Crowding 58,000 people into two floors (including what was once probably a parking garage) of the Sands Convention Center plus adjacent ballrooms and meeting rooms produced more grumbles from SHOT Show attendees than we can ever remember hearing.
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Shelby Murdoc
As has become the norm, the Tactical and Law Enforcement zones of the SHOT Show are packed solid with attendees. But, even more than last year, the tactical guns and gear has overflowed the red carpet and spread out into the general firearms and shooting areas of the show floor. Tactical is no longer the ugly stepchild of the shooting sports.
 One of the first stops is at Beretta (www.berettausa.com). An excellent example of how tactical thinking has translated into the mainstream personal defense sector is their new TX4 Storm tactical shotgun. This semiautomatic 12 gauge weighs only 6.4 pounds and the gas operation reduces felt recoil. It’s designed for home defense, and the 18” barrel means it can be maneuvered in tight spaces. It comes standard with a Ghost Ring, but other optics can be easily mounted on the integrated accessory rail.
 The FN Scar (http://www.fnhusa.com) is just hitting the field with US Special Forces, and the civilian version is arriving, as well. Announced last year, the SCAR 16S (5.56mm NATO/.223) and SCAR 17S (7.62mm NATO/.308) have been highly anticipated, and they will be prized by competition shooters willing to pay a premium for accuracy and reliability.
 Another hot new gun is Steyr’s (www.steyrarms.com) AUG/A3 SA, the semi-automatic civilian version of the long-serving bullpup. The A3 drops the traditional integrated sight for a military standard Picatinny rail, opening up the world of tactical accessories to a new generation of bullpup shooters. I had a chance to try a red dot-equipped one out at the Media Day event, and I loved the way I could stay on target and keep the gun smoothly in control even after repeated quick shots.
 Another product that impressed me on Media Day and made my list for quick follow ups on the show floor was the green laser by Viridian (www.viridiangreenlasers.com). In addition to a line of high-power and high-efficiency units for various pistols, they offer the new C5 compact unit and the X5L, a standard unit which fits many handguns and all rail-equipped rifles. We had an opportunity to test the X5L on a .22 caliber AR, and the green laser was clearly visible on a variety of target surfaces even in daylight.
Even though numerous manufacturers are releasing green laser units,
Viridian has been a pioneer in the field and is working hard to maintain its lead on the competition.
Versa-Pod (www.versapod.com) has long made a line of highly durable and versatile bipods, but new this year is an all-American production process. This means that they’ll be more easily available to US troops and I expect that we’ll be seeing more Versa-Pods in Department of Defense photos from Afghanistan in the near future. Also new this year is the Versa-Pod Battle Pack containing a bipod with interchangeable rubber, ski, and talon claw feet.
The last stop of the day is at the Blackhawk! (www.Blackhawk.com) booth where the ever-expanding line of SERPA Auto Lock holsters is on display. In addition to new models for popular sidearms such as the Taurus 24/7 OSS, the Beretta PX4 Storm, the Walther P99, and the Springfield XD Sub-Compact, the Level 3 Light-Bearing Duty Holster line has added a dozen new models for those needing SERPA speed and security with guns mounting lights.
 A new DPMS Panther Arms (www.dpmsinc.com) rifle is geared specifically for 3-gun and multi-gun competitors. The 3G1 comes equipped with many of the most popular parts and accessories seen on top-level competition guns, including an 18” heavy stainless steel barrel, Miculek compensator, a vented, easy grip VTAC modular handguard, Magpul CTR stock, and an extra stud for a bipod. The upper receiver is railed for optics. This gun looks fast, but it has more going for it than appearances. Coming soon to the guy who’s going to beat you in the next match. Unless you get one first.
Jeff Fletcher
Crowding 58,000 people into two floors (including what was once probably a parking garage) of the Sands Convention Center plus adjacent ballrooms and meeting rooms produced more grumbles from SHOT Show attendees than we can ever remember hearing.
Sure, Las Vegas is by far preferred over Orlando and maybe even New Orleans, but show planners appeared restricted by the lower ceiling height of the basement floor, which negated some of those tall overhead structure signs that have made SHOT the usually impressive show of shows venue. And the slew of side rooms only served to confuse attendees even more.
