2009 SHOT Show: Day I

[Frontpage]

Introduction


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_bear.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/bear.JPG)

For those of you who stumbled on this page accidentally while searching for tips on flower arranging, the SHOT Show is the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Technology expo. It is the largest firearms trade show in the world.

If you like guns, going to the SHOT show instantly reduces you to the mental state of a four-year-old in a toy store. Each step reveals new and amazing vistas, and a straightforward path toward a destination quickly turns into a series of detours into newer and more fascinating discoveries. It's occasionally necessary to take brief breaks in order to gibber with excitement. There are so many guns!

Clinotus and I recently attended the SHOT show and made a concerted effort to photograph some of the niftier things we saw so that you could share in the excitement and learn of the cool new arms soon to hit the market. The fact that this also makes the trip tax-deductible is entirely coincidental.

Because we can no longer procrastinate the task of labeling and processing several hundred photos, here is a glimpse into a few of the wonders housed within the Orange County Convention Center.

Springfield Armory M1As

The first sight to greet us as we walked in the door was a display of Springfield Armory M1As--a most auspicious sight. In addition to M1As in their classical configurations, SA had some very tactical versions:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_m1a_tactical.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/m1a_tactical.JPG)

Even the standard versions had some interesting optical setups, such as this M21 with an ACOG on it.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_m1a_acog.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/m1a_acog.JPG)

We didn't spend much time at the Springfield Armory booth, but intend to return later for a closer look.


Mossberg

Most of Mossberg's display is fairly conventional, but you're in for a treat if you wander toward their police and tactical section. There we saw their new non-lethal shotgun:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_mossberg_nonlethal2.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/mossberg_nonlethal2.JPG)

Rather than just being a standard shotgun shooting less-than-lethal rounds, this shotgun's bolt face is designed so that it is physically incapable of discharging a standard shotshell. Instead, it launches self-contained electric darts, with no wires to snap or ground out.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_mossberg_dart.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/mossberg_dart.JPG)

Nasty little things, aren't they?


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_mossberg_dart2.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/mossberg_dart2.JPG)

However, it's not all fun and games in Mossberg land. They also had a variety of shotguns with pointy bits on them...


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_mossberg_bayonet.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/mossberg_bayonet.JPG)

...and blunter bits:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_mossberg_muzzlebrake.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/mossberg_muzzlebrake.JPG)

The enormous muzzle brake mounted on the above shotgun is designed to cut down on recoil and permit faster follow-up shots, which are mechanically possible due to the semi-auto action. Naturally, such a brake on a pump-action shotgun would be pointless due to recovery time being dominated by working the action.

There were also a number of pistol grip versions of the same weaponry. As the Mossberg rep explained, these are very high in the CDI factor. (CDI: Chicks Dig It)


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_mossberg_pistolgrips.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/mossberg_pistolgrips.JPG)


Colt

The big buzz about Colt this year, as it was last year, was the return of their 10mm Delta Elite 1911, and it was certainly there.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_delta.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_delta.JPG)

The recoil spring was very strong in order to reduce frame battering. I was pleased to note that the barrel used a standard bushing instead of a bull barrel.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_delta_muzzle.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_delta_muzzle.JPG)

Stepping back almost 100 years, there was also a WWI replica 1911. Note the lack of scallops around the trigger, longer trigger, spur hammer, tab safety, short grip safety, and flat mainspring housing.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_m1911.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_m1911.JPG)

The finish on this piece was beautiful.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_m1911_rear.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_m1911_rear.JPG)

Of course, the intervening years were not neglected. Many consider Colt's Series 70 models to be the apex of commercial 1911s; they were present here in blued and stainless forms.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_70_blue.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_70_blue.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_70_stainless.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_70_stainless.JPG)

Gold Cup target 1911s in blue and stainless are nothing new, but it was fun to handle one. The triggers were, of course, excellent.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Colt_goldcup_trophy_bk.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Colt_goldcup_trophy_bk.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Colt_goldcup_trophy_ss.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Colt_goldcup_trophy_ss.jpg.JPG)

Naturally, Colt offers models adapted to suit modern tastes and needs, such as this Government model with a light rail:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Colt_gvt_railed.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Colt_gvt_railed.jpg.JPG)

Clinotus was especially fond of this Special Government Combat model; I almost had to borrow the Mossberg taser shotgun to pry him away.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Colt_spcl_gvt_cmbt.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Colt_spcl_gvt_cmbt.jpg.JPG)

The same situation occurred in reverse when I found the Colt Custom .38 Super in highly-polished stainless steel.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_38super.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_38super.JPG)

I've always had a thing for shiny .38 Super 1911. Traditionally, the shine was done with nickel plating, but polished stainless steel is a superior alternative because it's more durable and easier to maintain. Personally, I think mother-of-pearl grips are the perfect complement, General Patton's opinions notwithstanding.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_38super_3.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_38super_3.JPG)

