2018 NRA Meeting, Dallas, TX

[13Crows]

Going to try and make it to the NRA annual meeting/convention this year. I've never been, and the calendar just so lines up I'll be able to go and visit some folks in this process.

Is this something that is able to be done in a day? I don't want to cut myself short, but I also don't need to stay longer than necessary. I'm not planning on any of the pay-for-attendance conferences or seminars--just the general hall.

Also, for those that have gone, is one day better than others? I've heard horror stories from past conventions about lines during the first day. Is Sunday quieter than other days? I'm pretty flexible on when I can go

[Zach O]

Good question. My daughter and I are also going. Not sure what to expect.

[BPTactical]

Good question. My daughter and I are also going. Not sure what to expect.

Large displays from manufacturers and distributors. Small display's from mom & pop shops and manufacturers. Some items for sale, I have never seen firearms for sale but vendors such as Cold Steel, Gerber and such have wares for sale.
Should be able to amble through in a day unless you sit in on presentations.
The only day I saw real craziness was in Louisville KY when Trump made an appearance.

It will be interesting this year-curious what protesters have planned. Last year Code Pink leased a plane and banner, flying overhead on at least one day.

[Great-Kazoo]

It will be interesting this year-curious what protesters have planned. Last year Code Pink leased a plane and banner, flying overhead on at least one day.

Pink Flyginas?

[13Crows]

Just wanted to report on the NRA show:

I had a blast at the show. Was able to see all I wanted in a day, but if you wanted to take time to look at everything in depth, two days is needed

Also got to meet a number of gun industry personalities:

Sheriff Jim Wilson
Kyle Lamb
Paul Markel (student of the gun)
John Lovell (Telluric Training)
iraqVeteran8888
MAC from Military Arms Channel
John Paul (JP Rifles)
Taran Butler (and harem)
John Cornyn
Joshua Coburn
22Plinkster
Jerry Miculek
Lena Miculek
Les Baer
Steve Hornady

All were more than willing to say "hello." Les Baer even came up and initiated a conversation.

I also saw Chris Paranto and Rob Leatham and the folks from the Talking Lead podcast.

Enjoyed the drives across Texas. I drove in via Kansas then Oklahoma (and stopped in at Powder Valley). On the way back to Colorado i went via Amarillo and then through New Mexico.

The show was great fun. If you're looking for a certain item, say optics, I can't imagine there's any better way to see virtually every optic available for sale in one place. Is it worth it to go just for that? Probably not. But even giant gun stores aren't going to have every trijicon optic in stock for you to look at (or whatever other manufacturer you're looking for).

It was a fun trip and I look forward to attending others in the future.