The list of companies to WTBGU! visits at SHOT Show 2013 is finalized with a good mix of focus between general industry information, WTBGU! Store meetings and blog specific meetings.
Looking through the list there are a few identifiable themes that I’ll be looking for however…
1x Optics
Over the past few months I have become more and more interested in the idea of having a slide mounted red-dot on a defensive pistol. After putting a few rounds through Glock 19’s equipped with RMR’s and a DeltaPoint’s I am sold on the concept and will be visiting a number of companies to discuss their small reflex sights.
- Aimpoint
- Burris
- EOTech
- Leupold & Stevens
- Trijicon
- Vortex Optics
For a defensive rifle quick target acquisition is important and magnification can be a detriment. After the Shooting Gallery filming of my first AR-15 training session, I have become more interested in the 1x sight for a rifle as well and I like the idea of having a similar sight picture on multiple platforms. In addition to red dots offered by the companies mentioned above, I want to visit other optics companies to talk about their superb 1-4/6/8x adjustable sights.
- Nikon
- U.S. Optics
Low Cost Training
Even before the most recent panic buying frenzy and center-fire ammunition VANISHED, the cost of frequent training could be cost prohibitive. Training with a .22LR can allow you to work on the fundamentals at a reasonable cost. There are many great companies with that have products that can make rim-fire (and even dryfire) training easier…
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While training with a .22 is great, at some point you really do need to train with centerfire ammunition, but you can’t do that if it isn’t around. I hope to talk with many manufacturers of ammunition and reloading components to get their expectations on availability and tips to ensure we can continue to train.
- Berry’s Mfg
- CCI/Speer
- Federal Premium
- Hodgdon Powder
- Hornady
Rifles for Home Defense
Millions of people chosen to train with a use AR-15’s for home defense and there are tens of thousands of AR products on the market… Some work, some don’t, some are suited for home defense, and some aren’t.
I want to start talking with a number of top manufacturers to talk about how to select and best use a AR pattern rifle for HD. (Oh, and ask about magazine availability!)
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Unfortunately if our president gets his way, we might not always be able to use our AR’s and we might need to use something different and there are many more choices.
I am personally drawn to the lever gun and the semi-auto shotgun and want to speak with representatives from a number of companies about their products including…
- Benelli USA
- Marlin Firearms/H&R
- Rossi, USA
- Remington Arms
Holsters, Sights, Eye Pro and Other gear
Our mission is to provide “Gear that Just Works!” for training, competition and 72 hour preparedness and while we are very proud of the selection and value we currently offer, that doesn’t mean we are done.
We are still looking for the right pocket, appendix and off-body carry option for our support. While we are big fans of the Warren Tactical sights, we know that there are other designs that work for other people and would like to expand the selection. And the list goes on… here are just a few of the other manufacturers we are considering adding…
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Interviews!
Can you identify this person and how she is related to the shooting sports?
This year I would like to at a weekly interview feature from members of the industry… I have a list of 62 companies I would like to talk with after the show so the biggest goal for the week is to make the contacts to make that happen.
Is there anything covered at shot that you would like to learn more about or individuals you would like to see interviewed? Let me know in the comments below.
Ron is the Founder and President of When the Balloon Goes Up! He competes regularly in IDPA as an ESP/Expert, his focus is on concealed carry, home defense and analyzing equipment to find “Gear that Just Works!”
