Columnist Barb Henderson: SHOT draws crowd to LV

Barb Henderson

Friday, Feb. 13, 2004 | 9:56 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

Yikes, it's Friday the 13th.

Although, I bet this will probably be a day that should bring good luck to some of the approximately 30,000 folks attending the 26th annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center through Sunday.

Why?

The answer is quite simple. The attendees of SHOT show are in an outdoor paradise this weekend, attending one of the more popular trade shows in the industry, a show that ranks as the 35th largest trade exposition in the country.

Unfortunately, it is not open to the general public. You'll have to be patient and wait for the new products to make their way to your favorite sporting goods stores.

SHOT show is owned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and is managed by Reed Exhibitions. NSSF was formed in 1961, and is the trade association for the firearms and recreational shooting sports industry.

The almost 30,000 folks will be gathered to share a common bond with the 1,600 companies that are showcasing products such as firearms, reloading, scopes, gun locks, gun cases, telescopes, binoculars, targets, training and safety equipment, eyewear, treestands, camouflage, ammo, hunting and outdoor clothing, cutlery, optics, camping, game calls, shooting and hunting accessories, related products and services.

The exhibits that are set up across the convention floor are grouped in a variety of categories: firearms and ammunition, outdoor wear, general shooting and hunting, archery and law enforcement.

This year, nearly 500 new and exciting products are on display.

The revenue generated from SHOT show also means high revenue to our local economy.

"Attendees include firearm retailers from all over the country -- some 30,000 people in all, when exhibitors and support staff are included," said Gary Mehalik NSSF Director of Communications.

The proceeds from the show will provide significant financial support for the U.S. Shooting Team, Hunter Education Association, Wildlife Management Institute, "Becoming An Outdoors-Woman" project, 4-H Shooting Sports Program, U.S. Biathlon Association, Collegiate Clay Target Shooting Championship, National Bowhunter Education Fund, Cody Firearms Museum, Shooting Sports Summit and scores of smaller state and local professional, sporting and conservation organizations.

SHOT show plans to return to the Las Vegas Convention Center in 2005 and 2006.