SHOT Show is admittedly overwhelming. This year, the exhibition halls featured over 2,500 exhibitors displaying over 100,000 products for over 50,000 attendees. The exhibition halls exceed 800,000 square feet with aisles totaling 13.9 miles.
Though many attendees focus on the exhibition halls, SHOT Show also hosts SHOT Show University and Law Enforcement Education Programs. In additions, multiple exhibitor special guests and demonstrations, new product showcases, and multiple networking events occur at SHOT. The show is not open to the public. Instead, it’s open to “businesses and government entities in the shooting, hunting and outdoor trade as commercial buyers and sellers of military, law enforcement, and tactical products and services.” Additionally, nothing can be sold at SHOT Show, though buyer orders (usually with discounts) are encouraged.
The SHOT Show exhibition floor is somewhat subdivided into tactical and law enforcement products, firearms, training, hunting, and outdoor gear (as well as many others). Today being the first day of the show, I decided to focus primarily on training gear and aids.
Let’s get into it.
Training Gear
Exhibitors focusing on training gear are somewhat spread out throughout the vendors, with many being found in the smaller exhibitor sections on the first level. When I am looking at training gear, I am mainly thinking about how it would be helpful for students to build their skills at a price point that will not break the bank. I have a lot of discussions on training products that fall apart when I ask about the retail price (often well over the cost of a gun). Thus, the following are my top picks for training aids and devices that are at least priced at a point many shooters would still consider.
CoolFire Trainer
Multiple companies were showing off CO2-based systems to allow dryfire practice while still providing comparable recoil. These ranged from around $300 to well into the thousands. Many involved replacing magazines and barrels, allowing for reloads and malfunction drills. The CoolFire trainer just involves replacing the barrel and though a little more limited on allowing mechanical drills does a great job of allowing dryfire practice with recoil. The CO2-driven system offers about 15-17 trigger pulls and fully cycles the action of the pistol, providing recoil similar to that of real ammunition.
I practiced with the Glock and it was surprisingly similar in recoil to firing 9mm Luger ammunition. The downside is having to charge the CO2 from the front of the barrel. It was relatively quiet but still registered about 90 decibels per trigger press.
It’s also fairly expensive. Just the barrel will run you a little over $300 and sets including additional training aids and CO2 canisters run upwards of $1,000.
BlueOps Dryfire Training Systems
BlueOps is another dryfire system. Though it does not simulate recoil, it features two magazines that allow the trigger to reset without racking and a bore laser to indicate hits. What makes this different than other dryfire magazines is that it syncs with a smartphone app that tracks your performance similar to other rail-mounted systems, like the renowned Mantis system. The basic setup includes two magazines, a bore laser, and a download of the App for approximately $300. The company has big plans to further develop the app further for competitive shooters. The current version is only compatible with Glock 17 magazines.
RapidStop Tourniquet
Any live-fire training needs to be matched with necessary medical equipment for potential accidents. RapidStop is a ratchet-based tourniquet retailing for between $25-35. Though similar in size to a traditional CAT tourniquet, the RapidStop has two advantages. First, the system is equipped with an easy-release metal bracket, allowing you to easily wrap the strap around a limb and then reattach it to encircle the limb. Second, when the tab is pulled tight, a ratchet system applies pressure similar to many popular gun belts on the market. This system contrasts with others that rely on a windlass, which can be difficult to twist tightly enough under duress.
Training Targets
I looked at a fair amount of targets and targeting systems, many of which, though very cool, are likely out of the price range of most individual shooters.
Missing Link Tactical
Missing Link Tactical was showing off some folding metal target stands. These hinged targets allow easy breakdown and transport/storage and are easily adjustable to support boards from 2X4s to small 1X2s. Each stand retails around $300. If you have a good portable stand you also need targets.
TactNib
TactNib displayed some of their larger targets (smaller ones are for sale for a little under $1 a target). These paper targets include a very neat free app. The app uses AI to track photos of your shooting from target to target.
ID (Infinite Defense)
Infinite Defense produces Infinity Targets with the slogan of “Shoot, Spray, Repeat.” Priced around $100 each, these heavy rubber targets include various full-sized shapes. Even after shot thousands of times, the targets won’t cause ricochets at extremely close ranges. After applying spray-paint, the target clearly shows each new hit (like steel targets). Despite the clear hits, the targets don’t really show penetrations. The sturdy rubber is thick enough to be screwed into wooden target stands or hung with included metal clips.
Sylvan Arms Quick Release Picatinny Rails
Though perhaps seeming more like a top tactical product (see tomorrow’s article), I saw this from a training perspective. I often teach advanced rifle (almost always AR-15s) classes that involve low light and no light shooting. Inevitably, one or two students need me to attach their rails and lights. This often delays the class and requires I work on rifles that aren’t mine. Thus, a set of M-LOK quick-release Picatinny rails compatible with most rifles counts as a training aid in my book.
Once placed and the springs released, these rail mounts provide a solid base for any mounted options needing a rail. Just as they lock into place quickly and purposefully, depressing the two end buttons releases the rail from the AR for super-quick removal. In addition, these rails are available in a variety of sizes. SA’s single rail mount is slightly over $30 with sets available at comparable prices.
Summary
Day one of SHOT Show is in the books. Over eight hours, I networked, had a business lunch, and walked about a third of the exhibitor spaces mainly focusing on training tools. Tomorrow will be day two (Wednesday) and I plan to focus on tactical gear and accessories. For the last two days, I’ll focus on new guns and will be sure to share my thoughts at the end of each day!