SHOT is unique in that it has outgrown most every major venue in the country and that growth happened too quick for the show’s owners, NSSF, to react in their advance bidding for preferred show dates.
So while we’re all stuck with the Sands for the next two to three years, we’ll just have to grin and bear it. Except for the above complaints, this year’s show produced smiles all around for an industry that defies the current national trend of bankrupt businesses. In other words, guns are in and more popular than ever.
Smith & Wesson’s (www.smith-wesson.com) new Bodyguard guns consist of a package of small handguns, a .380 pistol and a .38 Spcl +P revolver. Second in a trend of pairing such dual lightweight platforms for concealed carry—Ruger’s .380 LCP and .38 cal. LCR debuted in 2008 and 2009, respectively—the S&W combo are created from the ground, up. An integrated laser by Insight is included with both guns.
Chambered for .380 ACP, the lightweight DA pistol features a high-strength polymer frame with a black, Melonite coated stainless steel slide and barrel. The new Bodyguard 380 is standard with a 2 ¾-inch barrel, which contributes to an overall length of 5 ¼-inches and an unloaded weight of only 11.85 ounces and carries a 6+1 round capacity.
The Bodyguard 38’s hammerless design provides a snag-free presentation. The five-shot revolver features a short 1.9-inch barrel, which contributes to a compact overall length of 6.6 inches. Weighing in at 14.3 ounces, the revolver features a one-piece aluminum alloy upper frame along with a steel reinforced polymer lower frame. The barrel and cylinder on the revolver are both stainless steel.
There’s little doubt that the .380 craze has caught everyone’s attention. Women, especially, are enamored with the smaller approach to self-defense and, while training is available for anyone who seeks it regardless of the gun or caliber used, the majority of female buyers don’t want big shooters to carry around in pockets, bags, or purses.
 Self-defense encounters are basically up close and far too personal, thus quick use, when necessary, of a small handgun may be more easily accomplished if its access is instant. Towards that end, we saw a couple of companies in the CC holster business addressing that need. One, Soft Armor, manufacturer of nylon shooting accessories, had the most unique product, especially for women’s concealed carry.
It’s a small belly pack with a roughly 4x5-inch zippered pouch that looks like it could contain a wallet, cell phone, cosmetics, or just about any common, non-threatening object. Actually a quick zipper nylon entry ripcord tab pops open the pouch to provide instant access to the handgun inside. It’s a kind of concealed carry quick-draw.
A slightly larger model of the belly pack contains not only the primary weapon but a small back-up gun, as well.
 For the more fashionable female, Galco (www.galcogunleather.com) has a line of attractive purses with gun-appropriate side entry that was drawing lots of attention from women searching for chic CCW accessories.
Carrying a concealed handgun often has unintended consequences. Portions of the gun may be exposed depending on the clothing worn, or the gun may visually print under clothing in an unsatisfactory manner. Holster makers have struggled for years trying to come up with the perfect solution, most often without totally satisfactory results.
 A company called CCW Breakaways (www.ccwbreakaways.com) has come up with the latest reincarnation of gun concealment, dress and casual pants that allow the carrier to avoid untucked shirts, long shirt-jacs, jackets or visible undercover holster prints. Their pants have a built-in breakaway pocket that, according to company spokesman, Jay French, allow the carrier to avoid gun printing through the apparel, yet provide quick draw capability.
While we haven’t tried the pants, at least not yet, videos are available on their website that appear to offer a realistic solution to concealed carry while wearing either casual or business attire that preserves gun concealment. The accompanying pictures here provide what appears to be an honest sequence from fashionable fit menswear to formidable firepower. The breakaway function reveals two closures under a belt that immediately breakaway when the gun is drawn.
Good ideas are frequent. Really good ideas not so much. CCW Breakaways may be among the exceptions. Only testing in the field will tell.
Rick Sapp
Folks who do well at the SHOT Show—who accomplish their business purpose without being exhausted by the end—approach the floor with a plan. I always have a plan and it always goes out the window somewhere on day one: Get an early start. Don’t backtrack. Make appointments on time.
Of course, the layout of the Sands Expo and Convention Center, which according to NSSF press releases is practical, logical and easy to understand—isn’t everything—on paper, turns out to be bizarre and confusing when in the midst of 50,000 other lost souls. No one is happy except those who are stuck in a booth for the week.
