SHOT Show is where to be when you want to see all the latest and greatest gear for shooting, hunting and other outdoor adventures. It’s also a great time to catch up with friends in the industry. Aside from seeing some pretty interesting products this year, I ran into a few friends who were attending for the first time and others with exciting news to share.
Open Carry Bagel Holster
One of the first people I ran into was Yehuda Remer, “The Pew Pew Jew.” As we were all snacking on our breakfast foods, he showed me his custom Black Rhino Concealment bagel holster he uses now open-carry his bagels to ensure he has one ready in real emergencies.
Nich Rhoades with the Tac-M2 He Helped Design
2024 is the industry breakout year for Adrenaline Firearms imported by KDB Imports. Their two leading models are the TAC-M2 and TAC-M4, with modifications influenced by Nick Rhoades, 3-Gun competitor and firearms instructor to increase reliability and functionality. Available in right- and left-hand configurations, these are ready to be used out-of-the-box for work, competition, hunting or home defense. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a left-handed shooter.
The Ounce Pistol
Bill Osborne developed the Ounce pistol in response to a horrific crime against a family member. This compact, lightweight (7.5 ounces empty) and low recoil .22LR pistol holds 10+1 rounds. It’s a solution to those hesitant about carrying a firearm for whatever reason. I was most intrigued by the magazine and how the spent brass is ejected.
Charlie Cook of Riding Shotgun with Charlie and FASTER’s Jim Irvine
Although Charlie Cook of Riding Shotgun with Charlie has attended many SHOT Shows, he’s broadcasting from the Samson Manufacturing booth this year. “I reached out to my friends like Jim Irvine, Tony Simon, Yehuda Remer, Robyn Sandoval, & Jared Yanis, said Charlie. I’ve been making friends across the country with RSWC and I’m honored to have them stop by the booth to be part of this with me.”
When I stopped by to visit Charlie, Jim Irvine of FASTER Saves Lives was on his show. This is Jim’s first time back to SHOT after many years. He traveled the floor doing many media interviews about training school staff to respond to active shooters. He told me he was surprised at how enormous the show had become since his last visit.
The Bullet Casing Dress
This stunning display caught my eye as I turned the corner on one of the aisles and I had to get a closer look. Artist and competitive shooter Miona creates these spectacular dresses from the shell casings of tens of thousands of bullets she’s fired. Miona says her goal is for her one-of-a-kind creations to symbolize empowerment, strength, and the transformative power of women in the shooting sports community.
Author John Kolis Attending SHOT Show for the First Time
After many years of hearing about the SHOT Show, John Kolis, author of the book Pistol Practice, finally had the opportunity to attend this year. Here was his reaction . . .
However big you envision SHOT to be, it’s bigger. Whatever you think it is, it’s more. Everyone is represented, from major firearm manufacturers to small businesses deep in the supply chain. The convention center is a wonderful networking opportunity that simultaneously makes me feel like a kid in a candy store — miles and miles of gear, gadgets, influencers, mentors and friends. Three days isn’t enough, but it’s time well spent!
Those are just a few of the many people I’ve run into so far at SHOT Show. Now I’m off to traverse the miles upon miles of booths and find more interesting items and probably chat with more friends along the way.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, and the owner of Pervenio LLC.