Shotshow 2012

[arcticsniper]

I didn't know where to put this tread so i tried here...

For the last 3 years I have stayed up all night looking all over the internet for the latest news during the shotshow.

being a huge firearms fan, collector and shooter, I have a big problem.

Everytime i buy a new gun or gear I can only read about it online before i order it, since there isn't that many people that own or stores that have the different models for me to look at.

So this year I am planning to fly in from Norway to attend shotshow, but of course there is one big problem.

As far as I understand there is restricted access to the expo, so my question is...

Does anyone know how to get access to shotshow???

Is there any companys out there that is willing to help out a guy spending all his hard earned cash to travel to Shotshow with an access card???

[Romanov]

The easiest way for you is probably going to be to get a press pass.

[QuietShootr]

I sure hope for your sake it's better this year than last year. Last year it sucked out loud.

[sonrider657]

Call your favorite dealer and ask them to get you a pass or wear high heels and a mini-skirt and they'll think you're a booth bunny

[Boomer10]

I think this should've gone into General Discussion.

All of the information on who is allowed to attend the SHOT Show is on their site, http://www.shotshow.org

[plaskon]

I sure hope for your sake it's better this year than last year. Last year it sucked out loud.

Even Milspec Monkey's interview with Magpul (which is typically sensational) was blah.

2 pew-pews out of 5.

[ST911]

Part of the problem with SHOT is that it's becoming increasingly saturated by consumers rather than genuine industry folks. Dilution of product, presentation, and business potential is a logical result.

It's not a gunshow/gearshow for the masses.

[Von Rheydt]

Even Milspec Monkey's interview with Magpul (which is typically sensational) was blah.

2 pew-pews out of 5.

He runs around with all his bag carriers in tow and almost totally over runs an unsuspecting exhibit.

I find it amazing how many 5.11 pant & black polo shirt wearing, camelbak tri-zip carrrying, mag-pulled iphone using people were wearing rigger belts last year. Y'know, all the people that manage to scam a ticket, go on the first day to collect as many freebies as possible and then disappear to their respective gun clubs, gun shops and garages to stroke the free hats, key rings and brochutes they have managed to collect.

Last year it was the thursday before it was quiet enough for a security guard to even bother asking me to look at my [press] pass. Being the evil ex-military, ex-LEO type person that I am I had figured out within half an hour how to get into the show without a pass - not difficult. And, to be honest, I would guess that on day one there is a good percentage of those who go in that do not have passes.

With that said though, if you are coming from Noggie Land I would make sure that you have a pass to get in as it is a long way to come just to be turned away at the door. My advice:

1. If you are military or reserve get an official letter written saying that you are a military representative who has input to procurement, or
2. If you have a friendly gun shop owner ask him to write a letter to say you are his official representative, or
3. If you know anyone at a local newspaper, magazine, radio staion, tv station get them to say you are a press representative.
4. The easiest way, in my opinion, is to start an online blog, make sure it has a decent amount of content and then you will get a press pass. It seemed to work for all the airsofters and milspec monkey.

[C4IGrant]

Part of the problem with SHOT is that it's becoming increasingly saturated by consumers rather than genuine industry folks. Dilution of product, presentation, and business potential is a logical result.

It's not a gunshow/gearshow for the masses.

Bingo.

C4

[Silent]

Shot is going downhill for an experience but it is still a good place to get to handle the latest / greatest and see some new stuff