Opening The Goody Bags
Somehow I stumble into the Weaver (www.weaveroptics.com) booth where John Huse shows their roof prism Classic binoculars: lightweight and attractively priced. The new Grand Slam binocs begin with a pair of 8-16 x 42 that have an extra zoom feature—from 8x to 12x to 16x. Expect nitrogen purged tubes, an armored body and quality lenses.
At the Allen (www.allencompany.net) booth, Kelly Day is discussing the prototype Bow Blind with Missouri retail customer John MacGirvin. “It’s a prototype,” she explains, when we point out the flimsiness of the umbrella-like feature that screws into a bow’s stabilizer mount and helps disguise movement.
 MacGirvin says Muck Boots are worth a visit: his feet sweat, he says, a lot. I impulsively decide to swing by their booth. Easier said than done, because it’s not Muck Boots or Norcross, it’s the Original Muck Boots (www.muckbootcompany.com) and it’s on the opposite side of the upstairs floor and when I finally get there I feel like I need to slip on a pair of their Camp Shoes in Mossy Oak and find a place to sit for a spell.
At Bushnell (www.bushnell.com), Dallas area sales rep Justin Holcombe shows me the Elite 4200 riflescope. “It’s bright!” he explains: fully multi-coated lenses give 95 percent light transmission and are treated with Bushnell’s hydrophobic or water-repellent RainGuard HD so big drops of water won’t obscure your shot.
“When a big buck steps out, it’s most likely going to be at dusk,” Holcombe says, turning the one-piece tube end-to-end. “So you need all the light you can get.”
On the way out of the Bushnell booth, John Mullett is standing beside a set of new canvasback and teal decoys from Final Approach (www.fabrand.com), Bushnell being the parent company. Mullett, who describes himself as an “avid waterfowlers,” has been with Bushnell for 13 years. The decoys are a single-piece, including head and keel and painted to look realistic from a distance.
It is the new lay-out waterfowl blind that Mullett refers to as a “pack-and-go” with a suggested retail price of about $269 that also catches my attention. With more than a million waterfowl hunters in the U.S. this blind looks comfortable enough for a morning in a field beside a slough. Tough, lightweight and folds to backpack size, Mullet says.
Once upon a time, the SHOT Show floor was rife with archery. Not so now that the Archery Trade Association has its own January show. Still, several companies are present and I drop by the Barnett (www.barnettcrossbows.com) booth to see marketing director Jackie Allen.
Mat Auramidis, who is in technical service (Barnett’s “go-to guy,” he says) thinks there are strong possibilities that New York will soon open for crossbows. Meanwhile, take a look at the new Bone Crusher; so new it hasn’t been posted to the web site yet: compound limbs, long power stroke, 365 fps and striking visual appeal. “Our crossbows are 100 percent U.S. made,” Auramidis says.
Back at Ballys for the evening I discover that while the rooms have indeed dropped in price ($50 per night), the casino has compensated by doubling the price of food and drinks. I pay $5 for a stinkin’ Miller Light!
Oliver Shapiro
On Your Mark…
An early start to the Sands Convention Center via SHOT Show shuttle (thanks, ATK!) and I actually get to the Press Room in time to scarf a pastry and croissant down before the rest of the media vultures finish them off. Good to see the rest of the SSR gang; friendly editor Mr. Rogers (no cardigan sweaters needed at this gathering) gives us our assignments and we’re off.
Hitting the show floor was more like hitting a wall. Holy smokes; is this layout confusing! I suppose that’s what I get for not paying closer attention in my orienteering classes… but it seems I’m not the only one, not by a long shot…
Anyway. No way around it; things tactical/military/LE and the like continue to occupy more and more of the market and public mindset, and Revision eyewear (www.revisionready.com) addresses some of the safety needs here very directly. Two items here caught my eye: the redesigned Bullet Ant Tactical Goggle System and the Wolfspider Tactical Goggle. The former sports interchangeable, coated, fog-free UV-resistant lenses, and the latter includes these plus a low-profile, rugged, high-impact-resistance design.
