Post SHOT Show, there were three outstanding firearms new for 2008 that impressed me (and, yes, there were a ton of others as well).

Ruger Redhawk, 45 Colt, 4", SS. The rumors have been flying on this one and there it was at the Ruger display. For 45 Colt fans, this will be one of the strongest DAs available.

Ruger LCP (Light Compact Pistol), 380 ACP. It looks like a KelTec P3AT with a facelift. It is an instant winner. KelTec is so far backordered on their model that the new Ruger will have "sold out" written all over it.

Winchester's (FN) Model 70. Be still my beating heart -- this is the first Model 70 that challenges the pre64 in all regards. The new SS fluted/synthetic FW is a personal favorite. But, the Super Grades are awesome, too. The new trigger is amazing and must be tried to be appreciated. Problem? Initially, limited chamberings. And no big bores. yet. Made in the USA, reasonably priced.

Smith & Wesson has a few winners, too, although, a little more esoteric. They have the Model 24, 44 Special, 5", Heritage in production as well as the Model 24, 3", nickle or blue, 44 Special, Model 25 45 ACP (also available in a Model 29, 3", 44 Mag). Oh boy!!

Good review! Looks like I better try to get some OT in...

Handloader

How does one go about getting into the SHOT show????????

I do know you can not just pay your 5 bucks and walk in like you do at the gun shows.

Yah I'd like to know that too Handloader, would love to go to the Shot Show atleast once.

Dimitri

Hey Vince,

Listen up,Handloader is talking about your favorite guns.

Can you say Ruuuugerrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

chambered221 wrote:

Handloader How does one go about getting into the SHOT show???????? I do know you can not just pay your 5 bucks and walk in like you do at the gun shows.

SHOT normally rotates between Orlando and Las Vegas, so, next year it will be Orlando's turn. Imagine 110 aisles, each 120yards long, with vendors on each side. And, that is just one of three buildings!! The directory of vendors, wholesellers and accessory suppliers was over 100+ pages long.

This show is intended for those that work in the shooting sports industry or some of the ancillary businesses. Some credentials are needed in order to attend. That said, if you have a friendly firearms dealer, that dealer may send you as a "representative". In fact, this is not too much a misrepresentation as you will be coming back with armloads of brochures, special deals and the latest information about new products, etc. Admission is $50 at the door or $20 in advance. The latter is preferable as you can have your name badge mailed to you prior to the show and simply have it scanned for entry.

FWIW, good shoes are an absolute life saver. This year there were no less than three massage areas for the feeble and infirm. And, several eateries. And beer vendors. Scores of attendees could be see at any given time in the foyers and hallways, sitting down, shoes off, with these blank 1,000 yard stares, overwhelmed with the prospect of looking at more and more stuff.

Me? I was walking around with this big grin. For two days.

Handloader,

If I was to set aside my vacation time come 2010 (so it will be in Vegas) for the weekend of the Shot Show think I can tag along with you to it ??

Dimitri

My shooting buddy shot my new KelTec PF-9 last week Handloader, and today he gave me a call, and said that he was going to buy the new Ruger LCP 380 as soon as he could get his hands on one.
He fell in love with my PF-9, but is a big Ruger guy. [I bought his Blackhawk .41Mag]

He read the wright up on the LCP and was all fired up on it.
It sounds like it is one heck of a good gun, is lighter than the PF-9, and is in the same price range.

I will be looking at the new Model 70's for my next rifle purchase.
I own two already. .338WinMag, and .300WinMag Classic Sporter.
I could use one more though. Can NEVER have too many Model 70's.

Eric

chambered221 wrote:

Hey Vince, Listen up,Handloader is talking about your favorite guns. Can you say Ruuuugerrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RRrr...Rrrrr...RRrrroolla....um.....Rrrumith & Wesson RRrrugby.....RRrrrroller.......BUGGER...close enough.

Cheers, Vince

Vince,
The way I see this Ruger business with you, is exactly like I see the anti-gun crowd's position; guns are responsible for crime. You are aggrevated by a man who happens to shoot a Ruger so you hold the gun responsible for his big mouth and actions. Now, seriously, think about it.

D,
Handloader left one thing out of the description, the SS is not a retail show it is a wholesale show. You may order things at the show, as a dealer. But, with a few exceptions, items at the show are not for sale as a "walk out item" at the show. The exceptions are items sold on the last day in the afternoon, to escape shipment back to the mfg home or the next show, as the case may be.

Also, if you are a writer for a publication, you get in free on your own. But you must submit an application and get your package. A press pass if you will.

I think you might be asking Handloader for a favor he is not in a position to grant. He works in a shop. The shop owner controls who goes and most shops get 4 invites. They have a list of relitives and best customers that want to go every year.

I do not go to Vegas but do go to most of the shows in Orlando. I have also been to Atlanta and New Orleans in the past.
Ed

Vince

Come on !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Sturm Ruger not Ruger Wesson!!!!!!!!!!!!

SwampFox,

I realize it would be difficult for him to get me in, just figured I may as well ask. Plus I'd be going to handle all the neat things and collect catalogs like I do at any trade show I've been to.

Mind you if I had a rich family member and give me in their will 150,000$ I'd be going to the shot show next year as a firearms manufacturer. Oh well going to slowly save up instead for the shop.

Dimitri

Ruger Redhawk, 45 Colt, 4", SS. The rumors have been flying on this one and there it was at the Ruger display. For 45 Colt fans, this will be one of the strongest DAs available...

I want one..

Vince .....R U G E R...

I do think that Vince should wander over to the Firing Line forum and complain about Rugers.
I don't spend much time over there, but do get into debates with the "experts" over there on their hatred for all of the guns that they call junk.
Kimbers, Taurus, Kel-Tec, Smiths, RUGERS, and any other gun that goes BANG.

I'm sure that Vince will get sympathy for his dislike of the Ruger firearm that his "buddy" shoots.

Hey Vince, Ruger has a compact .380 coming out.
I think that we all should donate, and by our Aussie hero this fine weapon.

Eric

Swampy.....I know that I said that I am not a fan of the Ruger, or as pointed out by C221 the Sturm Ruger, however, this dislike is only a "don't think I will ever own a Ruger revolver cause they just appeal to me"....not because of a loud mouth who suffers badly from "domtoppatology" (foot in mouth disease).

Its a bit like saying I'll never own a Ford, or Chevy, or Dodge because I much prefer a Mercedes or a Porsche as a vehicle.....in fact I drive a 960 Volvo, and my last 4 cars have been Volvo. Apart from that I have NOTHING against the Ruger firearm.

I think that you would be hard pressed to find a better SA firearm that the Ruger range, and their single shot rifles are among the best in the world. If I am ever in a position to own a SA revolver, it will be a Ruger. Same as if I ever get a "cowboy" pistol it will most likey be a Colt. But as for an every day revolver I much prefer a S & W. I loved my Ruger Mk1 .22 pistol.....funnest pistol I ever owned...except for my 30.30 TC Contender.

One thing about us aussies, we love to take the p1ss outa guys for what they choose to revere, and you have no idea how much "pleasure" we got from doing exactly this to our big mouthed companion.....especially just before a competition (it was fun to watch him struggling to keep his cool )So, there ya go....I don't hate Rugers with a passion....I just don't fancy them as a revolver. Okay, now do ya worst...it should be fun.

Cheers, Vince