Babbs explains why SHOT Show Media Day at the Range did not disappoint her at all this year. Every year before the official start of the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, the National Shooting Sports Foundation invites media members to a range in Boulder City, Nev., for some hands-on experience with new firearms, ammo and gear. After all, it’s far easier to write about this stuff after you’ve either witnessed or worked with the products in action. Also, it’s a great opportunity to talk to company representatives about merits and development of new firearms’ products and gear.
(Katie Ainsworth photo)
UTAS UTS-15 An ultimate shotgun for home protection, the UTS-15 can hold a total of 15 rounds of 12-gauge shells (chambered for 2-1/2, 2-3/4 and 3-inch shells) and exudes precision — in the steel rotary bolt heat, barrel extension and barrel that accepts Beretta mobile/Benelli Standard Style chokes. The really cool things are the add-ons: the precision-machined 4140 steel flash suppressor with strike bezel handful length knurling and a lens-focused LED spotlight and full adjustable laser sight. The only problem? I could not hit a single clay bird with this gun today. MSRP: $999 for the basic version. Extras cost extra. http://www.utas-usa.com
(Jason Baird photo)
EO Tech Amy Miller, of EO Tech, explains to Sara Ahrens and me about the new Laser Battery Cap 2 (LBC2), a drop-in replacement that fits all 512/552 EOTech Holographic Weapon Sights. Remove your existing battery cap and replace it with the new LBC2, which includes integrated aiming lasers with a red visible and a civilian legal IR option. MSRP: $479 http://www.eotechinc.com/holographic-weapon-sights/laser-battery-cap-2
(Jason Baird photo)
Becky Yackley It’s always fun to see families involved in the shooting industry, and the Yackley family is a perfect example. Check out all their sponsors on their shirts. Becky and Mark have 3 sons who all shoot. Tim attended Media Day with them this year. Becky is an on-the-scene photographer, as well, and photographs women’s shooting matches around the country. https://www.facebook.com/BeckyYackleyphotos
(Jason Baird photo)
Walther CCP The Walther CCP (Concealed Carry Pistol) in 9mm Luger should appeal to concealed carry shooters who want a smaller, robust gun. In this firearm, Walther offers its SOFTCOIL ™ gas-delayed blowback technology, which means the following:
Overall length equals 6.41 inches, with a 3.54-inch barrel, and 1.18-inch width. Sara and I shot the stainless and Cerakote black models, that featured 5.5-pound trigger pulls, interchangeable front sights with white dots, adjustable rear sights, and reversible magazine releases for left- or right-handed operation.
http://www.waltherarms.com/ccp/
(Jason Baird photo)
Witt Machine Company
Yes, I had a professional manicure before I left for Vegas, but I could not resist placing these lovely flash hiders and muzzle brakes on my fingers, designed and manufactured by Witt Machine. In fact, Witt introduced a new, 3-piece, directional muzzle brake for rifles with 1/2-28 threaded barrels. It is made of 2 external shrouds, and Witt claims this “brake system can be used with no increase in sound to the shooter or bystanders at the range. This brake WILL take off the recoil and keep the barrel down during repeated firing.” In Smooth Stainless, Graphite Black or Desert Sand finishes.
(Jason Baird photo)
Ruger 22 Charger Ruger restyled it 2007 version of the Charger into this way cool model, that comes in standard brown or this one — the TakeDown version. It comes with a standard A2 grip, Picatinny rail and … drum roll … is suppressor ready. With a pistol scope (Burris Optics), you can shoot accurately out to 100 yards. It also comes with a bipod. MSRP: $409 http://www.ruger.com/products/22Charger/models.html
(Jason Baird photo)
Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact Here’s Sara shooting the new M&P22 Compact with a suppressor on it. She liked it for many reasons, including the M&P reversible magazine release, Picatinny accessory rail, ambidextrous safety and more. I think she’s wishing she didn’t live in Illinois, because she only can dream about owning this gun there. With the rise of popularity of suppressed guns in hunting, look for this model to be taken to the squirrel woods. Also, frankly, it’s a wonderful way — according to our buddy Tom McHale, of My Gun Culture — to introduce newbies to the world of shooting.
MSRP: $389
Follow TeamWON this week at the SHOT show on all our social outlets, as well as here at the site.
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
