The firearms industry only has a handful of big conferences or yearly get-togethers, and the next one is almost here.
Two of the biggest are the SHOT Show for people that work in the firearms industry and the NRA Annual Meeting, which is being held in Indianapolis this year. It is open to the public, and we are only a couple of weeks away from opening day on April 15th.
A report published by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) estimated there were 5.4 million NEW gun owners just in 2021. Almost half of all American households have a firearm, and the total number of guns in circulation is, well, no one really knows how many there are.
With numbers like that, you would think there would be a lot more large Second Amendment related events.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is one of America’s best-known groups. The NRA Annual Meeting is a place that gun advocates from all over the country come to every year.
Every year, exhibitors show off the newest firearms, accessories, and gear at the conference. You can walk around the 14 acres of booths and sit in on a wide range of events.
But the NRA Annual Meeting is about much more than giving gun devotees the chance to geek out over the newest gear. It’s a big deal for the gun world, and it’s a place where people who support the Second Amendment can come together.
The NRA Annual Conference gives many gun owners a chance to meet others who share their views and make some new friends. It’s an opportunity to talk about hunting trips, share ideas, and vent about the latest proposals for gun control laws. Unlike a lot of states, Indiana, where the conference is being held, is heading more towards pro-gun rights than neighboring states like Illinois, which is trying to outlaw everything, including body armor.
But there are also important policy discussions at the NRA Annual Meeting. Leaders of the NRA and elected officials will speak, including former Vice President Mike Pence and former President Donald Trump. I am curious to see how the dynamic will be with both of them sharing the same stage.
At the end of the day, the NRA Annual Meeting is a memorable event that will bring together gun enthusiasts from all over the country. There’s something for everyone, whether you hunt, shoot for fun, or just like guns.
So, if you couldn’t go to SHOT and want to meet other people who share your interest, mark your calendar and plan to attend this year’s event. It will not let you down!
