One of the great things about attending a large expo, like last weekend’s NRA Show, or SHOT Show or the Safari Club International Convention, is that you get the chance to handle far more models of firearms from a larger group of makers than you ever could at your local gun store.
The wide range of models on display and available for you to handle is staggering, and for most attendees a dream come true.
A couple years ago I was interested in getting a Mossberg 590A1 shotgun, the one with a 6-position adjustable stock, and I was sure that was the model I wanted.
I knew just by looking at the product photos I did not want the Magpul edition 590A1. Its beefier stock and forend where going to be much heavier than the model I wanted.
And then…I visited the Mossberg booth at one of the big shows and shouldered both. The result was an immediate 180-degree turnaround on preference. I ended up getting the 590A1 Magpul model, and couldn’t be more pleased.
The point of all this is, while photos, specs and even reviews help paint a solid picture of the product, nothing beats putting the pistol, rifle or shotgun in your own hands. I learned this back when I bought my first semi-auto shotgun, and time and time again it proves true.
The ergonomics of the firearm are really what seal the deal when it comes to making a final purchasing decision. And if you’re not interested in a particular model, but then get a chance to pick it up, don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself wanting that gun.
I know because it has happened to me more than once, and it’s all the result of interacting with the ergonomics of the firearm.
Last weekend at the NRA Show in Indy I picked up a lot of guns, many of which I would not have had the chance to interact with unless I knew somebody who already owned one. And the list of firearms I now want grew substantially, unlike my my bank account, unfortunately.
In no particular order here are some guns I suddenly have an increased interest in.
That New Kimber
We have been hearing about a double-stack coming from Kimber but I, like a lot of others, assumed it was going to be a 2011 variant, which would make a world of sense for the gunmaker best known for their line of 1911s. Springfield Armory came out of the chute first with their Prodigy and most assumed other major 1911 makers would be releasing their own version of a 2011.
Instead, attendees at the NRA Show got to see prototypes of their new KDS9C, an aluminum-framed single-action optics-ready pistol with a 15+1 capacity. Currently planned for release in August, the KDS9C will have an ambi safety, though the display models only had a left side thumb safety.
While I expected a 2011 clone of some sort, I was pleasantly surprised by this new pistol, and it felt extremely comfortable in the hand. I’m looking forward to when I have the chance to shoot one once they are in production. MSRP is expected to be $1,499.
Bond’s LVRB
I was not among the lucky ones to see the new LVRB lever-action .223 that Bond Arms low-key introduced at SHOT Show. But I did see it in Indy. Gordon Bond was talking to a group of customers about it and called out the short throw of the lever in his design.
When he encouraged me to try it, I was more than happy to get the chance to play a little with the prototype. As promised, the lever has a shortened stroke and the overall balance of the rifle was nice, too. This is one rifle I am seriously excited to shoot once they are available. Gordon and his team are working towards a year end release. The target MSRP is $1,499.
Franchi’s Sweet 16
Let’s face it, 16ga. shotguns are not a regular sight at most gun shops. Having them available to shoulder in the Franchi booth is one of the reasons you go to the big shows and expos. Franchi offers three versions of their Instinct over/under with the MSRP ranging from $1,799 to $2,399.
There is something about a 16ga. shotgun that is very appealing, excluding the lack of readily available ammo. Plus it’s almost a pound lighter than the 12ga. version. This dove season I will probably end up shooting a 20ga., because I embrace failure like nobody else but a 16ga. would be fun to rock out on the clays course and skeet field.
Stoeger’s STR-9S Combat
With long fingers and a hand size that allows me to palm a basketball, I am a sucker for a full sized pistol. Throw a flared magwell on it and I’m all sorts of excited. Offer it in something other than the banal aesthetic of basic black, well, let’s just say I’ll need a moment.
Being only marginally familiar with Stoeger’s striker-fired pistol line from when they were first introduced, the NRA Show was the first time I had the opportunity to play with their full sized Combat model. Fortunately, I know I’ll be getting some range time with this model later in May at a media event…and I cannot wait.
The big trade shows give you one-on-one time with firearms you may only see in magazines, on websites or in YouTube videos. But there are other opportunities that provide a more focused introduction to a brand or brands.
Jim and I were on-hand for Sig’s Freedom Days event last May here in the Phoenix Valley where more than 4,000 people got to shoot what was probably Sig’s entire product catalog. And trust me, people made Sig purchases after going hands-on at that event.
Later this month I’ll be attending Recoil magazine’s CanCon, a fully suppressed range day and gun show, also taking place at the Ben Avery Shooting Ranges. As the name implies, this event allows you to testfire a variety of suppressors from several manufacturers. Again, not something you can do at your local gun shop or shooting range.
When an opportunity like the big trade shows, a Sig Freedom Days event or the CanCon range day comes your way…take it! You’ll answer a lot of questions that will help you make the final decision on our next purchase.
– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network