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Shotshow,

wiplash
Who is going this year?
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26 comments

Date Votes
  • US Military Guy
    I don't know the secret hand shake, so they won't let me in the door.
    :roll:
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  • Sam06
    I don't know the secret hand shake, so they won't let me in the door.
    :roll:

    Me neither

    I would like to go but Vegas is a long way to drive for me.
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  • Rocky Raab
    Every serious shooter should see it once, but believe me once is enough. Especially now that it is only about half a shooting show and more than half a cop show. Unless you're really keen on the latest advancements in handcuffs and gear belts, you'll walk a lot of miles for nothing.

    It may have improved since my last time there, but I doubt it. Frankly, I'm very glad that I no longer have to go.
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  • David Nunn
    I attended once, in 1996 I believe, when the show was in Dallas.

    No way am I going to Las Vegas for any reason. I didn't lose anything there, and I have no intention of contributing to the Mafia economy by paying for a hotel room and meals there.

    Besides, it's too far to drive, and I won't fly.
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  • Aztngundoc22
    OK :

    I wish I was ???

    Thanks @!!!
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  • Ricci Wright
    Every member of the gun culture should do it once. I have done it three times and that was enough. For me the smaller dealer shows, especially Acusports show in Ft. Worth were much better. Good to see products and talk to folks in the business.
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  • US Military Guy
    Ricci Wright wrote:
    Every member of the gun culture should do it once.

    . . . Snip

    Agree - but they will have to change the admission rules first - right?
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  • pulsarnc
    I have the invite/ credentials from the shop I work at . Sadly I don?t have the money to find the trip . Now if you guys will all pony up a few hundred dollars each I can make the trip and bring back a report! :D
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  • nononsense
    Agree - but they will have to change the admission rules first - right?

    S.H.O.T. Show is not a gun show. It is the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor TRADE show. This means it's for the owners, stores, buyers, dealers and gunsmiths in the TRADE. So admission is by FFL which you can obtain from a friendly gun store or gunsmith if you feel you're really missing out on something.

    But be prepared to pay for this privileged event. Nearby hotels and motels usually triple their regular prices, restaurant reservations are now having to be made months in advance since it's impossible to get into a seating without a reservation. The easiest and cheapest places to stay are off the Strip or in a nearby suburb of LV. But then you have the traffic in LV to deal with everyday you travel into the Show, then the long line of cars waiting for parking. Plan on $250 - $500 per day depending on the hotel/motel you choose and the quality of the meals you want. Drinks in the main hotels will run you $10 - $20 each for liquor while decent beer runs $5 - $7.50 each.

    I usually go for all four days and I could use another day some years. I have not found quite so much 'cop gear' as suggested from previous years but it takes time to walk the miles of aisles just getting to the venders you need to work with. The main floor is logically presented but the lower level is a farce of an anthill showing no resemblance of logic in the layout or organization. The show organizers have spent 10s of thousands of dollars on software to help folks get around and find their suppliers but the WiFi coverage is awful so the usefulness is limited. At the end of all of this you still stand in line waiting to talk to the suppliers... unless you make an appointment ahead of time. I schedule 3 months ahead of the show.

    After four days of constant walking and standing you feel as if you're walking on your knees in great pain. I endure it because I can get everything accomplished for the coming year all in one fell swoop.

    Best.
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  • US Military Guy
    nononsense wrote:
    Agree - but they will have to change the admission rules first - right?

    S.H.O.T. Show is not a gun show. It is the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor TRADE show. This means it's for the owners, stores, buyers, dealers and gunsmiths in the TRADE. So admission is by FFL which you can obtain from a friendly gun store or gunsmith if you feel you're really missing out on something.

    But be prepared to pay for this privileged event. Nearby hotels and motels usually triple their regular prices, restaurant reservations are now having to be made months in advance since it's impossible to get into a seating without a reservation. The easiest and cheapest places to stay are off the Strip or in a nearby suburb of LV. But then you have the traffic in LV to deal with everyday you travel into the Show, then the long line of cars waiting for parking. Plan on $250 - $500 per day depending on the hotel/motel you choose and the quality of the meals you want. Drinks in the main hotels will run you $10 - $20 each for liquor while decent beer runs $5 - $7.50 each.

