2926 NRA Show and Convention, Houston, TX
I’m here at the NRA Show in Houston. Many simultaneous classes and seminars, and a immense vendor area. I spent the entire day in the vendor area!
No protestors this year. As was the case in Atlanta last year, leftists seem to have found so many other things about which to be upset that NRA garners scant interest currently!
Here is what I saw today of interest:
Unlike SHOT Show, there are many outfitters/guides/taxidermists, from South America to Africa.
Also, many collectors’/history organizations. Displays were very interesting from a historical standpoint, and elaborate!
With regard to serious issues:
A number of Turkish gun-manufacturers are present. G-Force is a Turkish-made G19 that I’ve never seen before today.
At the SIG booth, several 320s were on display, but most were the M17 military model. The 365 has clearly taken-over as SIG’s flagship pistol!
IWI (Israeli Military Industry) had on-display their excellent version of the H&K 416, called the “Arad.” IWI also manufactures an extensive line of conventional M4s. As is IMI’s habit, the “Arad” is named after an area of present-day Israel which boasts some exciting ancient history.
Vortex, which enjoys an excellent reputation, has their 1×4 LPVO on-sale for $240.00. Osprey-Global’s version is available at the same price. I have both mounted on serious rifles. Hard to beat!
When you want a G19-like carry pistol, you’ll surely be happy with a G19 of course, or with an H&K CC9-OE, or a Walther PPD, or with an SA Echelon, or several other well-known brands, and you’ll pay $700.00-$900.00/copy. You can’t go wrong with any of them!
Yet, Stoeger’s STR 9SC, Taurus’ GX4, the Turkish G-Force mentioned above, and CZ’s P10C can all be had for $350.00/copy. They’re likely not as durable as the above “name brands,” but they’ll all serve their owners adequately in nearly any situation I can imagine, and all come with very credible warrantees.
Laser Shot featured an elaborate display of their video training systems, from $4k to $40K. Lots of “gallery” and “competition” scenarios are available. However, when I asked to see a legitimate self-defensive scenario, I was told that they had many available, but none are to be on-display at the NRA Show (they were at SHOT Show). Too “controversial” for the venue!
Compliant Tech’s “Glove” had a booth, complete with live demonstrations! Along with the Taser and Bolo Wrap, The Glove represents a system for subduing resistant/violent suspects with minimum chance of injury to suspect, nor to officers. Since LVNRs have been prohibited in so many jurisdictions, The Glove is a welcome addition to LEO’s armory of available methods for taking actively resistant/combative suspects into custody.
Chad SeSantis of DeSantis Gunhide showed me their line of exquisite shoulder-holsters, and explained that demand for them is very “seasonal.” They sell in the fall. Not so much in the spring. DeSantis, Galco, and Mitch Rosen are among the precious few who still make credible shoulder-holsters. For many Operators, shoulder-holsters remain among the best concealed-carry options.
More tomorrow!
/John
