Shot Show 2014 advise

[Dacam]

Hey guys,
I manage to get tickets to the Shot Show 2014. This is my first shot show so Im wanting any advise from those who have attended before.
I went to the Home | NSSF SHOT Show they have a show planner that helps you organize your experience but what days are best to go and
what times are best for beating crowds.
Thanks, for any info.

 

[FN in MT]

"Beating the crowd". LOL . There IS no time it isn't crowded.

If You wish to see the entire show it's very tough to walk it ALL in one day. We attend a minimum of two days, but we are attending to some business as well...so spending time at many of the booths.

Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and maybe a comfortable backpack for brochures and give aways. All sorts of free carry bags, but they start to wear on your hands as they get heavy. I use a light weight, nylon computer case with a wide/comfy shoulder strap.

There was a thread on exactly your questions, regarding SHOT here a few weeks back...try a search. You will enjoy SHOT!

FN in MT

 

[awiner]

I'd love to attend SHOT if anyone is willing to add me to their attendee list

 

[catswithguns]

It would be so cool to go to SHOT. I've had an invite for the last three years. Unfortunately, taking care of my business supersedes getting to go. Lots of trick new toys, most of which probably won't be available for years.

 

[DavidK]

If you are planning on collecting literature, like most people to--especially first timers, you need a wheeled crate otherwise it's a major pain to carry-literally. something like this:
Staples® Expanding Folding Crate on Wheels | Staples®

Need at least two days. least crowded is the last two days

 

[LanceS4803]

My tip:
Be sure to be there on the last day. While technically, nothing is for retail sale at SHOT, the reality is that vendors don't want to drag some stuff home.
Got amazing deals, cash, on top of the line gun cases and reference books. (Bulky and heavy for the vendor.)

 

[Cartman]

I second the cash deals. And there are non-cash deals to be made as well for someone who isn't actually an industry buyer, but it depends on the vendor and how many you're willing to buy. Or it may depend on how busy -- or not busy -- someone is. Or whether they like you. Some only want to deal with big retail buyers, while some are just happy to move product. And, interestingly enough, it can be surprising who is willing to deal and who isn't. But if they're busy, you're probably not getting anywhere if you walk up and say "hey, I don't buy for a company, I just want to buy one, will you give me a deal?" Try getting some friends together who may buy a product from you if you score a deal and try to buy more than one.

I think the crate on wheels is probably a smart idea for the guy with the crate. But, personally, the guys with the crate piss the living crap out of me sometimes. They really get in the way and SHOT is crowded enough as it is in some places. There is a certain physique associated with the guys with the crates on wheels as well. Try a backpack to store your hand-out literature. And don't kid yourself about carrying it around in one of the plastic bags you can grab at registration -- the weight of the brochures and catalogues adds up quick.

Wear comfortable shoes -- you will do a LOT of walking.

If you have a Swiss Army knife that has stuck blades, dig it out and bring it. IIRC I've seen them doing repairs for people on the spot.

And if you look straight ahead you may run into Lowlight.

I may go this show as well. It would be great if some Hide guys could meet up to walk the lanes.

 

[Papa Zero Three]

If you are planning on collecting literature, like most people to--especially first timers, you need a wheeled crate otherwise it's a major pain to carry-literally. something like this:
Staples® Expanding Folding Crate on Wheels | Staples®

Need at least two days. least crowded is the last two days

I really hope you are being facitious about the wheeled crate suggestion. The people who pull those things around the SHOT floor should be beaten to death with said crate and cart. Same goes for the ass clowns riding around on the scooters in packs. Unless you're legitimately handicapped and need a scooter to get around, you need to walk like everyone else and stop being a burden on everyone else.

 

[DavidK]

I really hope you are being facitious about the wheeled crate suggestion. The people who pull those things around the SHOT floor should be beaten to death with said crate and cart. Same goes for the ass clowns riding around on the scooters in packs. Unless you're legitimately handicapped and need a scooter to get around, you need to walk like everyone else and stop being a burden on everyone else.

Have you considered counseling?

 

[Trevor300wsm]

I really hope you are being facitious about the wheeled crate suggestion. The people who pull those things around the SHOT floor should be beaten to death with said crate and cart. Same goes for the ass clowns riding around on the scooters in packs. Unless you're legitimately handicapped and need a scooter to get around, you need to walk like everyone else and stop being a burden on everyone else.

