Trump Inauguration Garners Enthusiastic Response from SHOT Show Attendees

After spending eight unsure years years of worrying about forthcoming gun control laws that would further infringe upon rights ostensibly protected by the US Constitution, firearms enthusiasts and industry members breathed a sigh of relief as the 45th President was sworn in on the last day of the 2017 SHOT Show.

Team GunLink members who stuck around through the end of the show were in the press room during the official swearing in ceremony – as were many other members of the media.  There, the transition from President-Elect to President Donald Trump elicited a boisterous round of applause and a standing ovation from many, and cheers were heard from exhibitors and attendees alike who filled the hallways and downstairs show floor areas.

The reaction was no surprise, given the political environment and near constant threats against Second Amendment rights over the past decade and the perceived sea change in that environment.

GunLink_SHOT17_1284The perception is not only reinforced by President Trumps loud proclamation of support for Second Amendment rights during his campaign, but also his creation of a “Second Amendment Coalition” that is populated by half a dozen political representatives and big-name industry players like Ronnie Barrett, Marty Daniel, Alan Cors, Kim Rhode, and Josh Waldron – true supporters of the Right to Keep and Bear arms, to be sure.  

Just one of many initiatives that consumers and manufacturers alike are excited for is the Hearing Protection Act, a measure that would remove silencers from the purview of the National Firearms Act (NFA) – an act which has been introduced a number of times but many feel actually stands a chance this time around.

GunLink_SHOT17_1277President Trump has also made clear that he will be a strong supporter of military and law enforcement personnel – a group which comprises a substantial portion of SHOT Show attendees and a target market for many of the vendors.

The widespread viewing of the ceremony and resulting excitement was not at all contained to the press room or hallway outside, either.  As we wandered the show floor after viewing the swearing in, many booths continued to display the continuing coverage and speeches on televisions and various streaming devices throughout the hall, each of them having a small crowd huddled around to hear the words of President Donald Trump and watch the 44th president taking his leave of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. via helicopter.

Only time will tell how effective President Trump is at defending Americans’ constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms, but the tenor of the industry certainly seems positive – which is a different vibe that we have seen and felt throughout the year, and one borne out through the smaller number of truly innovative designs on display at this year’s SHOT Show, which was possibly the result of fears over the outcome of the election going the other way.

Partners
Categories
Archives
R.K.B.A

Join NRA Save $10


GunLink is a proud member of NSSF