 Don’t shoot me. I can get on board with that, and the new one-handed rapid-deployment banner from DSM (www.dsmsafety.com), and yes, that’s for Don’t Shoot Me) is another of those smack-yourself-on-the-forehead items. Designed for anybody in plain clothes (CCW holders, off-duty LE guys, etc.) who happens to wander into a hot zone—and after pulling his weapon wants to avoid being shot by the police or other good guys who may be present—this item is simple to wear and easily deployed. With banners indicating Police, Sheriff, Security, and CCW, anybody legally packing deserves this extra measure of protection from friendly fire.
 Armatix (www.armatix.com) from Germany was showing off their iP1 Smart System, calling it the “first digitally secured weapon system to be approved in the USA.” Reminiscent of SSR’s story from January, 2004 (“Searching for the World’s Safest Gun”), they have developed a handgun working in concert with an accessory wrist watch.
Briefly, the wrist watch is actuated by an authenticated user’s fingerprint, allowing the device to send a signal to the handgun and thereby “unlocking” it for full functionality. In the absence of any of these steps, it doesn’t fire. You can decide for yourself if you think this is a good idea or not, but considering one of New Jersey’s current laws already on the books, and others like it, it may well be that you can’t simply ignore this. To be sure, they showed some other items, like the Quicklock, Trustlock, and Baselock, but the SmartGun system is the one to keep an eye on.
Over to the ATK booth, some items in the Champion (www.championtarget.com) line proved to be worthy of mention. Like, f’rinstance, the NRA-awarded DuraSeal targets; the new one has shapes in bottles and cans to remind us of the “good old days” of plinking, or the All-Target Stand which has a pre-cut backer to hold whatever you feel like destroying (um, clays, chalks, balloons, paper). And the Single and Double Remote Releases will enhance any clay shooter’s pastime by improving control over that clay-launching device.
Bob Whitaker
It’s a crispy, wet morning outside and I’m glad to be in the warmth of the Sands Expo for day one.
Amblin’, Ramblin’
 Ambling through all the footwear on display at SHOT I paused at LaCrosse (www.lacrossefootwear.com) booth, not only to look over new products, but to congratulate them on their 2008 SHOT Show program helping the Marine Corps by providing money from hunting sock sales sold at the show to the Marine Family Foundation. They more recently filled stockings that were delivered to troops overseas in “Operation Santa” and continue to support the leathernecks in other ways.
The list of LaCrosse specialty socks continues to grow with the antimicrobial treatment ensuring that when the boot comes off in camp the odor won’t drive off surrounding wildlife.
Their latest innovation is a snake-proof knee-high boot with full-length side zipper—a blessing for me.
For cash-conscious elk hunters who spend themselves into poverty buying non-resident permits, Irish Setter (www.irishsetterboots.com) is helping out with a budget priced 10-inch quality boot that provides firm traction, cork-lined EVA soles for comfort and firm support. Labeled the “Gunflint” it boasts many features found in more expensive hunting boots, such as steel shanks for support. I tried them on and concluded: “solid comfort”.
Danner (www.danner.com) has been around styling boots for sportsmen seemingly for ages. This year they also will be doing their thing helping tired hunters returning to camp for R & R. The super lightweight, breathable EXO Edge shoe is about the most comfortable casual camp shoe imaginable. I tried it on and hated taking it off. The bonus comes as it also is a splendid trail shoe with a rugged sole.
Rocky (http://www.rockyboots.com) has long been a boot innovator. Example: turn-handle lacing. Latest is Rocky “Broadhead” created to give the silent treatment for sneaky bowhunters. It features a soft fabric shell with low-profile EVA sole. It looks like a sneaker and undoubtedly could be used as such around the campfire, but the ankle-high boot is intended for spot-and-stalk types. Weighing less than a pound the flexible boot allows hunters to feel what’s underfoot.
Mossy Oak (www.mossyoak.com) Break-Up is the recognized leader in camouflage design. This leadership is shown not just in products sold and market share, but also in new technology.
Latest is Break-Up Infinity introduced at 2010 SHOT. The original Break-Up appeared on the market in 1996. Never content with success, Break-Up Infinity combines in one pattern all the camo elements—leaves, limbs, acorns and branches—to create unprecedented realism.
