PMCI MARCH 2019

unassuming bag is far more than meets the eye. Constructed
of a proprietary Kevlar based material, the backpack is highly
slash resistant and virtually impenetrable with bare hands alone.
Coated cables leading to built-in combination locks secure not
only the bag’s contents but the bag itself to anything you wish
to simply wrap the cable lined padded straps around and lock it
down. I could immediately see where both civilian and operations
communities could benefit from products like this. Not to go too
far into detail with this bag at this time, I will mention to expect a
full review this year from Lunch Box after training in the field and
working aboard.
WALKING THE FLOOR
Throughout the SHOT SHOW floor, showgoers could walk through
booths looking at huge displays of firearms and get “hands on”
to thoroughly inspect them. Some products would be available
within a few weeks, others you would need a small country and
a stack of legal paperwork to purchase. The large companies such
as Vista Outdoor, Glock, Smith & Wesson, Vortex Optics and others
really showed the wide range of their marketing budget, while
smaller companies fared well with their 8’ x 10’ spaces and grass
roots hospitality.
Four days of the impressive finds from the floor came from our
team’s joint efforts such as the afore mentioned EVERSAFE pack.
FEISOL / CRETAC with their carbon fibre rifle tripod for sniper /
tactical marksmen applications was very impressive with its
weight load capacity exceeding 60 pounds while remaining
super lightweight compared to my old rigs from my days as a
SWAT sniper. What used to be a two-person job to set up a final
firing point can now quickly be done by one. ASP’s new line of
batons and flash lights both offer new features I wish I had during
my career as well. For the AR-15 armourers, Real Avid offered a
complete line of great products for cleanly and correctly building
up stripped lowers and quickly changing out parts with a great line
of profession tools while Aero Precision had just about everything
under the sun you would need for parts.
Daniel Defense broke from the norm this year with a new Delta
5 bolt action precision rifle to go along with last year’s release of
their line of suppressors. Colt turned heads releasing their 1980’s
classic “King Cobra” 4-inch barrel .38 calibre revolver. SIG Sauer’s
new short barrelled rifle, the MCX Canebrake Rattler chambered
in .300 BLK really seemed to be drawing a lot of attention as
well alongside of their new competition ready pistol carbine
MPX PCC chambered in 9mm. In true Magpul fashion, just when
you think they manufacture just about everything gun accessory
you could think of, they prove you wrong. This year, it was the
announcement of MP5 magazines, handguards and even trigger
control housings, all of which will not only be for sell individually
but as standard load out on Palmetto State Armory’s new MP5
clone due for release later this year as well.
Wheels Up
As the week wrapped up, it was time to relax on Friday night and
enjoy one last evening with team members. Saturday morning
would see the crew either hit the open road or fly out to waiting
families to recover from miles of walking, lingering “SHOT SHOW
flu” or simply lack of sleep from enjoying the Las Vegas nightlife
while still making 0600 HR alarm calls. Excited to get back on the
range and start testing new products, the flight home gave me
time to reflect on a few “X factors” that make SHOT SHOW such an
enjoyable experience.
What is often overlooked when walking through is one of
the hallmarks of the SHOT SHOW, its high level of safety and
professionalism. Everyone is well versed in their products, friendly
and careful in watching for accidents waiting to happen. Not only
are the booths filled with sales representatives, but many also
have company executives on hand to listen to industry feedback
directly on products and discuss design ideas and future innovation.
I have seen first-hand how these things are not overlooked and
come to fruition in later model releases of both firearms and gear.
Saving the best for last, one of the biggest experiences of SHOT
SHOW each year isn’t the guns, lights, lasers or lasted tactical
gear, it’s the people. Great folks like David Hein at 5.11, Jim and
Karen Fuller of Rifle Dynamics and many others who have been
in this industry for years become close friends who truly wish to
help each other secede and follow one another throughout the
year via social media. It becomes what I can come to call our
“Vegas Family” and really makes a long, hard week of intense
work become fun both on the show floor and through several
“After Parties” and events during the evenings. If you have never
been to SHOT SHOW and are eligible to attend (see requirements
at www.shotshow.com ), I highly suggest attending and finding
out first-hand how amazing this event truly is.
As great as this year was, I can already tell that next year will be
HUGE for 2020 with more of the PMCI team including our fearless
leader Bill Pryce-Thomas making the trip across the
pond to join us with his boots on the ground as
well! You won’t want to miss a single issue this year
leading up to this big event as we are set to continue
you bringing you only the best in product reviews,
technology and training features. Stay tuned and until
next time, Train Hard and Continue the Fight!
SHOT SHOW 2019
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