far as we know, this is the shortest 12-gauge pump shotgun available. All parts for the SUPER-SHORTY are made in-house on our own CNC machinery using materials ideally suited to the task. All welds are done by the TIG process, and the manganese phosphate finish is MIL-spec. The SUPER-SHORTY is currently being used by various law enforcement agencies and military units worldwide. If you like the idea of concealed carry with a 12-gauge, or like a lot of "bang" in a small package, or just want the most compact breaching weapon available, then this is the gun for you. You won't find a better made AOW pump shotgun than the SUPER-SHORTY!

Another Arizona Manufacturer / Distributor, GGG sales

 

Mesa Tactical had their booth near Serbu

 

Another company just a few booths down from Serbu offering their version of the super shorty and a few other short shotguns and parts

An interesting single point sling attachment incorporated into the washer so it adds no extra bulk to the stock on an AR. It has an attachment on both sides

Poly Technologies offered this cut away training aid for sale at $2000+ .. not sure who the market might be but it is an interesting piece anyway

It's a cut away of the milled AK47 imported before the ban

Crye Precision MultiCam™ is a single camouflage pattern designed to help the wearer hide in varied environments, seasons, elevations, and light conditions. It was designed to address the real-world need for concealment in different environments, with one basic kit of gear.

We use Crye MultiCam as a backdrop to many of our photos

Some pics of the Cav Arms MKIII

This is a prototype of the new shape they are considering for their lightweight AR lower

Some of the press the Cav Arms lightweight polymer lower and their new forend

A closer look at the new Cav Arms forend for the AR15

The Cav Arms aluminum lower receiver

Stripped AR lower from Cav Arms in Arizona

Some of the accessories at the Cav Arms booth, their Discrete Carry rifle bag and a plate carrier with camo velcro panel by Coyote Tactical

A wall of Cav Arms AR15s

Cav Arms also offers a selection of first aid kits. One of the Cav Arms guys explains how the Israeli Bandage works

Stopped by the Kriss Super V booth to see their display

The all white prototype looked like a winter version of the KRISS

We were offered many magazines this year. From publishers and from manufacturers whose products were featured. We also were given a nice AK calendar

Some tricks from traveling to SHOT show or other conventions like this. Bring a poster tube in your luggage. This way if you collect some posters, you have a way to get them home rolled up and not folded. We also used a few maps to keep current with construction and new names of the hotels since the last time we visited Vegas two years ago.

After four days it was over. SHOT show 2008 had come to an end. It didn't take much time for vendors and crews of helpers to start to dis assemble the booths. Display cases and gear was packed away into containers and was off to the next show. THere are over 50 of these kind of trade shows each year.

Soon the tents were empty and ready to be taken down. Next year SHOT 2009 will be in Orlando, Florida again while the Las Vegas Convention Center is re-built

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