There’s really only one word to describe the 35th SHOT Show in Las Vegas: big.
With more than 60,000 credentialed industry professionals, recreational gun owners and law enforcement officers in attendance, and firearms, ammunition and related products covering 630,000 square feet of the Sands Expo & Convention Center, it’s not uncommon to overhear attendees say, “I wish I had a clone so I could get to it all!”
Although the show is four days long, it’s not nearly enough time to see everything. And that’s just the product side of things. The SHOT Show also features special events, meet-and-greets, award ceremonies and an LE-focused education program.
So how’s a show-goer to fit it all in? They don’t. They have to pick and choose what’s most relevant to their recreation or profession. As far as law enforcement goes, the following are some of the highlights.
New Products
On the showroom floor, Glock, Smith & Wesson, 5.11, Stag Arms -- among dozens of other companies-- unveiled their latest offerings for the LE market. Specifically, Stag Arms highlighted its latest entry into the gas piston AR market, which firearms expert Dave Spaulding says is where much of the buyer interest currently lies. Also popular on the showroom floor was the Smith & Wesson’s M & P Shield, a palm-sized pistol that’s set the standard for police concealment and off-duty guns. Spaudling said many in the LE community are calling it the “Detective Special” of the new generation.
Previous coverage on LawOfficer.com:
Law Enforcement Education Program
For the fourth consecutive year, the National Shooting Sports Foundation partnered with Law Officer Magazine to present a distinctive education program geared specifically for LEOs.
Law Officer Editor-in-Chief Dale Stockton and Las Vegas Metro PD Deputy Chief Marc Joseph kicked off the Law Enforcement Education Program with a session focused on the Below 100 initiative, which aims to reduce annual LODDs to less than 100 across the nation. “I believe officers have the power to make good choices when it comes to increasing their odds of personal safety,” Chief Joseph said. With that belief in mind, he and Stockton taught officers, trainers and supervisors how to promote officer safety and awareness within their department.
Previous coverage on LawOfficer.com:
In other law enforcement education sessions, Lt. R.K. Miller (Ret.) spoke on tactical truths and tools; Austin PD Officer Will Mercado focused on breaching tactics and techniques; and John T. Meyer, founder of Team One Network, explained the ideal use of weapon lights and handheld lights with handguns and long guns.
There are still more LE educational sessions ahead this week. Click here for the full schedule.
Officer Saves
On Wednesday afternoon, Safariland will honor three respected law enforcement officers saved in the line of fire by armor or gear manufactured by the company.
Corporal Pete Penney of the Arkansas State Police; Master Deputy Jeff Maxwell of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Department; and Deputy Brad Grice of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Department will share their inspirational stories about their extraordinary commitment to their duties.
These officers are among more than 18,000 Safariland Saves Club members.
Stop by booth #12762 at 3 p.m.Jan. 16 to see the presentation.
What’s Your Favorite Part of the SHOT Show?