I agree 100%.......guess we are assholes.

 

[Papa Zero Three]

Have you considered counseling?

Why should I? Because I happen to speak the truth and say what most people think, I all of a sudden am the one that needs counseling? Know what my reply to that is? FUCK THAT. All the PC bullshit and "no kid/adult left behind" crap is what has lead to the pussification of most men and society as a whole. No one wants to say something that might cause offense or ruffle someones feathers, even if that person is in the wrong and needs to be told to pull their head out of their ass. I'm sick and tired of it and I have made it a habit to speak up in public when shit like this happens instead of letting "PC" issues force me to hold my tongue.

I've spent my entire adult life defending this country only to see it slowly destroyed from within by "PC" shit among other things. I'll probably miss this SHOT show as I head back over to the box so some lazy ass fat bastard can drag his milk crate around the SHOT show floor while everyone behind him silently thinks to themselves how much they would like to choke said fat bastard out multiple times for being a burden on everyone else trying to walk the isle like a normal human being.

People need to start saying and doing what they are thinking instead of letting the concept of being "PC" keep them from doing the right thing.

 

[DavidK]

Why should I? Because I happen to speak the truth and say what most people think, I all of a sudden am the one that needs counseling? Know what my reply to that is? FUCK THAT. All the PC bullshit and "no kid/adult left behind" crap is what has lead to the pussification of most men and society as a whole. No one wants to say something that might cause offense or ruffle someones feathers, even if that person is in the wrong and needs to be told to pull their head out of their ass. I'm sick and tired of it and I have made it a habit to speak up in public when shit like this happens instead of letting "PC" issues force me to hold my tongue.

I've spent my entire adult life defending this country only to see it slowly destroyed from within by "PC" shit among other things. I'll probably miss this SHOT show as I head back over to the box so some lazy ass fat bastard can drag his milk crate around the SHOT show floor while everyone behind him silently thinks to themselves how much they would like to choke said fat bastard out multiple times for being a burden on everyone else trying to walk the isle like a normal human being.

People need to start saying and doing what they are thinking instead of letting the concept of being "PC" keep them from doing the right thing.

I think your posts clearly explain "why." Get help before it's too late.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Why should I? Because I happen to speak the truth and say what most people think, I all of a sudden am the one that needs counseling? Know what my reply to that is? FUCK THAT. All the PC bullshit and "no kid/adult left behind" crap is what has lead to the pussification of most men and society as a whole. No one wants to say something that might cause offense or ruffle someones feathers, even if that person is in the wrong and needs to be told to pull their head out of their ass. I'm sick and tired of it and I have made it a habit to speak up in public when shit like this happens instead of letting "PC" issues force me to hold my tongue.

I've spent my entire adult life defending this country only to see it slowly destroyed from within by "PC" shit among other things. I'll probably miss this SHOT show as I head back over to the box so some lazy ass fat bastard can drag his milk crate around the SHOT show floor while everyone behind him silently thinks to themselves how much they would like to choke said fat bastard out multiple times for being a burden on everyone else trying to walk the isle like a normal human being.

People need to start saying and doing what they are thinking instead of letting the concept of being "PC" keep them from doing the right thing.

Once again, I could not agree more.

Now, shall we talk about the obese fucks driving the scooters in Walmart with the basket filled with cookies, cakes, microwave dinners, and beer......paying with a EBT card for everything but the beer and pulling out a wad of cash for that.

 

[Papa Zero Three]

I think your posts clearly explain "why." Get help before it's too late.

Let me guess, you're one of the dregs of society that pulls one of those milk crates around the SHOT show floor aren't you? I ,nor anyone else doesn't "need help" for speaking up and or speaking the truth, they just need to be brave enough to speak up when the situation calls for it. As to the suggestion of my seeking help, when was the last time you sat down and took a psych/personality test? If you haven't taken one lately, then perhaps it is you who needs to seek help. I've passed all of mine year after year

 

[Graham]

We may have to file this very important public issue under the heading "First-World Problems".

 

[Cartman]

PZ3 has shamed me. I expressed exactly the same sentiments in my post above, including those about the body shape of those who push those damn crates -- but nobody even noticed. Clearly PZ3 expressed his point in a rational manner, because if he had attempted to be polite as I did no one would have heard him. And if that happened why even bother?

