Howdy shooters! I’ve just touched down back home in Indiana after the annual Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in the dazzling city of Las Vegas. This year’s event was a real eye-opener — I’ve got the lowdown on what went on at SHOT Show — the gear, the trends, and the vibes that made it stand out.
Gear and Guns Galore
Navigating the maze of booths, it was impossible to ignore the shift happening in the industry. Finally, there’s an understanding that women don’t just want functional gear; we’re after gear and guns that fit us, matches our style, and doesn’t compromise on performance.
For example, I’ve been seeing more male and female options from gear manufacturers, when I used to only see a male version offered. From sleek concealed carry options, to additional clothing and gear choices, to firearms with grips tailored for smaller hands, it seems like the firearms world is catching on to the fact that women are in the industry as well.
One of the coolest things about SHOT Show is the connections you make. It’s an opportunity to talk at length with brands you enjoy, explore new products, gear, and gadgets, meet meet up-and-coming sponsored shooters and established leaders in the industry. One clear advantage is the opportunity to “talk shop” with experts who represent their products; if the person working the space isn’t sure, usually there is an expert around to answer your more in-depth questions.
Visiting booths is an awesome opportunity to ask questions that you are curious about, beyond just the specs of the gun – questions like why that style of trigger was chosen, or what led to the redesign of that firearm.
Not Just a Man’s Show
Attendee diversity was another highlight this year. Those who work in the firearms industry are predominantly male; in fact, you could say overwhelmingly so — but change is in the air. In years past, often the only women I would see were either sponsored shooters (great!) or paid models to represent a product.
Instead, there’s a noticeable surge in businesses that are incorporating women into their staffing decisions, and product design considerations, and the number of female shooters is on the rise. However, let’s call it what it is – while it definitely seemed there were more women at SHOT than ever before, the industry is still overwhelmingly male-dominated. We’ve made strides, but there’s still work to be done. Here’s to hoping we see an even more significant increase in women attendees, exhibitors, and shooters in the years to come.
Be Prepared, Though
The downside of an industry show that is so large and, admittedly, a little overwhelming, is that it can be at times frustrating to navigate around all the people. NSSF (National Sports Shooting Foundation), which owns and operates SHOT show, reported over 55,000 people in attendance in 2024. That’s 55,000 people from different walks of life, different experiences, and different cultures (117 countries), all convening in one space. As such, you can get trapped behind groups of people who seem to throw all situational awareness out the window as they gawk at the booths – or worse – stop in the middle of the aisle “intersections” to discuss firearms with their fellow attendees.
I will also admit that in the past, as a female navigating through spaces that have nearly been (or felt like) 95% male, it can be tiring. This year felt a bit different though. As we wrapped up, one thing was clear – the future of firearms is looking bright, diverse, and inclusive. The industry is waking up to the fact that women are here to stay, and it’s not about making guns smaller and pink. It’s about creating an environment where every shooter feels seen and respected, regardless of gender (or racial or cultural) identity.
Parting Shots
Until next SHOT Show, fellow gun enthusiasts, keep your barrels hot, your sights sharp, and remember: we’re all in this together, blazing our trails in the vast landscape of firearms. Stay locked and loaded, and here’s to seeing even more badass women in the mix next time! I would love to see more women at SHOT – feel free to contact me if you need suggestions about how to become more involved in the industry so you can attend SHOT Show 2025!
