G
Guest
Guest
Well, SHOT Show 2010 has come and gone. Much like everyone else who has been on their feet for 9 hours a day, I’m glad it’s over. Chronologically, in no particular order:
SWA Stewardess on the flight from Las Vegas to Austin (since I’m typing this on the plane): You’re pre-flight was funny. You were really cute. On the off chance that you’re a tactical marksman website enthusiast and are reading this, call me.
Douchebag behind me on the same flight: I hate you. Stop kicking my seat.
SHOT Show organizers: Pull your heads out and book the LV Convention Center next year. The Sands Expo was a confusing clusterfuck.
I arrived 4 days before the show started. Within 24 hours, I figured out Vegas is not my kind of town. Chiller, thanks for setting me toward decent Mexican food. I found it. Over the weekend, I spent most of my time with Heidi, who was in town for the International Builder’s Show (Who got the GOOD convention center). I cruised around it, and got to see some cool stuff. Have you ever gotten to see a $17,000 bathtub? Didn’t think so.
I helped McRee Precision/US Tactical set up on Monday. Per my previous post, this is where I met Scott McRee and decided he was good people. On Monday, I also got to meet Tom Manners and Todd Jackson from Manners Stocks. Both, very nice guys. Manners’ new thumbhole stock is a very nice addition to his line up. I'm not a big thumbhole guy because I have never been able to get comfy on one. Whatever he did worked. It’s a great design. At the same time, I finally got to meet JRose. We all know he’s a nice guy, occupation aside. He’s lacking the big fire fighter mustache, but other than that, he’s GTG.
The hot SWA stewardess just brought be my beer, and told Wil and I the next on is on her. If you’re reading this mystery lady, your stock is rising.
Monday night was attack of the Cheese.
I knew Cheese from Phoenix Tactical was in town, so I called him to see what he was doing. He answered, and it sounded loud. He told me to double time it to the roulette table at Harrah’s. When I arrived, I met Cheese, T-Bone and Cory (and Cory’s awesome wife Renata.) I hung back and watched. I had never gambled in my life until this point. Drinks were flowing. I was in great friggin company. I tried my hand at roulette. I thought my brazen gambling style would be a welcome addition. Apparently, doing nothing but the minimum bet every three times is not brazen enough…As I said a few days ago – I have no balls.
Tuesday and Wednesday – a lot of walking. A lot of schwag flowing. Met quite a few Hide members. My favorites of meetings were with Phil from SO Tech and 9Hotel, who upon learning my identity, stated, “Man you say some fucked up shit!” Debos Dave was also sighted walking around with RussW1911. Trouble lurking, to say the least. 9Hotel, Wil, RussW1911, Later and I went to dinner at a Chinese food joint one night and sat next to Marcinko. Celebrity sighting. Yay.
Luminox booth guys were great. Bowtie4x4, be warned. One of em saw my watch band you did, and wanted one. I gave him your number. Anyone else looking for a Luminox (seriously looking), let me know.
LaRue chose purple as the official color of his SHOT Show Dillos this year. This proved once again, Mark is a bold man, and an innovator.
So, I guess that brings me to stuff, both new and old. Manners new design. Awesome. TAB has a new sling design coming out, and it looks like it will be awesome. (Its built like a friggin tank. Frank / Tony can say the rest.) Nightforce was showing off the stuff Frank already leaked. They also had some anodization projects they are messing with. If you have a favorite color, PM Ken and let him know. USO had the best booth location in the show. Becky and Jeff are amazing. I can’t say enough good about them. Jeff showed me their new rig with the internal bubble level. Very cool design. Valdada showed me their new design. HUGE main tube and push button reticule illumination adjustment. I asked about water resistance with the electronic adjust, and was told it is good to go and guaranteed. GAP had some of their sticks out. Cant say anything that hasnt been said. George's sticks are a work of art. He was next to Marty's Badger booth. Marty, I'd like to say thanks for the help with my NV mounting issue. Stu from RedMan tried to get me to step on my own crank:
Me: “Oh, RedMan’s new bag!”
Guy : “That Stu guy is an asshole!”
Me: “No, I’ve talked to him before, he seemed nice as heck.”
I look up and see “Guy” is wearing a name badge that says Stu: RedMan Tactical. Whew…Good thing I didn’t say what I really thought about him.
That happened in the APA Patriot) Booth. Jared Joplin has a new trigger guard / bottom metal that’s coming out that is OUTSTANDING. An amazing design. If you have ever said to yourself, “I wish my BM latch wouldn’t snag on things,” then this bottom metal is for you. It’s integrated into the trigger guard.
The SO Tech booth was great. Their stuff is built like a brick shithouse. Paladin, made by SO Tech, should also turn a lot of heads in the near future. Russ found an SO Tech camera thing he couldnt live without. I found a pack I couldnt live without.
