My first SHOT SHOW experience was back a couple of years ago. I was a bit awe struck as I stood there looking at every conceivable firearm, firearm accessory, airgun, and airgun accessory essentially known to mankind with tens of thousands of people filling the convention center. I have to tell you, as a country boy from the south, I was a bit apprehensive to even walk through the door. But, I jumped in with both feet and I’ve never looked back.
Sooooo many guns.. too little time.
The first thing you have to accept when you go to SHOT is that you’re not going to get to everything at the show. There’s just too much to see in 3 or 4 short days. So, you have to really prioritize your time with what you “have” to see and what you “want” to see. I’ve got my game plant for 2014 all laid out.
For SHOT SHOW 2014, I’ve got my list of vendors and manufacturer’s ready and my gear ready to go. I’ll be reporting each day about what’s new and exciting in the world of airguns. I know of a couple new products and press releases already, so I’m very eager to see what’s in the works for 2014.
Movers and Shakers…
So who are the airgun movers and shakers at SHOT? From a press release that I received over the weekend, I think Crosman’s really coming out swinging this year. I’ll have more details after I spend some time at their booth. What I find encouraging, is the news that more and more products are going to be assembled here in USA. That could be great news for the industry and for Crosman.
Another company to watch will be Hatsan USA. Now I consult with several companies and manufacturers (Hatsan USA being one of them), so I can tell you that on pretty good authority that Hatsan USA will have some very long awaited products coming out in 2014. I was working long hours over the weekend to complete my initial review of one of them and all I can say is, WOW. Unfortunately that’s ALL I can say right now, but keep watching the blog for the big scoop when these new products go public.
Gamo at SHOTUmarex USA really came on strong last year with several new products and technologies. They introduced the Reaxis gas piston and the SilencAir airgun suppressor technologies, and several products that incorporated them. The Umarex Octane, Ruger Yukon, and the Umerax Fusion were all part of that group.
Along with Umarex USA you also have the TV show American Airgunner, of which I was honored to be a part of last season. American Airgunner is a TV show all about airguns (visit www.americanairgunner.com for scheduling and availability). I’m very happy to say that I’ll be joining them again for the 2014 season as their Airgun Critic and part of the Round Table panel of experts. It’s a great show full of really good information on airguns, perfect for the old-timers and new guys alike.
Gamo always has a massive booth at SHOT and their press day is a big draw. Last year they released a new line of airguns called the Whisper Fusion which added a moderator to their bull whisper design. This resulted in a very quiet airgun that I really enjoyed working with. I’ll be VERY curious to see what they have in store this year.
Daily reports coming your way!
As I mentioned earlier, I’ll be reporting daily from the floor of SHOT SHOW 2014. I don’t know what each day will present, but I can guarantee it WON’T be boring. So join me every day here at AirgunDepot.com and find out what’s new in the wide world of airguning. Daily articles start tomorrow!
