Here we are at the end of February with SHOT SHOW 2025 in the rearview mirror. That show is always a great way to kick off the year, but this year was even more energetic than it has been in the past. It is hard to deny that this industry has been stifled by the anti-gun leadership who was at the helm for 4 years. Inauguration day, falling the Monday before the show made the industry’s excitement palpable as everyone had high expectations of what the next few years would bring.
As has been the case in years past, the show has continued to grow and grow. Our booth was over in Caesar’s Forum and by day 3, I wanted to cry just thinking about walking from my room in the Palazzo all the way over there. The expansive nature of the show makes it fun and exciting, but it also makes it quite the work out. I thought my Fitbit may explode as it hit 150,000 steps for the week. At least you never get bored as there is so much to see while you hoof it across the floor. From innovative new firearm accessories to high tech solutions in preventing public shootings; there is something for everyone at this show.
This year Normine Lombard also brought something new to the show; something that people have searched the world far and wide for… Sasquatch! Let me tell you, you haven’t lived until you have walked the halls of a global tradeshow with a Squatch in tow. Our Squatch was a guest at 13 booths, as he was the feature of our Spot the Squatch campaign. That program had show visitors looking for Squatch and when they found him, they could enter to win a variety of prizes simply by posting a selfie with him. If Squatch was camera shy you wouldn’t know it as he was ALL OVER that show. He even got some time with The Collector himself as he perused the Tyrant booth.
By the time Friday came, Squatch was ready to head back to the woods and to the peace and quiet of solemnity. Our team was equally exhausted, and while they may not have wanted to completely hide from humanity, I don’t think it was out of the question. SHOT is always a great show, but it is one that you look forward to ending as much as you look forward to it starting.
Thank you, Vegas, for hosting the largest firearms industry family reunion in the US. Until next year!