    I usually go for all four days and I could use another day some years. I have not found quite so much 'cop gear' as suggested from previous years but it takes time to walk the miles of aisles just getting to the venders you need to work with. The main floor is logically presented but the lower level is a farce of an anthill showing no resemblance of logic in the layout or organization. The show organizers have spent 10s of thousands of dollars on software to help folks get around and find their suppliers but the WiFi coverage is awful so the usefulness is limited. At the end of all of this you still stand in line waiting to talk to the suppliers... unless you make an appointment ahead of time. I schedule 3 months ahead of the show.

    After four days of constant walking and standing you feel as if you're walking on your knees in great pain. I endure it because I can get everything accomplished for the coming year all in one fell swoop.

    Best.

    Went to one years ago in Dallas.

    Not a dealer, but certainly a member of the "gun culture".

    Therefore the reason for my comment to the post I commented on. On the other hand, I guess I have "done it at least once".
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  • nononsense
    I hope my comments weren't disparaging as they weren't meant to be.

    Quite a number of years ago, virtually anyone could get into S.H.O.T. Show so the attendance figures often hovered around 120,000+ making it extremely difficult (nearly impossible) for the buyers and FFLs to conduct business. New rules were put into place which curtailed most of the general public from attending unless they could skirt the rules through means of paperwork scams. Entry fees were raised significantly and the businesses in Las Vegas followed suit, raising their prices astronomically in many cases. The registration process was fully computerized using a lot more data collection and fact checking. An FFL registered to a one man shop could not support the attendance of 10 people trying to get in on that FFL. This all combined to make it much more difficult for the average person to attend. Attendance is now fairly stable at 60,000 but the exhibition space has grown into using another building for booth spaces inclusive of the main floor and the lower level in the Sands. This is amazing in itself since the combined costs of a basic 8x10 booth is $10,000 approximately. There is no free ride with the show organizers.

    In reality, the general public can attend but they must figure out how to out maneuver the show computer system in order to pay for the appropriate badges necessary to walk the aisles.

    Best.
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  • Rocky Raab
    You can always tell who the fake attendees are: they're the ones with the grocery carts full of freebies and handouts.

    For years, I worked SHOT as a boothie for E.A.R Inc making earplugs (one of the few vendors allowed to actually sell products at the show.) Went to shows in Dallas, Orlando, New Orleans, and then when it became a Vegas-only show. Working a booth meant I saw almost nothing of the rest of the show - and it was exhausting.

    I finally got full media accreditation as a writer through Varmint Hunter magazine. I could easily drive to Vegas, and stayed at hotels that were stops for the free bus shuttle to/from the show. Ate sparingly, but it still cost me upwards of $500 or so to make the trip only to make far less than that from the articles I was able to write on new products and such.

    Then, Varmint Hunter went under and other magazines for whom I wrote published fewer and fewer freelance articles - making the trip to SHOT a total losing proposition. Have not gone now for six or seven years and do not miss it one whit.
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  • jimdeere
    I don't know the secret hand shake, so they won't let me in the door.
    :roll:
    Just tell them you know CaptFun.
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  • US Military Guy
    nononsense wrote:
    I hope my comments weren't disparaging as they weren't meant to be.

    Quite a number of years ago, virtually anyone could get into S.H.O.T. Show so the attendance figures often hovered around 120,000+ making it extremely difficult (nearly impossible) for the buyers and FFLs to conduct business. New rules were put into place which curtailed most of the general public from attending unless they could skirt the rules through means of paperwork scams. Entry fees were raised significantly and the businesses in Las Vegas followed suit, raising their prices astronomically in many cases. The registration process was fully computerized using a lot more data collection and fact checking. An FFL registered to a one man shop could not support the attendance of 10 people trying to get in on that FFL. This all combined to make it much more difficult for the average person to attend. Attendance is now fairly stable at 60,000 but the exhibition space has grown into using another building for booth spaces inclusive of the main floor and the lower level in the Sands. This is amazing in itself since the combined costs of a basic 8x10 booth is $10,000 approximately. There is no free ride with the show organizers.

