#shot show

Just got back from SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas Nevada. If you’ve been living under a rock, SHOT show is the world’s largest display of companies and products focused on the firearm and military/police gear and equipment realm. Companies both large and small gather here from all over the world and typically has an attendee count somewhere north of 60 thousand attendees. It spans over 2 convention centers, the Venetian Expo and Caesar’s Forum right n the heart of Vegas. This is only my second time attending the show as I also attended last year, but this was the best one so far for a lot of reasons. My wife also decided to join me this year as she’s an avid shooter and firearm enthusiast. We of course attended as Media and also got the opportunity to test a number of firearms at the industry range day that kicks the show off on Monday. 

Very similarly to last year I of course wanted to stop by companies that I have a deep connection and relationship with. Brownells had my attention throughout the show as we were sure to stop by multiple times a day to say hi and see who’s stopping by the booth. Brownells had a happy hour as well that allowed folk to wind down and chat a little bit about their day. Caleb and Steve from Brownells were in attendance and throughout the show they were checking out various companies and products. Me personally I wanted to take another look at the BRN-180 Gen 3 as hat’s a product I’m still wanting to do a project on. 

The other company that I have a deep connection with is Geissele. They’ve been a part in most every AR-15 project I’ve embarked on over the past 6-8 years in some way shape or fashion. It’s always a fun time to watch their infamous Plinko game where they give away products to attendees who’s numbers are drawn 2 times per day. I watched as 2 won complete Super duty rifles. In terms of products, their releasing a new tactical bolt action line that focuses on PRS and tactical long range shooters based off the Remington 700 platform, but with legendary Geissele quality and performance. I’m not a huge bolt action guy, but on of these might eventually make it’s way into my safe! 

So many other companies and products were witnessed during the course of the week, but the other true aspect of SHOT show is the people you meet while you’re there. Often times it’s someone you know, but have never met personally or it’s someone famous. I was able to meet a number of people I’ve known for years, but not had the pleasure to meet in person such as a fellow BOP agent Seth who goes by Indian22lrmarksmen over on Instagram. He actually found me at the Brownells booth on the first day. He was in attendance supporting a charity he works for. In terms of famous people, there’s always numerous in attendance and they’ll do scheduled appearances such as Lena Miculek and Marcus Luttrell. Dick Heller of the infamous 2A supreme court decision was also in attendance and I was very fortunate enough to meet with him for a short time. I actually did a quick interview with him a couple of years ago. Was nice to see he’s still as funny as he was back then. Always a pleasure to spend some time with him. My wife and I are huge fans of Lena so we made it a point to meet with her. Marcus Luttrell from Lone Survivor fame is someone larger than life. The adversity and heroism he endured and survived is just mind blowing. We just happened to see he was appearing and took the time to meet with him.

So was SHOT Show a success? Well for the Media outfit I’m a part of, time will tell what fruits come from our labor during the show. On a personal level however? It was a smashing success with some many memories made. Even if nothing professional comes it was a week spent with my wife together doing something we love. Already looking forward to next year’s SHOT show!