But there is more to it than that, explains Toxey Hall, founder and CEO. “It has multi-dimensional depth of field. We knew the next Break-Up revision would have to be incomparable and beyond special. It is. The pattern exceeded even our own expectations.”
Primos (www.primos.com) is far more than game calls these days. For 2010 the Michigan firm has come out with an improved and expanded “Gobbler Vest” with easy-to-access pockets designed to hold every conceivable turkey call from diaphragms to jumbo shakers and slates. A silencer box call holster solves another bug-a-boo separating lid and box for silent carrying. Available in optional camo patterns. The vest is designed for comfort with a waterproof detachable seat that connects to the vest with a powerful magnet.
Clothing
Tests show that over 50% of body warmth escapes though an unprotected head. Worry no more. The folk at Heat Factory (www.heatfactory.com) have come up with a double-barrel solution that will keep hunters toasty warm no matter what the outside temp. The Heated Balaclava is a fleece-lined hood, with eye openings. Included are two mini-size chemical heat warmer pockets strategically located just below the ears to keep these cold-sensitive parts warm without adversely effecting hearing.
The warmer is activated by air once the package is opened, lasting several hours. Chris Treplow, Heat Factory spokesperson reported Holiday Warmer Pack with 21 different units sold like hot cakes during the recent Christmas season as stocking stuffers.
Baseball-style caps are as common as the common cold, but not so easy to find are those with winter and ear protection. Seeing the need Columbia (www.columbia.com) showed off their new model Game Stalker Hat, designed to give upper head protection and exposed ears. It should prove great in duck blinds and those long hours shivering in tree stands. The hat is seam-sealed, with Omni-Tech breathable waterproofing fabric to keep out rain and snow.
Browning (www.browning.com) has been out-front on wearing apparel for hunters at every SHOT Show I’ve attended. The 2010 products again lead the way in making layering, comfort and camouflage priority features.
Always ready to prove the point is longtime friend Paul Thompson, who heads up media relations. He took me in tow at their spacious exhibit to show me some new products. This year the company is expanding its highly-successful Transition Series of layering products with new garments designed specifically for waterfowl hunters—base layer, insulation layer and protection layer. All in Mossy Oak Duck Blind camo.
There is no hunting condition calling for more variable and quick-action change than waterfowl hunting. Key elements are staying dry, warm, comfortable and flexible. Base layer in Browning’s new 3-piece set will include the new endurance fleece designed to maximize warmth while minimizing bulk. The stretchy material moves with its wearer’s movements allowing unrestricted flexibility.
The insulation layer will be soft and stretchy fabric, wind-resistant and quiet, while the outer Transition protection layer adds Gore-Tech, waterproof protection in lightweight nylon.
“These new products are aimed at keeping waterfowl hunters warm in the blind no matter how the weather changes,” explained Thompson.
 I remember the first time Brian Frederick brought Feather Flage (www.featherflage.com) to SHOT several years ago. They scored well with retailers then and every year since. New this year is a three-quarter length rain parka smothered in their patented “Ducks in a Row” feather pattern. A heavy duty parka with heavy-duty zipper.
No cheapie material or components here to go wrong. The parka also features a drawstring hood and large snap-down cargo pockets. You won’t mind being caught in the rain with this kind of feathery protection. Bob Hausman
The year of 2009 was a banner sales year for the ammunition industry with unprecedented demand for small arms ammunition as a result of the ascendance of the anti-gun Democratic Party to win control not only of the the White House, but two other houses in the political neighborhood, as well. The industry was hard-pressed to keep up with the demand from consumers who were hoarding ammunition of all types, but particularly tactical rifle and handgun rounds. I thought it would be particularly interesting to see what was available for the new year in all ammunition product categories.
Literally Loaded
Winchester Ammunition’s (www.winchester.com) booth was literally “loaded” with new products. Designed to capitalize on the popularity of the Taurus Judge revolver series, Winchester Supreme Elite PDX1 .410 bore 2-1/2-inch shotshells are loaded with three plated Defense Disc projectiles and 12 pellets of plated BB shot. The results is perhaps the ideal personal defense load for short range engagement with the performance needed to stop threats.