The barrel is noticeably thicker for a .355-inch projectile:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_38super_muzzle.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_38super_muzzle.JPG)

As a company, Colt goes back to the mid-1800s, which is a much smaller number than 1911. Consequently, there were a few examples of revolvers lying about. My affinity for shiny firearms drew me instantly to the nickel-plated Single-Action Army.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_saa_nickel.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_saa_nickel.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_saa_nickel_2.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_saa_nickel_2.JPG)

Naturally, the standard blued and case-hardened single-actions were present. One interesting variation was this short-barreled Sheriff's model:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_sheriff.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_sheriff.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_sheriff_muzzle.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_sheriff_muzzle.JPG)

.45 Colt makes for an imposing muzzle, but it would be purely for show if it weren't for the little hole at the other end, where the firing pin on the hammer passes through to strike the cartridge's primer.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_colt_saa_pinhole.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/colt_saa_pinhole.JPG)


Sig Sauer

One of the largest displays at SHOT was occupied by Sig and their impressive product line.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Sig_wall1.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Sig_wall1.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Sig_wall2.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Sig_wall2.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Sig_wall3.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Sig_wall3.jpg.JPG)


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Sig_wall4.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Sig_wall4.jpg.JPG)

Highlights include this P229 Stainless Elite, which melted into my hand thanks in part to its well-fitted wood grips.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_p229_stainless_elite.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_p229_stainless_elite.JPG)

I didn't hold this one too closely, though, for fear that I would start liking ponies and want to be a princess:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_mosquito_pink.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_mosquito_pink.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Sig_mosquito_pink_1.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Sig_mosquito_pink_1.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Sig_mosquito_pink_2.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Sig_mosquito_pink_2.jpg.JPG)

The P250 was present in its new "All Terrain Tactical" version.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Sig_p220_att_9mm.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Sig_p220_att_9mm.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Sig_p220_att_9mm_1.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Sig_p220_att_9mm_1.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Sig_p250_att_9mm_1.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Sig_p250_att_9mm_1.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Sig_p250_att_9mm_3.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Sig_p250_att_9mm_3.jpg.JPG)

Sig also featured a number of interesting rifles, including this batch intended for law-enforcement consumption...


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_556_le.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_556_le.JPG)

...and this pistol intended, apparently, for muzzle blast.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_556_pistol.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_556_pistol.JPG)

There was also a rimfire version of their centerfire rifles, the 522.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_522_22lr.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_522_22lr.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_522_muzzle.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_522_muzzle.JPG)

Another interesting rifle Sig featured was actually called the Tactical 2. Unimaginative and, well, tactical name aside, the Tactical 2 is a very unique precision rifle utilizing a straight-pull bolt.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_tactical2_side.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_tactical2_side.JPG)

Tipping the bolt back unlatches it...


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_tactical2_bolt_unlatched.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_tactical2_bolt_unlatched.JPG)

...allowing it to be drawn back...


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_tactical2_bolt_drawback.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_tactical2_bolt_drawback.JPG)

...to its rearmost position.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_tactical2_bolt_back.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_tactical2_bolt_back.JPG)

Detail of the bolt:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_tactical2_bolt.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_tactical2_bolt.JPG)

The real star of the Sig booth, though, was the P238.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_p238.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_p238.JPG)

This is a most un-Sig-like little pistol, a tiny single-action-only semi-automatic chambered in .380.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sig_p238_2.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sig_p238_2.JPG)

It fits in the hand quite nicely, whether resting on one's palm or gripped. The trigger is crisp and of moderate weight and the action is locked-breech, not blowback--this should moderate the snappiness of such a tiny handgun. (It weighs 15.2 ounces, including the magazine, and measures 5.5" long by 3.9" high and 1.1" wide.)

Both Clinotus and I were immediately taken by this little gun, as was everyone else who handled it. It is the spiritual successor to the Colt Mustang, and we predict it will sell so well that people will start referring to hotcakes as selling like Sig P238s.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_Sig_training.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/Sig_training.jpg.JPG)

Finally, Sig had what must be the coolest video game in the world: a training sim using specially-rigged pistols to simulate combat situations against a projected wall. Forty seconds after this photo was taken, the gentleman on the right took out an insurgent with explosives strapped to his chest--simulated, of course. (Both the insurgent and explosives.) After the scenario finishes, each shot is replayed with point of impact shown.

[Frontpage]

Smith & Wesson

Although revolvers made a great showing at S&W's section of the hall, the amount of floor space occupied by the company makes it clear they've diversified into a wide range of rifles and semi-autos, such as this Pro Series 1911 in 9mm:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_1911ps_9mm.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_1911ps_9mm.jpg.JPG)

There was, of course, emphasis on the S&W Military and Police line of semi-autos:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_MP40.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_MP40.jpg.JPG)

Military and Police 40 (M&P 40). Thumb Safety model. 40 Caliber.