    In reality, the general public can attend but they must figure out how to out maneuver the show computer system in order to pay for the appropriate badges necessary to walk the aisles.

    Best.

    I did not consider your comments disparaging.

    My intent was to explain (?) my observations concerning the comment about attendance from non-dealers.

    I understand it is a trade show.

    My feathers get ruffled when I hear I should see something, but I know I am prohibited from doing so.

    I don't like to receive an invitation to a party and then find out I can't get through the door when I arrive.

    Although I find it mildly interesting to hear what was going on behind the door, the truth of the matter is - I still can't get inside.
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  • Rocky Raab
    I understand the frustration, Mil Guy. I'm guilty of saying "every body should see it" even though I know full well that's impossible. Just due to crowd size alone, it'd be impossible. It's chaos now with the strict rules in place.

    But I assure you that going to SHOT is frustrating, too. First, it's such a maze you may never find that one booth you'd really like to see. Second, you're often too exhausted by the sheer immensity of the show and walking the miles and miles of aisles. Third, it's very much a show and tell show where you can't buy anything (with few exceptions) and can only wonder when or if you'll ever see that marvelous new toy for sale.

    As described above, it is not a gun show. It's primarily a new products show where legitimate buyers can write huge checks to order things. And everybody else who gets in can float a new mortgage to get a hot dog and a coke at the show lunch counter. ($20 when I was last there seven years ago!)
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  • He Dog
    Nunn keeps forgetting to take me. :(:lol:
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  • nononsense
    I have found that there three other shows which I truly enjoy and which are open to the public:

    The Antique Arms Show, Las Vegas

    https://www.antiquearmsshow.com/

    Loads of fun, good sellers and wide variety of firearms to look at. Inexpensive cost to attend. Show guest rooms are $95/night + resort fees. I usually drive over in the morning of the 28th then drive home the last afternoon for just two nights stay and 3 days of fun!

    The Wanenmacher's Tulsa Gunshow:

    http://www.tulsaarmsshow.com/

    Miles of aisles and a huge assortment of firearms and related components. Take walkies or good phones to stay in contact with buddies.

    Dallas Safari Club

    https://www.biggame.org/convention/2020-day-pass-registration/

    Better show and much more affordable than the Safari Club International Show which is also a mafia-type organization nowadays.

    Best.
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  • He Dog
    Nononsense, if you are at the April Tulsa show, please join us for dinner Sat. evening.
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  • nononsense
    Rocky Raab wrote:

    But I assure you that going to SHOT is frustrating, too. First, it's such a maze you may never find that one booth you'd really like to see. Second, you're often too exhausted by the sheer immensity of the show and walking the miles and miles of aisles.

    As an attendee, I receive the show Exhibitors catalog well before the show starts. This is a complete list and description of every exhibitor's product with booth number and contact information. I can set up appointments for purchasing as well as write a detailed daily trip sheet for the booths I need to see with a travel plan diagram, being sure to keep those booths closer together each day. The main level is easy as the numbers are logically placed for aisles. However, as I stated before, the lower level is a nerve-wracking decent into hell! I do the bare minimum down there in order to see suppliers or a new product. It takes a good map and a somewhat decent sense of direction to prevent getting hopelessly lost down there.
    As described above, it is not a gun show. It's primarily a new products show where legitimate buyers can write huge checks to order things. And everybody else who gets in can float a new mortgage to get a hot dog and a coke at the show lunch counter. ($20 when I was last there seven years ago!)

    Good description.

    I have managed to find a small deli-type restaurant a few minutes walk from the show in one of the casinos. They serve deli sandwiches made to order with a bag of chips and soft drink or Iced tea with a cookie for about $8.00 before tax. Nice folks, great prices and service.

    Yes, it's a tough four days but necessary for some businesses. But their schedule gives you the weekend to recuperate so you are decently refreshed for the start of the new week.

