2016’s SHOT show is now in the books. It was absolutely huge. I don’t know exactly how many exhibitors there were, but I can tell you that I still did not get to see everything I wanted to after having been there all week! Now that I’m back home and have had time for the blisters to heal, I’ll go over the stuff I think is the most (and in some cases, the least) noteworthy of what I found at the show.
1. The Walther PPQ .45
I was able to take a few shots with this at the range and I have to tell you, I am duly impressed. The grip and feel of this gun, along with the ergonomics and that trigger. That trigger is very near the best I have ever shot on an out-of-the-box gun. I can’t wait to get my hands on one and do a complete review. For more info click here.
2. FNH 9MM compact
FN makes great guns by any measure. The FNS-9MM compact is no exception. After getting to fire it on range day, I’ve decided that this is another gun we need to get a complete review done for you. We’ll make that happen in the coming weeks. For more info click here.
3. The Voodoo tactical 2 tier pack
This cavernous bag is all business and is set up to carry cameras and other sensitive equipment along with the laptop of your choice. I’ll be one of the first in line to buy this once it is released to the public.
4. UTAS new XTR-12 semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun
UTAS debuted their new semi-auto shotgun at the show and we got to speak to them about it. It will be outfitted as an AR-style platform with a telescopic stock, three
Cerakote colors (black, green and desert), and a stated magazine capacity of 2, 5, 7 or 10 rounds and a weight of 7.9 pounds.
5. KRISS’ SDP sub-compact 9MM pistol
Kriss brought their new sub-compact pistol and it looks great. Beveled edges everywhere, along with a low bore-axis and full length rails makes the basic design of this gun intriguing enough. Add in the well know KRISS precision manufacturing, a 13 round capacity, ambidextrous controls and good ergonomics and I think it looks like a very good CCW candidate. For more info click here.
6. The BOND Arms XR9-S
Bond Arms is well known for their derringer line of large caliber handguns. This year, they will be adding a new semi-auto design to their line-up. Billed as a bull-pup design (not sure I completely agree with that description), it does have a bit of a trigger-forward design. Essentially, BOND Arms has purchased Boberg and will be offering this pistol under the BOND Arms name very soon.
7. Cannae backpack
A newcomer, Cannae, caught my attention in my constant search for quality off-body carry platforms such as a backpack. The bag they presented at the show did have more of a military look and feel than I prefer in a CCW bag, but, the size and attachment options were very interesting. For more info click here.
8. Tactical Walls concealment shelves and in-wall compartments.
I am a huge advocate of keeping firearms secure, but accessible in the home. These guys have it figured out. The furniture grade cabinets and shelves they offer coupled with the locking system they’ve included are in a class of their own. If you have a gun, you might need to consider their stuff. For more info click here.
Now for a couple of what I view as the worst items we saw at the show.
1. Arsenal’s AF2011 Double Barrel 1911
While I appreciate any gun that exhibits a “cool” factor, this one escapes me. Essentially, they’ve welded together a couple of 1911’s that fire both barrels simultaneously by pulling either trigger. It weighs a lot. It’s so wide I can’t handle it comfortably. It’s stupidly expensive. So, maybe I just don’t get it.
2. FNH’s civilian version of the M249 SAW
Apparently, there are people that have a need for an M249 semi-auto. $4,000 gets you the civilian version of a belt-fed gun. It’s heavy-ish (around 17 pounds), bulky, made for combat operations; and did I mention it’s semi-auto? I don’t know. I guess it’s another gun I’m not cool enough for.
3. Technca Clip
I’m still not on board with this concept. Anything that allows you to stick a loaded gun in your pants without guarding the trigger is a potential disaster in the making to me. They offer packages that include a trigger scabbard made by a different company, but overall, I just don’t like the idea.
Overall, I can’t help but think, “what a great show and great forum”. I want to say thank you to all of those that work behind the scenes to make the SHOT show happen. I look forward to next year’s show!