 

[Rob01]

Yeah those wheeled crates are a pain in the ass. Always in the way and getting tripped over. If you need to carry something then carry a pack. It's tight enough in there without those crates.

 

[chongoMT]

My plan when I go is pretty simple. Take a backpack and fill it with brochures, at lunchtime go to back to the hotel and download. I don't use the rolling carts for the simple fact that they are cumbersome and trip people. Take the time to change socks and shoes before heading back. Eat lunch at the hotel room or somewhere away from the $10 sandwiches there is also nowhere to sit at most eating areas around chow time. Day one get a SHOT show book and tear the map out or download the app. Walk the floor enough on the first day to know the layout that way you can prioritize (booth #'s in book) where you want to focus on. Another thing I do is at night check out Soldier Systems and other forums to find out what has been discovered by other people that way if I need to see it I can route plan it for the next day. There is too much to take in even if you walk your ass of for 3 days, try to keep an agenda or you'll just get caught up looking at ladies and talking to vendors about randomness. I have worked on the vendor side and please keep in mind that these guys get thousands of stupid questions please be patient with them. It is a rough week on the vendor side so asking for free shit may not get you far. I hope this helps.

 

[Sako man]

I've spent my entire adult life defending this country only to see it slowly destroyed from within by "PC" shit among other things. I'll probably miss this SHOT show as I head back over to the box so some lazy ass fat bastard can drag his milk crate around the SHOT show floor while everyone behind him silently thinks to themselves how much they would like to choke said fat bastard out multiple times for being a burden on everyone else trying to walk the isle like a normal human being.

People need to start saying and doing what they are thinking instead of letting the concept of being "PC" keep them from doing the right thing.

First off, yeah the PC shit if for the birds, it's insincere and serves no purpose other than to undermine our integrity. Second, the thought of seeing a bunch of retards with those crates makes things seem rather unappealing, not to be a snob. It does make me want to practice my Guillotine from the ground.

 

[Maggot]

Advice? There's this nice whorehouse down on 14th.............

 

[elfster1234]

My best advise would be to take anyone with the name elfster1234 with you.....

Hey guys,
I manage to get tickets to the Shot Show 2014. This is my first shot show so Im wanting any advise from those who have attended before.
I went to the Home | NSSF SHOT Show they have a show planner that helps you organize your experience but what days are best to go and
what times are best for beating crowds.
Thanks, for any info.

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

Advice? There's this nice whorehouse down on 14th.............

What is the address exactly? LOL

Actually last year after humping my pack around for 3 days I found RSR giving away those rolling cart things - and thought holy shit, this would have been so much easier with that cart. I am glad I saw this thread since I was thinking about bringing one this year. I totally didn't even think about all the other crowds - just my back - but I am guessing your exactly right. There are a lot of people and its difficult enough to maneuver - even w/o the beer from Leupold or SOG ;-).

I just think this year I am going to try to pick up WAY less literature - and really focus on a few vendors. I walked the floor every day last year and still wasn't able to see the entire show...

So - my advice, look at the list of exhibitors or get some focus on exactly what you want to do - and try to hit those first, then just wander around and enjoy the show after that.


Side note -anyone else going to the this years first Tuesday Buyers day? They seem to be tightening up the media day on Monday and I can't get into that - so I am heading to the buyers day instead - wouldn't mind meeting up with others from the Hide there or at the show.

 

[shootist2004]

there is no parking so plan on walking to the center....cab lines are very long also.

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

but there are shuttles - they are pretty easy to get on and run often in the am and pm !

 

[Parsons]

No way to actually look at everything there like everyone else said. I walked the show for about 5 hours a day everyday last year sometimes more. The carts are very annoying. People stop at a booth in the narrow walk ways and fail to pull them up beside them next to the booth and leave them behind them in the aisles. Do not take all the brochures that are available or people hand you. Only take ones that you are interested in. Made the mistake last year of taking every brochure and left a gun brochure library for the maids of the hotel to read or do whatever with. Last year I tried to stop at almost every booth. This year I will be searching out certain ones and by passing all others in hopes of seeing all the ones I want to. Definitely stop by Magpul. If there booth is half as cool as last years it will be worth it.