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_MP40c.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_MP40c.jpg.JPG)

Military and Police 40 Compact (M&P 40c). Thumb Safety model. 40 Caliber.

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_MP45.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_MP45.jpg.JPG)

Military and Police 45 (M&P 45). Thumb Safety model. 45Caliber.

Military & Police isn't used solely to refer to semi-automatic handguns; it's also applied to S&W's line of AR-15s.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_MP_LEO._3jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_MP_LEO._3jpg.JPG)

(Note the giggle switch in the above photo.) Below is the same gun from the opposite side.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_MP_LEO_2.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_MP_LEO_2.jpg.JPG)

There are other configurations; it's not like it's hard to do with AR-15s.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_MP_LEO.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_MP_LEO.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_MP_LEO_1.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_MP_LEO_1.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_MP_LEO_4.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_MP_LEO_4.jpg.JPG)

I was interested to see this model featuring Magpul MOE handguards.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_mp_moe.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_mp_moe.JPG)

It wasn't the only one to feature Magpul gear:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_mp_tanfurniture.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_mp_tanfurniture.JPG)

Looking a little closer reveals the elusive Magpul polymer backup iron sights. (Can they even be called backup "irons" when they're made out of plastic?)


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_magpul_buis.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/magpul_buis.JPG)

Of course, you can't stop by S&W's display without looking at revolvers, so let's look at revolvers. We were happy to find that S&W is expanding its classic line, and I was downright ecstatic to learn that the Model 17, a K-frame in .22LR, is returning.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_17.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_17.JPG)

It's not returning unchanged, though; the standard sideplate lock is visible in the above photo, and it uses the modern asymmetrical ejecter instead of the classic pin-indexed version:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_17_ejecter.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_17_ejecter.JPG)

Not everything had a sideplate lock, though; this Model 42 in .38 Special got by with just a grip safety.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_42_gripsafety.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_42_gripsafety.JPG)

It was interesting to note that S&W appears to be investing some effort in bringing .41 Magnum back to life--at least judging by this stunning nickeled .41 Magnum Model 57.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_57_41mag_2.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_57_41mag_2.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_57_41mag_3.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_57_41mag_3.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_nightguard.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_nightguard.JPG)

Not everything is classic, though. S&W is doing interesting new things with the Night Guard line. These are black-finished revolvers with scandium frames; the cylinder is blackened stainless steel and the barrel consists of an inner steel lining surrounded by a scandium sleeve.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_aluminum_revolver_shroud.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_aluminum_revolver_shroud.JPG)

The example above doesn't come from a Night Guard revolver, but illustrates the two-part barrel.

Night Guards also feature tritium dot front sights:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_nightguard_nightsight.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_nightguard_nightsight.JPG)

They're offered in some interesting calibers, including .45 ACP (Model 325):


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_325_45acp.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_325_45acp.JPG)

The .41 Magnum version is the Model 357 (that's bound to cause some "who's on first" moments in the gun stores):


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_NG_357_41mag.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_NG_357_41mag.jpg.JPG)

Most intriguing is the Model 310, chambered in 10mm/.40 S&W:


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_SmithWesson_NG_310__10_40_2.jpg.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/SmithWesson_NG_310__10_40_2.jpg.JPG)

http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_310_10mm.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_310_10mm.JPG)

The .357 Magnum equivalent has room in its cylinder for eight rounds, which is nothing to sneeze at.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_327_357mag.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_327_357mag.JPG)

Finally, S&W is offering a revolver in the new .327 Magnum round: the 632.


http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/tn_sw_632.JPG (http://230grain.com/images/articles/shot/day1/sw_632.JPG)

Day 1 Conclusions

The first day at SHOT has brought with it only two conclusions: The convention center is enormous, and my feet hurt. Much of what we looked at and photographed still remains to be processed and written up, and there's much more we haven't even seen. If there's anything in particular you'd like us to look at or questions we can ask, please post them here and we'll do our best to get to them.

[Frontpage]

Additional 2009 SHOT Show Reporting

2009 SHOT Show - Day I (http://230grain.com/showthread.php?t=36911)
2009 SHOT Show - Day II (http://230grain.com/showthread.php?t=37101)
2009 SHOT Show - Day III (http://230grain.com/showthread.php?t=37221)
2009 SHOT Show - Day IV (http://230grain.com/showthread.php?t=37351)


2010 SHOT Show Reporting:
[Featured directly on the front page]

2010 Shot Shot - Day I (http://230grain.com/shot2010/day1/index.html)
2010 Shot Shot - Day II (http://230grain.com/shot2010/day2/index.html)
2010 Shot Shot - Day III (http://230grain.com/shot2010/day3/index.html)
2010 Shot Shot - Day IV (http://230grain.com/shot2010/day4/index.html)