First Shot Show

[Justin]

Pack spare batteries or those portable external batteries for your cell phone/camera/laptop/tablet. Wall outlets will be at a premium.

Also, the OTA network was slow when I went, but that was seven years ago.

[spqrzilla]

Be sure to ask ERGO at their booth if they have figured out how to put 30 round magazines in an AR yet ....

[colorider]

A lot of the booths will have hand sanitizer available on their tables. HOWEVER, some of them are filled with Astroglide or KY instead. DAMN FUNNY, unless it's you that gets lubed up hands. Fell for it last year. I could not stop laughing and the booth occupants were dying. All the previous tips are spot on. Last year was my first show and I learned a LOT. Didn't have a walking plan and missed a lot. Didn't get sick, but I also may have killed any germs by drinking a fair amount of adult beverages every night. If you have the opportunity to go to any of the vendor or manufacturer parties after the show ends each day. GO! I have no tips on how to get into them. Last year I was invited to the Salient Arms party and it was outstanding. Also went to a few small parties and it was fun.
The Adult Video and Porn expo is also in town at the same time. At the Hard Rock. If you are feeling bold, head over there any night and just hang around the casino area or one of the bars. We went last year just to people watch. Interesting to say the least. !!!!!!!!!!!

[BladesNBarrels]

If you are tasting the outdoor channels' cooking, go early for the fresh samples right out of the ice.
As others said, plan the vendors you want to see.
If you are looking for the ones that sell the odd ball items you can't find easily, visit them first.
Most of all stop every once in a while and look around - enjoy the experience.

[CHA-LEE]

If your day job isn't involved in the gun industry then the SHOT Show is a waste. The SHOT Show isn't intended to be an average consumer type of show. Its intended to be a gathering for the firearms industry so more business deals can be made through normal business to business channels. That and let the firearms media check out new products so they can in turn promote the products in their products (articles, videos, social media, etc).

[Ronin13]

If your day job isn't involved in the gun industry then the SHOT Show is a waste. The SHOT Show isn't intended to be an average consumer type of show. Its intended to be a gathering for the firearms industry so more business deals can be made through normal business to business channels. That and let the firearms media check out new products so they can in turn promote the products in their products (articles, videos, social media, etc).

Outside of that purpose it affords unique opportunities to set up RFIs and testings for LE agencies. Last year we got a sweet hookup from HexMag to give their product a field test and provide our feedback. In return they gave out free mags for some of our range staff.

[Rooskibar03]

Bought a ticket to Vegas, have a few friends going. Still hoping to get a pass. If not I’ll just have to hang out in Sin City. Probably the only time in life I’ll get to go so high hopes to find a way inside.

[mattiooo]

Thanks again for all of the tips. I'm mapping the vendors I need to connect with first, and the ones I want to meet next, and then will browse after that. Anyone know if there is a way in the show planner to prioritize the list?

[colorider]

Bought a ticket to Vegas, have a few friends going. Still hoping to get a pass. If not I’ll just have to hang out in Sin City. Probably the only time in life I’ll get to go so high hopes to find a way inside.

Working on it for ya.!

and would have to disagree with Cha-lee a little. It's an extravaganza if you are into firearms. Just because you are nit buying or selling doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed. Where else would you see just about every firearm and related product in one spot. And be able to see and touch new releases before they hit the retailers. Firearms are not my daily job, but hot damn did I enjoy the show last year. Enough that I'm going again this year.

[Justin]

Your first SHOT is kind of like this:

https://youtu.be/r2pt2-F2j2g?t=1m38s