NSSF: 2021 SHOT Show Moving Forward
The Show Must Go On
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has been shutting down businesses and grinding trade shows to a halt (I have missed exhibiting at two and attending another two already), firearms industry trade organization National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has announced that the 2021 SHOT Show will go on as planned.
The Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trades Show, scheduled for January 19-22, is the largest show of its kind. With the expansion into the brand new Caesars Forum, this 43rd iteration of the SHOT Show will be the biggest one yet – featuring nearly three-quarters of a million square feet (nearly 17 acres) of exhibit space.
Despite rumors that several big names are already pulling back from the show over Coronavirus concerns, NSSF said that the SHOT Show team has spent the past month working with industry manufacturers and suppliers to confirm exhibitors and plans to have nearly 3,000 booths on display.
“The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, media, and our employees is a foremost priority,” noted NSSF Senior VP, Chris Dolnack. “We are in constant contact with our partners monitoring the latest developments in the COVID-19 pandemic as well as clarifying important safety protocols and guidelines for large events.”
Dolnack said that, although the 2021 SHOT Show may feel a bit different thanks to health and safety precautions (likely meaning mask requirements, lower attendance, social distancing guidelines, and so on), the critical buying and networking opportunities should be very much the same.
From the opening shots of the invite-only SHOT Show Range Day to the 17 acres of exhibit floor, the GunLink team will be at the show to bring you the latest news, product releases, and reviews as we celebrate our 10th year of SHOT Show coverage.
Stay tuned to the GunLink Blog and GunLink Forums for full coverage and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for live updates before, during, and after the show.
NSSF Likely Voter Survey Shows Firearm Free Choice a Key Election Issue
NSSF
, the trade association for the firearm industry, surveyed likely voters in 18 election battleground states and learned that enforcing existing gun laws and protecting lawful firearms sales is on the forefront of voters’ minds. The survey results can be found here, at NSSF’s website.
NSSF learned that 94 percent surveyed are very likely to vote. Nearly three quarters responded they would be more likely to support a political candidate that supported true firearm safety programs. Nearly 60 percent believe a ban on semiautomatic Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) would not reduce crime in their community and more than half said law-abiding citizens should be able to choose the type of firearm and amount of legal ammunition for lawful use. More than half also oppose a ban on MSRs.
More than half believe self-defense is the primary motivation for firearm ownership. Nearly half surveyed said magazine capacity limits for self-defense would have no effect on crime reduction. Forty-one percent said enforcing existing laws would have an immediate impact on reducing criminal misuse of firearms. Continue reading
Savage Now Building Southpaw Precision
In keeping with its long tradition of supporting southpaw shooters, Savage is pleased to announce the debut of new left-handed models of their dynamic Precision Series rifles. New Model 110 Elite Precisions and 110 Precisions will be available this summer, making precision long range shooting accessible to any left-handed marksman.
“Savage has built an extensive catalog of left-handed firearms, quite possibly the largest in the industry.” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing for Savage Arms. “Our customers come to expect it from us and these new Precision rifles once again demonstrate our commitment to serving all of our customers, equally.”
110 Elite Precision Left Hand
The 110 Elite Precision has changed the way shooters think of off-the-shelf rifles. The Model 110 action rides in an Adjustable Core Competition chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). From its full-length ARCA rail to its nitride coatings, this is a rifle built for a lifetime of Elite Precision.
Features
- Savage factory blueprinted action
- MDT ACC aluminum chassis with fully adjustable stock
- ARCA Rail along the entire length of the chassis
- Stainless steel, flash nitride target receiver
- Titanium Nitride bolt body
- 1.5-4 lb user-adjustable AccuTrigger
- Self-timing taper aligned muzzlebrake (short action calibers only)
- MDT Vertical Grip and AICS magazine
110 Precision Left Hand
The 110 Precision pairs Savage’s legendary 110 action with a LSS XL chassis designed by the accuracy experts at Modular Driven Technologies. The 110 Precision is fully customizable. From the adjustable comb height and length of pull, to the capabilities of its AccuTrigger™, this aluminum-framed rifle is built for long-range accuracy and uncompromising performance.
Features
- Savage factory blueprinted action
- Matte black carbon steel heavy barrel, threaded 5/8-24
- MDT LSS XL Chassis with FDE Cerakote
- Exclusive skeletonized stock with fully adjustable comb height and length-of-pull
- 1.5-4 lb user-adjustable AccuTrigger
- 20 MOA 1–piece EGW rail
- AICS magazine
- BA Muzzlebrake
Smith & Wesson Launches Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ
Smith & Wesson Inc. today launched the new Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ, chambered in 9mm and featuring a variety of Performance Center upgrades. Building on the popular M&P9 Shield EZ pistol, the new Performance Center models share the same easy-to-use features found across the entire M&P Shield EZ series, and are further enhanced with premium Performance Center features. The Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ pistols are available with striking black, silver, and gold accents, and include a ported barrel, flat face trigger, tuned action, and more.
Tony Miele, Sr. Director, New Products and Performance Center, said, “Performance Center has the ability to design and manufacture specialty upgrades normally found in aftermarket work, straight from the factory. With the popularity of the M&P9 Shield EZ, we set out to develop Performance Center versions with porting, a tuned action, aftermarket sights, and more. These new pistols deliver easy-to-use features with the custom upgrades that our customers expect the Performance Center to deliver.”
Built for personal and home protection, the new Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ pistols are the latest addition to the M&P Shield EZ family and feature an 8+1 round capacity and a 3.8″ barrel. The Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ pistol ships with two 8 round magazines that feature a load assist tab for quick, easy loading, as well as a picatinny-style equipment rail to accommodate accessories. The pistol also features an optimal M&P pistol 18-degree grip angle for a natural point of aim, HI-VIZ Litewave H3 sights, and a light, crisp trigger.
The MSRP on the Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ pistols is $588.
USCCA Announces Dates for Concealed Carry Expo 2021
The USCCA has announced the dates for the 2021 Concealed Carry & Home Defense Expo – a three day consumer show for those interested CCW, self defense, and home protection.
The event, scheduled (COVID restrictions permitting) to be held April 16-18, is headed back to Nashville and will be at the downtown Music City Center.
The Concealed Carry Expo gives attendees the opportunity to meet face-to-face with manufacturers of their favorite firearms and gear – something not possible at the industry-only SHOT Show held in January. There, they can ask questions and get hands on experience with the latest firearms and get some news about what’s coming next.
While general admission attendance costs $15-20, USCCA members get into the show for free. In addition to the exhibit hall, the expo also features a series of seminars covering topics including Women’s Introduction to Handguns, Intruder Awareness, Church Security, Close-Quarters Shooting, and Family Firearms Safety. At previous USCCA Expos that the GunLink Team has attended, the show floor even offered a live-fire shooting range to try out just-introduced handguns.
For more details, visit the official USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Expo website at https://www.usccaexpo.com/
Make Plans to Attend the 2021 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits
With the dates for what would have been the 2020 National Rifle Association Annual Meetings & Exhibits (NRAAM) having come and gone with nary a shooter, hunter, outdoorsman, or Second Amendment supporter to be seen, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic forcing cancellation, sights are now set on the 2021 show, slated to begin one year from today.
The NRA noted that they “did not reach this decision lightly” and “were ultimately guided by our responsibility to help ensure the safety and well-being of our NRA members, guests, and surrounding community.” Continue reading
