Shot Show 2020: Review
January is always an exciting time in the shooting industry. The later part of January usually features the SHOT Show. SHOT Show is the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show hosted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, an organization dedicated to growing the shooting sports. Attending SHOT Show is always interesting because it gives a deep look into the industry in both current and emerging trends. This year was no different.
Previous years seemed to be very AR-15-centric. And while America’s favorite rifle was well represented at the show this year, there were enough new or expanded firearm lines to keep the 2020 field of new guns well balanced.
The polymer duty pistol line up continues to grow. One of the more interesting new arrivals was from Ruger. Ruger is fielding a 5.7 millimeter based polymer pistol. I am a huge fan of the little 5.7. It is a fast and potent round that does not get the recognition it deserves. I have always felt that part of this obscurity was due to only one firearm manufacture making guns in this caliber. With Ruger entering the market, it might bring more notice, and more ammunition choices to the masses. Of particular note for those of us in California, the other 5.7 gun maker (the originator of the cartridge) FN is on the roster of approved handguns and is available to buy in this state. Sadly, one of the benefits of the gun, higher capacity magazines, is a moot point.
Another very exciting entry into the market, or more properly, back into the market is the Colt Python. The Colt Python achieved near mythical status in revolver history as being a superbly accurate and beautifully finished handgun. Some serious Python shooters noted deficiencies in their guns after long and hard use, to include timing problems. I doubt most Python owners shoot enough rounds to generate such issues, but regardless, the re-introduced model looks to be a strong contender for both classic beauty and the durability of newer metals and manufacturing processes. I managed to closely examine the new revolver and found the trigger to be exceptional in double action.
Kimber also managed to bring in some new revolvers. Well, not really too new so much as different versions of their well-made K6S revolvers.
The nice thing about these new revolvers is that they will likely find their way into California gun stores. Revolvers do not suffer the need for Micro-Stamping and as such, newer models are accepted onto the roster once they get past the drop testing. Given California’s large volume of firearms business, most manufacturers will go through the trouble of getting their new revolvers on the roster.
Rifles were not neglected at SHOT Show. The AR-15 continues to dominate but there were plenty of other exciting rifles. The emerging field of magazine fed bolt rifles continues to grow. And since these are manually operated rifles, they will be available in otherwise restricted states. These types of rifles give the hunter as well as practical rifleman the ability to quickly add more ammunition to the gun, switch rounds based on need, or easily unload the rifle at the end of the day. Even lever action rifles were growing in popularity with new “Tactical” style lever guns being displayed. These make sense for a lot of reasons and like bolt action rifles, are not restricted like some semi-automatic rifles.
Overall, the firearms industry continues to grow and flourish. Which, if you are a shooter, is a good thing.
About the writer
Mike Lazarus
Military and Law Enforcement Veteran
FBI certified firearm instructor
MP5 and Sub Machine gun instructor
Defensive tactics instructor
