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Jesse's Hunting > Hunting Articles > Articles > Looking for Something New at the 2009 SHOT Show
Looking for Something New at the 2009 SHOT Show
Phillip Loughlin -JHO ProStaff Editor
- SF Bay Area, CA
January 28, 2009
Light crowds on Day 1
The first day of the show seemed a little slow, but things picked up as the weekend came on. Overall, there were nearly 50,000 people in attendance. |
The industry seems reasonably healthy, despite the economic craziness that seems to be shaking the whole world right now. All the big players were represented, as always. The camo companies, gun and ammo makers, and a slough of creative, innovative, and hopeful newcomers made up about 22,098 exhibitors and personnel. Overall, there were nearly 50,000 people from all over the world there in Orlando, FL. It makes you feel like somebody, to be part of all of that.
Most years, there are usually one or two things that really stand out at the show. It may be a new gun, new camo designs, or even new happenings in the industry. But this year, well, maybe everyone is still catching up with 2008. For example, the last couple of years saw a big influx of adjustable triggers. From the Remington X-Mark to Ruger's LC6, all of the major manufacturers have joined Savage arms. While this is great news to the many shooters who've been stymied by the "lawyer-approved" triggers of the past decade, it's not exactly news.
Remington 887
A modification on the 870, the 887 offers value and functionality. |
Remington has made some changes to their shotgun line, with the introduction of the new 887. This is a modification on the venerable 870 featuring a new trigger group, an action that should eliminate the 870's tendency to short-stroke, and a new, "modernistic" stock design. It looks pretty cool, although the new slide design brings the pump dangerously close to the gunner's fingers while loading or unloading.
The 887 will sell for a shade less than the 870, offering an economic option for shotgunners.
Speaking of shotguns, one of many bright lights at the show was the return of Ithaca Gun. The company has moved operations from New York to Ohio, but it is still an all-American gun, and still carries the classic lines with the M37.
There is good news on the lead-free ammunition front. Winchester and Nosler are expanding their ETip offerings, and Hornady will be rolling out their own version of the "gilding metal" bullets this spring. Remington is also releasing a newly designed, copper bullet. Barnes Bullets still offer the widest variety of calibers, and are being loaded by several ammo companies.
The JHO Journal will be reviewing some of the other new products from the SHOT Show in upcoming editions. Keep an eye on this space!
Remington Arms - http://www.remington.com
Ruger - http://www.ruger-firearms.com/
Winchester Ammunition - http://www.winchester.com
Nosler Bullets - http://www.nosler.com/
Hornady Bullets - http://www.hornady.com/
Ithaca Guns - http://www.ithacagun.com/
Barnes Bullets - http://www.barnesbullets.com/
For more from the 2009 SHOT Show, you can check out the SHOT Show 09 Forum on Jesse's Hunting and Outdoors Forums (http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=188127) or on the Hog Blog (http://www.hog-blog.com).
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