Pre-SHOT Show 2010

Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com

Next week in Las Vegas there will be a collection of industry players gathered the likes of which is only seen once each year. What do we call this event? SHOT Show. It is, at the same time, more work than most of us do all year and more fun than should be legal to have. I will be in Vegas from the 18th through the 22nd and will, if history is any indicator:

• walk approximately 10-15 miles each day the show floor is open
• handle approximately five dozen firearmss
• handle approximately eight dozen knives
• handle approximately three dozen flashlights
• look at a dozen new boot designs
• look at a dozen or more new backpack designs
• I'll see a bunch of new products I'm not sure there's a need for
• I'll talk to several hundred people
• I'll have at least one conversation about something the law enforcement community needs that doesn't exist

For all that - and my explicit focus on the law enforcement / military sections of SHOT Show - it would behoove us to remember that SHOT stands for Shooting, Hunting & Outdoor Trade Show. It didn't start out about the military or law enforcement components. Those kind of grew because so many manufacturers of outdoor products also had or developed LE and Military lines. That's GOOD news though because we law enforcement professionals need time off too. We need time away from the hustle, bustle, worry and stress of the work we do. We need time to unwind, relax and be ourselves without our "police" face on. Where better to do that than in the great outdoors? So... I'm looking forward to all that's new. I'm looking forward to seeing what's of value for us as we earn our living in a uniform / behind a gun. I'm also looking forward to seeing all the new and unique items that will make our days easier as we pursue peace and tranquility out amongst nature.