SHOT Show Recap – Sights From Las Vegas

Another year, another great SHOT Show. Here is a recap of some of the best sights from the 2012 SHOT Show. (Click images for a closer view) Read more

SHOT Show Recap: GSG StG44

There was no shortage of firearms at this week’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas, and there certainly were many that turned heads. But our favorite by far was the GSG (German Sports Guns) GSG StG 44, a modern recreation of the infamous first “assault rifle.” This version, which will be available later this spring, is chambered in .22LR, so it will be ready for the range, cheap to shoot and yet will still look menacing. Why settle for a mere Airsoft or replica when you can buy this one that can be used for some good old .22 shooting? Additional photos after the jump

SHOT SHOW 2012: Under Armor Controls Smells

There is no denying that when heading to the great outdoors most people will come back home smelling worse for it. This is part of the outdoor experience, and in a way if you don’t smell bad you probably didn’t do enough. That’s true for fitness, but sometimes a strong scent won’t just have your loved one sending you to the shower, for hunters it can keep the prey away.

At SHOT Show in Las Vegas Under Armor, a leader in athletic performance apparel are introducing new Zeolite-based UA Scent Control Technology in its 2012 Whitetail Collection. This helps hunters remain undetected when in the field via a silver anti-microbial that promises to last 10 times longer than commonly used carbon-based technologies. There is a saying that some predators can smell fear, but now the hunted won’t smell the hunters!

SHOT Show 2012: Writing in the Rain

In this high-tech era with texting, email and video chat sometimes the older technology gets left behind. But there are still times when you might need to write something down on actual real paper. But try taking that paper out in the rain, or even on a run or bike ride where sweat will get it wet, and you end up with soaked pulp. Water and paper don’t mix – at least most of the time. We’ve seen waterproof cameras, waterproof headphones so why not waterproof paper?

At SHOT Show in Las Vegas this week we were shown Rite in the Rain, a new type of waterproof paper that can survive rain, sweat and spills. The company has introduced a variety of paper products, including a nifty Outdoor Journal that can allow hunters, hikers, and just about anyone else who still take handwritten notes to have a notepad that can survive the elements. Read more

SHOT Show 2012: Kryptek Gets Cryptic

Camouflage is something that many people probably don’t think much about, except to note that it is used by military forces around the world to help the wearer blend in. It also has used for hunters, and anyone who doesn’t want to be so easily seen. The first true “camouflage” was arguably just sand colored clothing used by the British military in India in the 1840s and 1850s – and this took its name from the Persian word for sand, which just happens to be “khaki.” Today we think of khakis as a comfortable type of pants, or a color. Likewise, camouflage clothing has become a bit of a fashion statement, while still serving a purpose.

And camouflage has also gone digital, with the current U.S. military utilizing patterns that are more random and thus blend in more with the environment. Rather than just stopping with what it has, the U.S. military is reportedly evaluating this, and Krypek Outdoor apparel has been named a finalist in the process to select new U.S. military camouflage patterns. While we won’t likely see this in army/navy stores for a while, these patterns could be the next fashion wave in a few years – and will likely be embraced by hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

SHOT Show: Tenzing Bag Packs It In

Having the right bag for all your outdoor needs is a tall order, but the Tenzing TZ 2220 is up to the challenge. The bag is just four pounds, yet offers storage capacity of more than 2,200 cubic inches.

It features 1111 total compartments and six specialized zip pockets, along with a side pack that is H2O compatible (2-liter) with a hydration port, while two compression straps on the lower part enable additional attachments of more gear. The TZ 2220 also features advanced strength panels reinforced with Dyneema to ensure an incredibly light yet rip/ puncture resistant. Time to pack it in!

Tenzing Outdoors Official Website

SHOT Show: Shields Up

 

Last week CES, this week SHOT Show and impressively LOKSAK is at both. We were introduced to them a year ago when we first saw their innovative plastic bags that are made to protect a wallet, mobile phone or other small item from the elements. The bags are a little more durable than your off-the-shelf sandwich bags, and fit nicely in a pocket for cycling, running or skiing.

So what’s new? Try the SHIELDSAK on for size, a flexible bag that is made of R.F. shield fabric that will protect devices from electronic signals. This isn’t so much meant for blocking a phone from getting tracked – for that you could turn it off. But if you’re worried about the data chips in your passport or credit card from being scanned this will ensure the shields are up and the scanning can’t get through. This works with any RFID type of chips, so if you’re worried about what might be scanned or tracked, this will ensure it is protected.

LOKSAK Official Website

SHOT Show: Zombie Kit

While the notion of a zombie apocalypse is likely (and hopefully) just a thing for movies and TVs, the popularity of it clearly is having an impact in the real world. At this week’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas Otis Technology, is introducing the Zombie Gun Cleaning System, which is designed to clean all 5.56MM rifles, 9MM and 45 caliber pistols, and 12 gauge shotguns.

There isn’t anything here that will actually stop the walking dead – for that a good firearm will of course do, at least if movies and TV are to be believed. But the kit does pack everything you’d need to keep your firearms ready just in case you do need to take on a zombie.

It includes 8-inch and 30-inch Memory Flex Cables for effective and correct Breech-to-Muzzle cleaning, four (4) bronze bore brushes, a rubberized patch saver for a 360° cleaning of shotgun barrels, and specialized precision tools for a complete breakdown and fine cleaning of all critical and hard to reach areas of your firearm.

For those looking for some zombie style the kit also offers a green bore reflector/flag safety, D.O.A./85 Solvent, and a limited edition Zombie labeled soft case. If the dead should walk, be ready!

Otis Technology Official Website

ATF Solution: Promote Key Supervisors

This week The Los Angeles Times offered some upsetting information regarding the ATF and those involved directly in the Fast and Furious debacle. What do you do with those who might have been responsible? In the government you apparently promote them!

The LA Times noted:

“The ATF has promoted three key supervisors of a controversial sting operation that allowed firearms to be illegally trafficked across the U.S. border into Mexico.”

This doesn’t exactly seem like a Soviet-style promotion either, nor have they been “promoted” to a field office in the Arctic Circle. The paper states:

“The three supervisors have been given new management positions at the agency’s headquarters in Washington.”

Not exactly the fallout that we expected.

F.A.T.S – FireArms Training Simulator

I recently had the opportunity to try out the F.A.T.S training system after taking a level two Urban Pistol class at the Police Academy range. The class was fantastic but after it was over, I peeked in the room where the F.A.T.S training sessions were being conducted. F.A.T.S stands for FireArms Training Simulator. It is an entirely interactive system that uses a computer program, a large screen and very realistic firearms that are loaded with computer chips instead of ammunition. It looks somewhat like a big video game, but it is definitely not a game.

The F.A.T.S system is used in police and military training. It costs upwards of $150,000 and was designed to be used with many types of firearms – however, each type of firearm added to the system costs several thousand dollars. The software on this F.A.T.S system was designed to simulate police calls and stops and the firearms were all corded (i.e. attached) to the computer. There are systems where the firearms are not corded, and the guns have magazines filled with nitrogen gas to simulate recoil. With certain software, it is also possible to create scenarios where the suspects will not only be shooting back at you from the video screen, but the instructor can launch soft foam projectiles at you from a device called the Hostile Fire Simulator. In this case you would need to make use of available cover in the room to avoid being hit. Read more

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