Quite a bit throughout the week, I hung out with Later. Later was there with Desert Tactical Arms. They make a bullpup sniper rifle that is just amazing. On Thursday, we took a bunch of Special Forces guys out to the range to shoot the DTA. I don’t think anyone didn’t walk away impressed. DTA also is putting out ammo, using Lapua brass and SMK and Scenar projectiles. (Now, a funny note: it was hilarious to hear guys walk into the DTA booth talking shit about how they shoot LONG RANGE, and when Louis introduced himself as Later from The Hide, they shut up, tucked tail and ran. Apparently, his definition of long range is different from theirs….)
Thursday, I also got to meet Frank (Lowlight) and Tony (TAB Gear). Despite the Sling War of 2009, both were very hospitable, and we bullshitted for longer than I expected. (Meaning, they were more hospitable than I probably deserved.) I won’t say who, but one of them has a very shiny head... Also, Thursday was the day that Team Bukkake graced us with their presence. What else can I say. I heard more than once, “Once you meet CKA, it all kinda makes sense.” Cobra and Todd also showed up, which was awesome. Both are great guys and great shooters. It was funny when Russ said he couldn’t picture who Todd was, until someone said, “Picture him with a dead hog in front of him.” Russ went “OH!!! ToddACGuy! Now I know!”
Friday was a drag. No one really wanted to be there. Everyone’s feet were killing them. We came in late, had a long lunch, and ended up leaving early. My only highlight from today was meeting Triad, Ken Darnell and The Gunny.
Greatest quotes of SHOT:
“I fucked an aardvark” – Cheese
“You’re internet tall” – Wil
“A Vegas hooker would have to prone out to blow him!” – Anonymous Hide member
“Leupold is going out of business and we are replacing them.” –Sun Optics rep (Chicom crap)
Worst disappointment:
Not getting to meet Arch Stanton / Forty One
Most hilarious:
Pissing off the Counter Sniper guy by laughing during the photo shoot.
Best timing:
Impromptu synchronized kicking of a milk crate on wheels owned by some ass who stopped abruptly in the middle of an aisle.
BEST OF THE SHOW:
American Sniper Association sold all of their shirts, all of their coins, and a shit load of other stuff. They raised a lot of money for a good cause – our snipers who are down range. That said, anything helps, and they could always use a little more help. Stop by their site americansnipers.org and donate. It is an outstanding cause.
2nd Most Hilarious:
(At the McMillian booth, looking at the raffle winnings and seeing a Hide Member’s name…) Me: “This was rigged! I'm gonna give _______ shit! “ Low and behold, _____ turns around and says, “Well I’m right here, so bring it on!”
All in all, good times. I came back with more shit than I realized. I now have more tactical/gun themed hats, shirts, stickers and shit than I ever care to think about. Most will be given away.
SWA Stewardess on the flight from Las Vegas to Austin (since I’m typing this on the plane): You’re pre-flight was funny. You were really cute. On the off chance that you’re a tactical marksman website enthusiast and are reading this, call me.
Douchebag behind me on the same flight: I hate you. Stop kicking my seat.
SHOT Show organizers: Pull your heads out and book the LV Convention Center next year. The Sands Expo was a confusing clusterfuck.
I arrived 4 days before the show started. Within 24 hours, I figured out Vegas is not my kind of town. Chiller, thanks for setting me toward decent Mexican food. I found it. Over the weekend, I spent most of my time with Heidi, who was in town for the International Builder’s Show (Who got the GOOD convention center). I cruised around it, and got to see some cool stuff. Have you ever gotten to see a $17,000 bathtub? Didn’t think so.
I helped McRee Precision/US Tactical set up on Monday. Per my previous post, this is where I met Scott McRee and decided he was good people. On Monday, I also got to meet Tom Manners and Todd Jackson from Manners Stocks. Both, very nice guys. Manners’ new thumbhole stock is a very nice addition to his line up. I'm not a big thumbhole guy because I have never been able to get comfy on one. Whatever he did worked. It’s a great design. At the same time, I finally got to meet JRose. We all know he’s a nice guy, occupation aside. He’s lacking the big fire fighter mustache, but other than that, he’s GTG.
The hot SWA stewardess just brought be my beer, and told Wil and I the next on is on her. If you’re reading this mystery lady, your stock is rising.
Monday night was attack of the Cheese.
Tuesday and Wednesday – a lot of walking. A lot of schwag flowing. Met quite a few Hide members. My favorites of meetings were with Phil from SO Tech and 9Hotel, who upon learning my identity, stated, “Man you say some fucked up shit!” Debos Dave was also sighted walking around with RussW1911. Trouble lurking, to say the least. 9Hotel, Wil, RussW1911, Later and I went to dinner at a Chinese food joint one night and sat next to Marcinko. Celebrity sighting. Yay.
Luminox booth guys were great. Bowtie4x4, be warned. One of em saw my watch band you did, and wanted one. I gave him your number. Anyone else looking for a Luminox (seriously looking), let me know.
