The 2018 SHOT Show Delivers in Guns, Gear and Apparel
Above all else, “SHOT” Show is about shooting (it is, after all, the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show). It’s no surprise then that the large majority of coverage is about the new guns revealed and everything related to them. This year’s SHOT Show was no exception. Where last year’s “big reveal” was the Glock Model 43, that was eclipsed by this year’s reveal of the Sig P365.
Billed by Sig Sauer as “high-capacity micro-compact,” this 9mm was designed for every day carry, which means it’s as slim and short (in both directions) as it can be while still being in a “major” caliber. With a 3” barrel and measuring only 5.8” in overall length, this 11 round (10+1) 9mm is only 1” wide. Fitted with night sights standard, the “little” gun can be equipped with an optional 12-round magazine that would bring total capacity to 13 rounds. For such a small, easily concealed and comfortable to carry handgun, that’s nothing to scoff at. In fact, it is—as Sig says—game changing.
Not to be ignored though, Glock released its newest 9mm variant—the 19X. A variation of Glock’s entry into the military’s latest handgun acquisition competition, the 19X, now being referred to as the “Glock X-Ray,” has a Model 17 length grip frame but a Model 19 sized slide assembly and barrel. Also sometimes referred to as a “Model 17 Combat Commander,” this allows for a total capacity of 18 rounds (17+1) or 20 rounds (19+1) in a slightly more compact handgun than the standard Model 17. Manufactured in Desert/Coyote Tan, this weapon is garnering a lot of attention and while there seem to be plenty of experts questioning the need for it, the consumer demand for it readily shows how it fits a perceived niche.
For pure cool fun, DoubleStar had a truly unique 1911 handgun on display in their booth: The Deadpool 1911. Marked with “Maximum Effort” on the slide and displaying the iconic Deadpool “logo” on the grips, the weapon is fully functional and as effective as any other 1911 would be…but with a taste of fun.
FN Herstal showcased its new FN SCAR-SC subcompact carbine which has semi-auto only or selective fire capabilities, non-reciprocating charging handle and a wide range of add-ons. The overall length is 536 mm (21.1”) when fully retracted and 653 mm (25.71”) when fully extended and the barrel length is 190.5 mm (7.5”).
Ascendance International showcased its series of free-floating nTherm Handguards at Industry Day at the Range at the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club. nTherm handguards reportedly mitigate heat transfer to user even as barrel temperature pushes 600°F. When Editor Adrienne Zimmer tested the product late into the day after dozens of operators sent hundreds of rounds down range, the handguard remained comfortable to hold.
When it comes to holsters, there was plenty to see on the showfloor. Notably, Safariland introduced its 557 concealment holster for light bearing handguns and its 17/17T IWB lightweight concealment holsters. Taking technology another step further, Safariland showcased its newest wireless CAS Auto-Activation technology that interfaces with a variety of law enforcement tools including Safariland VIEVU body-worn cameras, Motorola Solutions APX portable radios and the Digital Ally® in-car video system. Now the Safariland CAS duty holster can pair with these cameras, radios and in-car video, allowing an officer in the field to wirelessly connect to different devices when the duty weapon is drawn.
Not everything at SHOT Show is about guns though. A significant portion of the floor is dedicated to vendors who provide other equipment items to the law enforcement and military markets. ASP was displaying (and demonstrating) their latest product, Ultra Cuff, a rigid handcuff. Designed for transport and to be more court-friendly, the rigid handcuff comes with an interchangeable lockset, conical bows and double sided keyways. The frame is forged from 7075 T6 ordnance grade aluminum and permanently joined by 4140 heat-treated spiral locking pins.
Streamlight Inc. launched four rechargeable tactical light systems. Rechargeable system models are available for the ProTac HL-X and the ProTac 2L-X, as well as the recently introduced PolyTac X and the all new ProTac HL 5-X. Each of the lights comes packaged with a new Streamlight 18650 lithium ion battery with a micro USB port and a charging cord.
In the apparel department, Propper International introduced its new “low-profile Hybrid Lightweight Crossover” HLX Collection coming later in 2018. The HLX Collection, available in men’s and women’s styles, includes pants featured in black, LAPD, khaki, earth, and alloy; performance synthetic polos with Coldblack technology in black, LAPD navy, charcoal, steel blue, and white; and woven shirts in black, LAPD navy, and khaki. Joe Ruggeri, Propper’s senior vice president of merchandising and product development says in a release, “The idea behind HLX comes from a shift in the industry to look less tactical and to make comfort and design a priority without sacrificing functionality. By adding stretch material in key areas, the collection offers greater mobility with a modern profile.”
Only a few weeks after Armor Express announced it officially merged with KDH Defense Systems, the company debuted its new Lighthawk Tactical solutions. Under the Lighthawk Tactical brand, the company showcased its Agile Canine Vest (ACV) with a hidden dynamic cummerbund, shoulder fit adjustments and covered zipper closure. Other products showcased include the Special Assignment Unit (SAU) Plate Carrier and the Hard Armor Shoulder Plate (HASP) Carrier, an advanced, lightweight, ballistic (Level IIIA, III, or III+) shoulder protection plate and carrier exclusive to Lighthawk.
Of course, if you attend this show for a week, you’ll no doubt come across some level of discomfort in your feet, which leads you to pay attention to footwear. Reebok had a new pair of boots on display that were (subjectively) “the lightest pair of boots I’ve ever held,” according to Editorial Director Frank Borelli. The Reebok boot on display was actually an expansion of their Duty Sublite Cushion Tactical line. The boots are available in sage green (for Air Force), tan (for Army) and black as well as in heights ranging from tennis shoe to 8” for more serious work or duty applications.
There were the tactical backpacks that didn't look as tactical as some have in the past. From Blackhawk we saw the Stax backpack in either an everyday carry (EDC) variant or a 3-day “assault” type (larger capacity). Both have the rear face covered with laser cut MOLLE lattice. They also released the Stingray pack in three variations: the EDC, 2-day and 3-day. Both the Stax and the Stingray are (or will be) available in coyote tan and black.
Maxpedition released their new Entity CCW-Enabled line available in four different sizes and looking like the completely typical college bookbag type pack. There is no MOLLE webbing on it, but the pockets and functions make it the perfect non-tactical appearing tactical pack. I expect to see several of them in the various sizes being carried around as utility-use packs next year.
Up Close and In Depth
Lt. Frank Borelli (ret), Editorial Director | Editorial Director
Lt. Frank Borelli is the Editorial Director for the Officer Media Group. Frank brings 20+ years of writing and editing experience in addition to 40 years of law enforcement operations, administration and training experience to the team.
Frank has had numerous books published which are available on Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and other major retail outlets.
If you have any comments or questions, you can contact him via email at [email protected].
Adrienne Zimmer | Editor
Adrienne Zimmer was the Editor of Law Enforcement Technology magazine, a monthly business-to-business publication that covers technology trends and best practices for public safety managers from 2017 to 2019. LET is part of Officer Media Group, which also publishes Law Enforcement Product News and Officer.com. Adrienne has been in publishing since 2013.