    Best.
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  • Ricci Wright
    When I lived in Reno in the 1980's food and rooms were dirt cheap. I remember you could get a decent steak and all the trimmings for $5.00 24/7. We would leave the Hilton where I worked around midnight and stop at the Peppermill, a small casino right on the Truckee River which runs through Reno. For $4.99 they would bring you an omelet that must have been at least six eggs with hash browns and bacon or ham or sausage on a large black platter surrounded by fresh fruit. We usually drank free (we knew all the Keno girls and they all had free drink tickets). I stayed free at any cooperate Hilton property but nice rooms in Reno or Vegas were like $40.00. Not any more. I like the Reno, Carson City, Tahoe area but hate Vegas.
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  • Rocky Raab
    Ricci, I liked Reno back then, too. I went to every Big Reno Show starting when it was still the Shotgun News show. Stayed in many different hotels in Sparks and Reno over the years. Could always get a decent room and meals for more or less bargain prices. That deteriorated to gouging on every front until I quit going altogether when I fully retired 13 years ago next month.

    I pass through Vegas a couple times a year on the way to Phoenix, but I stay in Henderson to avoid the crazies on the Strip. I don't and won't stay in casino hotels.
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  • pulsarnc
    I have made one trip to Vegas , in 1987 to visit friends who were stationed at Nellis. As I remember , prices for food and drinks were dirt cheap . Breakfast for about $2.00 and supper at a nice buffet in one of the casinos for less than a $10.00 spot . Seems like things have really changed .
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  • mark christian
    When my friend Ron and I owned our gun shop we used to go every year, but now I find every other year sufficient. I wanted to go this year because I knew that in July I would be filing for the SOT/Class 3 and I was interested in suppressors. I don't see any particular reason to go next year (2020). Travel from Florida is quite a bit more expensive than a five hour drive from SoCal, and everything in Vegas is far more expensive than it used to be. I will point out that the company which now manages the show has tightened entry requirements quite a bit. If you are claiming that someone is an employee you are going to have to document it:

    Employee Qualification Options (retailer):

    FFL# (Federal Firearms License) ? Type 1 or 2 (this only qualifies person registering whose name is on the FFL)
    Two recent paycheck stubs to verify employment or company email.
    Insurance card with employee name and company on it
    Name of employee on company website
    Company invoice with name on it
    Verified corporate email
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  • wiplash
    jimdeere wrote:
    I don't know the secret hand shake, so they won't let me in the door.
    :roll:
    Just tell them you know CaptFun.

    I did that once. I waited to long to submit and he came through, Thanks to Locust Fork.

    I scored pretty good for our Jr. Shooting program, (Silver State Jr. shooters)

    Barney rubble. ;)
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  • nononsense
    I found two other venues I had forgotten to add to the other posts:

    FEGA Convention Feb. 28th - March 1st 2020

    2020 FEGA Engraver Show

    Dates : Friday Feb.28th - Sunday March 1st. Set up is on the Thursday 27th

    ( 27th- show packets with badges given out entrance to show)

    Friday evening is our FEGA Members Reception
    Saturday evening is our Banquet & Auction
    Sunday a.m. will be the FEGA members mtg & election of officers
    Seminars will be held on Sunday after the show closes- 4pm (?) (not Monday)

    Westgate Hotel- reservations....call direct (not the 800 # )
    telephone- 702-732-5111, # 3
    Hotel code- SAA20R - $ 95 + $15 (resort fee) + taxes

    And the American Custom Gunmakers Guild:

    acgg%20ad%202020%20no%20bleed%20.jpg

    This held in conjunction with the Dallas Safari Club Show.

    Best.
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  • nononsense
    He Dog wrote:
    Nononsense, if you are at the April Tulsa show, please join us for dinner Sat. evening.

    I would be delighted! Thank you for the invitation.

    This year will depend upon several changes taking place in my business model. I am in the process of moving shops from the southeast back to the great southwest. Reestablishing my primary shop will take some time and I'm still dealing with some breathing problems. But I would truly enjoy getting together and sharing a meal with fellow members. Thank you!

    Best.
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