Winchester introduced one of the most revolutionary shotshells the industry has seen in a long time—the PDX1 12. This 12-gauge Supreme Elite load features a distinctive black hull, black oxide high-base head and contains 3 pellets of Grex buffered 00 plated buckshot nested on top of a 1 oz. rifled slug. The result is a tight patterning personal defense load with awesome capabilities at both short and longer ranges.
Winchester’s Supreme Elite Bonded PDX1 personal defense handgun ammunition is said to be engineered to maximize terminal ballistics by using a proprietary bonding process that welds the lead bullet and its jacket together to work as a unit, controlling expansion and providing superior retained weight upon impact. There are two new loads in this line - .380 Auto 95-Gr. jacketed hollow point and .45 Colt 225-grain jacketed hollow point.
For hunters, Winchester’s Supreme Ballistic Silvertip lead free line has been upgraded with two new loads in .223 Rem and .22-250 Rem. Both are 35-grain lead free loads using fragmenting copper core technology. The bullet has a plastic tip and a gliding metal jacket. The fragmenting copper core is engineered to “explode” on impact, according to Winchester’s reps.
There are also two new centerfire offerings in Winchester’s Supreme Elite Dual Bond line - .44 Rem. Mag. with 240-gr. bullet and .45-70 Gov’t. with 375-grain projectile. The revolutionary “bullet within a bullet” Dual Bond design with wide hollow point is said to deliver unprecedented knockdown power and penetration—retaining nearly 100% of its original weight. Available also in 12 and 20 gauge sabot shotgun slugs and in popular centerfire calibers, Dual Bond is designed for taking whitetail deer to large, dangerous game.
Unlike camo, tactical wear never goes out of style. Many of you may have been burned in recent years by deep stocking of camouflage patterns that were all the rage at the time you ordered it, only to find out to your consternation next fall that the patterns you had in stock were no longer in demand.
The advent of new patterns backed by big marketing campaigns that told your customers that the new patterns were “much better” than the prior year’s designs may have left you with inventory you couldn’t sell. By stocking tactical apparel, particularly the discreet-wear patterns which can do double-duty as everyday wear, your inventory will never go out of style.
 An example of discreet clothing with tactical applications is a product I discovered on the Show’s first day, the aptly named “Discreet Pant” line from EOTAC (www.eotac.com). These garments are designed to be tactically functional while providing a look that doesn’t draw attention. This line is designed minus the visible cargo pockets and knee reinforcement that screams “Gun Carrier!” or “Cop!” to the onlooker.
Featuring reinforced belt loops, easy access pockets, gusseted crotch, zippered security pockets, wallet/ID pockets with hook and loop closure and oversized back pockets, these pants are suitable for both dress and tactical wear. EOTAC even offers a denim pant in their discreet line that offers all the same features in a casual jean.
Moving down the aisles, it was discovered that Safariland (www.safariland.com/protectivegear), the noted holster-maker, has now expanded its line to include four new concealment dress belts specifically designed to carry the weight of handguns.
There are 1 ¼ and 1 ½ inch models available designed specifically for males and females.
The belts also are provided with two hidden handcuff keys, one on the back waistband and the other behind the buckle (carrying a handcuff key is always a good idea when going into possibly dangerous situations—as you could be taken hostage). All the belt models are available in black with either brass or chrome buckles.
5.11 Tactical’s Covert cargo pants (www.511tactical.com) are not as obviously tactical in styling as some of the other offerings seen on the show floor. There are large cargo pockets on both legs as well as casual-looking deep rear pockets as well as dual front deep pockets. There is a second smaller zippered pocket within each of the large pockets big enough to carry a pistol magazine. These pants offer a lot of features while allowing the unobtrusive carry of essentials.
Bill Kendy
Ah yes… Las Vegas in mid January. Rain, wind, cold. After negotiating around buckets in my hotel… can’t blame the hotel, with acres of roof surface and only a few inches of rain a year, it’s pretty tough to figure out where the leaks are. Still, I made it to the SHOT Show at the Sands Convention Center. Levels upon levels and room upon room of very cool things... but so much that you almost need a GPS system to figure out where you are.
A Case for Carbide
Forster’s new offering for 2010 is their “3 in1” Carbide Case Trimmer that trims a cartridge to length, inside chamfer and outside de-burring all in one step. (www.forsterproducts.com).
