2012 Shot Show Diary

[Joe]

A special note:

Cetacea Tactical is here at the Spartan booth.  They have an amazing variety of slings and retaining gear, everything from clips with webbing to the monstrously big, monstrously tacticool cables ending in Godzilla-clawed clips to keep operators from falling out of helicopters.  

Clayton Gush, Cetacea Tactical's founder and Big Dog, is here.  He's a nice guy, taking time with each person to explain the product and its many variations.  He's quick to tell me he'll make whatever alterations or customizations an end user may require.  Spartan picked up his product as of the SHOT Show.

I picked up a few models to try out.  I'll let you know how they work out.

[Joe]

Working on the post from last night's meeting.  Stay tuned.

[Joe]

Thursday night's was an airsoft feast.  For that reason, I'll be serving up my coverage in reasonable, bite-sized portions.  Bon appetit!

Spartan Imports hosted an industry get-together.  Andrew Ho, of Spartan Imports, first addressed the gathering.  He discussed the Airsoft Safety Foundation ("ASF").  The ASF is dedicated to promoting and protecting our hobby.  ASF is supported by the combined efforts of airsoft producers, wholesalers/retailers and players.  The ASF helped defeat the recently demised (but unlamented) California's Rainbow Gun Bill.  Mr. Ho warned us of a new anti-airsoft bill, this time in New Jersey.  The bill aims to classify airsoft guns as firearms. Mr. Ho encouraged us to join or support the Airsoft Safety Foundation and confront threats as they arise.  

Mr. Ho continued.  He asked us to consider joining the SHOT show organizer, the American Shooting Sports Foundation.

Mr. Ho also asked us to consider joining the National Rifle Association ("NRA").  He acknowledged the NRA was the subject of controversy.  He emphasized, however, the NRA was a powerful ally that had a vested interest in protecting airsoft.

Mr. Ho then explained a recent incident at this year's SHOT Show.   JAG Precision was kicked out of SHOT Show.  The firearm manufacturer, FN, had obtained a restraining order against  JAG Precision.  The court granted this restraining order because JAG Precision had been selling unlicensed and unauthorized airsoft replicas (although not at the SHOT Show).

[Joe]

Mr. Ho introduced the first of several several important industry speakers.  First, Magpul PTS Director Samuel Lam and teammates Alex Ko and Jeff Takeda.  Mr. Ko and Mr. Takeda presented and demonstrated several new and in-development guns.  They discussed Magpul PTS' primary goal--to provide the best, most realistic training guns to the men and women who serve our country, both here and overseas.

Director Lam then addressed the crowd. He again emphasized importance of realism for training.  Felt recoil so the soldier experiences it, real capacity magazines (for example, 30 round M4 magazines), bolts that lock back and must be fed another loaded magazine and functional bolt releases all drive home critical skills.  These features reinforce the role of the gun replica as a training tool.

[Joe]

The real steel company, Knight's Armament, then graced us with two noted speakers.  Knight's Armament Airsoft Ambassador, Monty Hom, spoke first.  He announced Knight's Armament's official entry into the airsoft arena: licensed guns, gun accessories, airsoft gear and lifestyle clothing.  Knight's Armament will be releasing all of these.

Reed "Trey" Knight, III, of the Knight family, then spoke. He discussed unlicensed replicas, especially of his family's company's guns and accessories.  Mr. Knight is a fellow  airsofter.  He believes airsoft  teaches responsible gun use, etiquette and safety.

Mr. Knight is enthusiastic about the unlimited potential for airsoft guns.  This is because real steel design considerations (recoil, ejecting spent shells and real world operating conditions)  simply do not exist in the airsoft world.  Released from these restrictions, the gun designer is free to imagine and experiment.

[Joe]

Spartan then raffled off several airsoft items,* culminating in someone receiving a brand spanking-new Magpul rifle.

The great times were not limited to the presentations.  Joining us at our table was Lawrence Holsworth.  He is Marketing Director for Hyde Defintion, a British camouflage company best known for its PenCott Multi-Environment camouflage pattern.  He was wonderful company, sharing his own airsoft history with us and educating us about Hydr Definition and its products.

MSE was well-represented at the event.  I had a good conversation with Claymore.  We discussed the upcoming Oklahoma Invasion 8.  He told me MSE would be putting out a call for leadership positions and platoon-level teams in early February.  He said to keep an eye on MSE's website for future OKI8 information.

In summary, the 2012 SHOT Show was a BLAST.  A 21 (airsoft) gun salute to Jon and Lyn, for inviting us to join them.  A tip of the helmet to (in alphabetical order):  Adam, Hailey, Shifty and Sundown for being great brothers (and sister)-in-arms at the event--I could not have asked for better company.  

Finally, and most importantly, I thank my wonderful wife, Linda.  She not only encouraged me to attend but she also supports my participating in this wonderful hobby of ours.

Meet you in the middle,

Joe

*In the interests of full disclosure, I did win a Magpul shirt.