LaRue chose purple as the official color of his SHOT Show Dillos this year. This proved once again, Mark is a bold man, and an innovator.
So, I guess that brings me to stuff, both new and old. Manners new design. Awesome. TAB has a new sling design coming out, and it looks like it will be awesome. (Its built like a friggin tank. Frank / Tony can say the rest.) Nightforce was showing off the stuff Frank already leaked. They also had some anodization projects they are messing with. If you have a favorite color, PM Ken and let him know. USO had the best booth location in the show. Becky and Jeff are amazing. I can’t say enough good about them. Jeff showed me their new rig with the internal bubble level. Very cool design. Valdada showed me their new design. HUGE main tube and push button reticule illumination adjustment. I asked about water resistance with the electronic adjust, and was told it is good to go and guaranteed. GAP had some of their sticks out. Cant say anything that hasnt been said. George's sticks are a work of art. He was next to Marty's Badger booth. Marty, I'd like to say thanks for the help with my NV mounting issue. Stu from RedMan tried to get me to step on my own crank:
Me: “Oh, RedMan’s new bag!”
Guy : “That Stu guy is an asshole!”
Me: “No, I’ve talked to him before, he seemed nice as heck.”
I look up and see “Guy” is wearing a name badge that says Stu: RedMan Tactical. Whew…Good thing I didn’t say what I really thought about him.
That happened in the APA Patriot) Booth. Jared Joplin has a new trigger guard / bottom metal that’s coming out that is OUTSTANDING. An amazing design. If you have ever said to yourself, “I wish my BM latch wouldn’t snag on things,” then this bottom metal is for you. It’s integrated into the trigger guard.
The SO Tech booth was great. Their stuff is built like a brick shithouse. Paladin, made by SO Tech, should also turn a lot of heads in the near future. Russ found an SO Tech camera thing he couldnt live without. I found a pack I couldnt live without.
Quite a bit throughout the week, I hung out with Later. Later was there with Desert Tactical Arms. They make a bullpup sniper rifle that is just amazing. On Thursday, we took a bunch of Special Forces guys out to the range to shoot the DTA. I don’t think anyone didn’t walk away impressed. DTA also is putting out ammo, using Lapua brass and SMK and Scenar projectiles. (Now, a funny note: it was hilarious to hear guys walk into the DTA booth talking shit about how they shoot LONG RANGE, and when Louis introduced himself as Later from The Hide, they shut up, tucked tail and ran. Apparently, his definition of long range is different from theirs….)
Thursday, I also got to meet Frank (Lowlight) and Tony (TAB Gear). Despite the Sling War of 2009, both were very hospitable, and we bullshitted for longer than I expected. (Meaning, they were more hospitable than I probably deserved.) I won’t say who, but one of them has a very shiny head... Also, Thursday was the day that Team Bukkake graced us with their presence. What else can I say. I heard more than once, “Once you meet CKA, it all kinda makes sense.” Cobra and Todd also showed up, which was awesome. Both are great guys and great shooters. It was funny when Russ said he couldn’t picture who Todd was, until someone said, “Picture him with a dead hog in front of him.” Russ went “OH!!! ToddACGuy! Now I know!”
Friday was a drag. No one really wanted to be there. Everyone’s feet were killing them. We came in late, had a long lunch, and ended up leaving early. My only highlight from today was meeting Triad, Ken Darnell and The Gunny.
Greatest quotes of SHOT:
“I fucked an aardvark” – Cheese
“You’re internet tall” – Wil
“A Vegas hooker would have to prone out to blow him!” – Anonymous Hide member
“Leupold is going out of business and we are replacing them.” –Sun Optics rep (Chicom crap)
Worst disappointment:
Not getting to meet Arch Stanton / Forty One
Most hilarious:
Pissing off the Counter Sniper guy by laughing during the photo shoot.
Best timing:
Impromptu synchronized kicking of a milk crate on wheels owned by some ass who stopped abruptly in the middle of an aisle.
BEST OF THE SHOW:
American Sniper Association sold all of their shirts, all of their coins, and a shit load of other stuff. They raised a lot of money for a good cause – our snipers who are down range. That said, anything helps, and they could always use a little more help. Stop by their site americansnipers.org and donate. It is an outstanding cause.
2nd Most Hilarious:
(At the McMillian booth, looking at the raffle winnings and seeing a Hide Member’s name…) Me: “This was rigged! I'm gonna give _______ shit! “ Low and behold, _____ turns around and says, “Well I’m right here, so bring it on!”
All in all, good times. I came back with more shit than I realized. I now have more tactical/gun themed hats, shirts, stickers and shit than I ever care to think about. Most will be given away.
![url]](http://[url="http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x31/LouisCorkern/Shot%20Show%202010/SHOTSHOW420.jpg"]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x31/LouisCorkern/Shot%20Show%202010/SHOTSHOW420.jpg[/url])