“It’s a new Carbide cutter that fits on to existing Forester case trimmers,” says pro-staffer John Whidden. “Just tighten the collar down on the base of the case and then turn the cutter either with the crank handle or the optional power adapter and it handles all three operations in one pass.” Forster offers the “3 in1” Trimmer in .22, 6mm and .30 calibers.
 My next stop was to see Jack Christnovich, Product Line Manager for Champion Traps and Targets (www.championtargets.com) who had two new shooting glasses to showcase. The first is their new Ballistic Rating Shooting Glasses that come in a choice of black or gray frames and clear lenses that are four times tougher than the standard ANSI Z87.1 rating lens.
“I took the glasses out to the range and shot at them at ten yards with number five steel shot and it dimpled the lenses but didn’t penetrate,” says Christnovich.
Champion also offers the same tough shooting glasses with stylish red and black frames and tinted lenses that block 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays that can serve double duty as sunglasses. Both products retail for a MSRP of $20.00.
 For 2010 Radians is emphasizing “packages” and pink products. “The Shift is a five lens, stylish high end clay shooting eyeglass kit,” says company spokesperson Luke Eaton. “It comes with an extra nose piece, cleaning cloth packaged in a molded foamed case and has a MSRP of $90.00.”
Radians offers two different Shooters Kits for 2010, one featuring black frame/yellow lens glasses with a “Do it yourself” tan molded earplug while the Pink Shooters kit sports a pink frame/smoke lens glass with a D.I.Y. pink molded earplug. Both retail for $24.99. For women, the Pro-Amp NRR 23 earmuff is now available in pink with a suggested price tag of $99.99. www.radiansinc.com
Durwood Hollis
There is such an array of booths at SHOT, the only way to bring some sense to it all was to divide up new hunting guns into categories and this was my shotgun day.
The Shotgun Day
Benelli‘s Vinci semi-auto, introduced last March amid a lot of covert-styled marketing hype, features an In-Line Inertia-Driven operating system that, when combined with the ComforTech Plus recoil reduction system, offers less pain on the shoulder, especially with 3” magnum loads. Also, the Vinci incorporates modular construction, which allows it to be taken-down into three basic components (buttstock, forearm/trigger and barrel/receiver groups) for storage, transport and cleaning (www.benelliusa.com).
 At Beretta, I had the opportunity to handle the new A400 Explor Unico semi-auto. Available in 12-ga., this new scattergun features a lightweight aluminum receiver and the newly designed Beretta Blink gas system Supplied with three choke tubes, choke wrench, stock drop spacers and a hard shell case, this autoloader is right on target (www.berettausa.com).
Along the way, I stopped at Browning to see what they had new in smoothbores. While there weren’t any new models, there were several upgrades to existing guns. Both the Citori and Cynergy over/under guns now feature Vector Pro lengthened forcing cones, and high-relief engraving has been added to the Citori Lightning and White Lightning models and the Cynergy Classic Field and Classic sporting models. And the new Mossy Oak Infinity camo pattern is now available on the Silver semi-auto, every model in the BPS line and the Gold Lt 10-gauge autoloader (www.browning.com).
CZ USA’s new Hammer Classic side-by-side caught my eye. Even though the exposed hammers remind one of a bygone era in scatter- gunning, this is an entirely new shotgun. Built on a color case-hardened steel receiver, this 12-gauge double-barrel comes with a set of 30-inch barrels and five choke tubes (www.cz-usa.com).
At Franchi, I was immediately attracted to the new Renaissance Sporting 20-gauge over/under shotgun. This beauty features a coin-finished receiver, ported 30-inch barrels with lengthened forcing cones and a tapered ventilated rib. Definitely a high-grade competition smoothbore, this one looked like a sure winner to me (www.franchisua.com).
 Mossberg was next on my list of must-see shotguns. Their new Lightning Pump gun, available in the Mossberg Models 500, 515 and 835 Turkey, Slugster and combo versions, features a user-adjustable trigger. While this type of trigger has been available on several different manufacturers’ rifles, this is a first for Mossberg in a scattergun configuration (www.mossberg.com).
