This was my 3rd trip to the SHOT, for those who don’t know what SHOT means, it is shooting, hunting, outdoor & trade show. For many of us who enjoy the practical tactical martial arts of shooting, hunting and the outdoor life, everyone should make the effort to go to the SHOT.

The adventures alone at the SHOT includes running the gauntlet of street barkers, hustlers, panhandlers, drunken travelers and ladies and men who offer their services. Folks this is Las Vegas and were all adults here. As you make your way to the SHOT, you are mesmerized by the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip and the enormous size of the hotels and restaurants. The landscape is filled with colorful beacons and eye candy.

My goal at the SHOT was to learn and understand the latest and newest the industry can offer to the public. The SHOT is a feast for all, young and old, the celebrities, the capitalist and enthusiast. And again, the kid in the candy store.

All the participants at the SHOT had their latest wares. I for one appreciated the feast. The booths included the ever gracious “booth bunnies”. Please look but don’t touch, if you want a photo with them ask first. I had the honor of meeting Grace and Morgan McClung, the daughters of Kevin McClung, AKA Mad Dog knives at the Maxpedition booth.

My day begins at 0500 hrs. My current job hours is day watch and my body clock even staying up late allowed each day with a few hours of sleep. I can only guess the vendors run the same hours. The booths are filled with staff members from the 4 corners of the world. At the HK booth, I met up with a retired Australian SAS member now working for HK. Needless to say great war stories.

My “buck list” was forever growing but with each show there was one less thing to do. My travels will include a very private tour of Long Mountain outfitters and a very groovy private party. Did I mentioned some very exclusive pictures. So bear with me as I post and I promise not tease too much. Cheers mates.