A stop at Remington revealed a pair of new Model 887 Nitro Mag autoloaders; a camo-clad Model 887 Nitro Mag Watefowl combo, that includes both a 28” barrel for flyway use and a 22” for the gobbler woods; and the Model 887 Nitro Mag Bone Collector slug gun that features an 18-1/2” barrel with integral Picatinny rail for mounting accessories. There are also several new Model 11-87 Sportman autoloaders, including a Super Mag Shurshot Turkey and a Super Mag Waterfowl offerings. Lastly, the Model 870 Pump Shotgun line features a new Express Turkey Camo model, an Express Super Mag Turkey/Waterfowl offering and a Super Magnum Turkey/Predator with Scope model (www.remington.com).
In spite of an ever-growing Achilles tendon pain, I press on. Weatherby was near by, so I darted in to check out their new shotgun models. One that piqued my interest was the new SA-08 Waterfowler model. This semi-auto features a dual-valve system, a drop-out trigger mechanism for easy cleaning and chrome-lined barrels. When the weather turns nasty and the waterfowling is at its best, you can count on this proven autoloader (www.weatherby.com).
 With sore feet and tired legs, I struggled into Winchester Repeating Arms where, new for this year, they’ve introduced a Walnut Field SX3 in a 20-gauge platform. This softer-shooting and easier handling scattergun also features a gunmetal gray Perma-Cote UT finish that will keep environmental invectives at bay for years to come (www.winchesterguns.com).
The Rifle Exception
Nosler featured their new Model 48 TGR (Trophy Grade Rifle) bolt-action. Available in nine calibers, ranging from .270 Winchester to .325 WSM, this rifle is the ultimate in a manufactured bolt-gun (www.Nosler.com/TGR).
Edged Out
 A new name in cutlery, Stone River has just introduced several fine ceramic blade knives. One of two lock-blade folders offered by Stone River is a model (SRG4RCW) that features a 3-1/4” white Zirconium Oxide drop-point pattern blade, liner locking mechanism and stylized blade lifter for easy opening. Designed for precision work in the field, this knife will definitely stay sharp many times longer than a conventional steel blade (www.stonerivergear.com).
 While Buck Knives has introduced several new models this year, my interest was drawn to their ErgoHunter knife line. With two fixed-blade models and one locking folder, these knife promise enhanced user comfort, which is the result of a new direction in handle design. Buck has always been on the edge of innovation and they’ve scored big with this new concept (www.buckknives.com).
 This year, SOG has introduced the SOGzilla, a high-tech lock-blade folder with a low-carry reversible clip. The modified drop-point pattern blade is crafted from 8Cr13MoV stainless, with a Rockwell hardness of Rc 57-58. A big-bodied, tough and rugged knife, this is the folder for all seasons (www.sogknives.com).
 Silver Stag’s array of antler-handled knives is always impressive. I was immediately drawn to their new Slab Series of fixed-blade knives. Four models in all, they’re available in D2 tool steel or 1095 high carbon. Each knife features full-length tang construction and elk or moose handle scale slabs (www.silverstag.com).
New for this year, the Tool Logic SL Plier is a plier, wire cutter, a screwdriver and a knife. Look beyond the three-inch drop-point stainless blade (50/50 plain/serrated edge) and you’ll find a fully functional folding plier/wirecutter, as well as flat and Phillips screwdriver options. This one is going to be on my “must have” list (www.toollogic.com).
 Puma’s smallish Buddy fixed-blade caught my attention. Crafted from 440A stainless, the handy little cutter features a full-length tang. The sharp pointed blade is a trailing-point design that is versatile when dealing with game care chores. And the stag handle scales impart a warm beauty to this edged steel companion (http://www.pumaknifecompany.com).
 Kershaw had nearly a dozen new knife models on display. The one that really piqued my interest was the Rake composite blade folder. Featuring a modified drop-point pattern blade composed of a Sandvik 14C28N stainless main body and a ZDP 189 cutting edge, this lock-blade folder combines blade strength with enhanced edge holding (http://www.kershawknnives.com).
 At Spyderco I was pleased to meet knife maker Gayle Bradley. He introduced me to his first collaboration with a production knife company, appropriately called the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. This lock-blade folder features a hollow-ground, satin-finished, CPM-M4 stainless blade with a locking liner. The handle scales are tough carbon fiber. Obviously built for tough use, this folder is a real champion (www.spyderco.com).
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