Guns Galore
More than 60,000 gun fans and exhibitors descended upon Las Vegas for the first major gun show of the year hosted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
According to the organisers, the attendance this year is slightly down on 2015 due to ‘enhanced pre-screening’. Last year 67,000 people visited the show, compared to an estimated 64,000 this year.
Arms companies from around the world are showing their latest offerings to those attending, including a range of machine guns, assault rifles, shotguns, pistols, sniper rifles and even revolutionary war-style black powder rifles.
The event is being held at the Sands Expo Center and according to Chris Dolnack of the NSSF, 2016 will be a bumper year for firearms retailers. The organisers have tried to keep ordinary members of the public out of the show and have concentrated on those involved with the industry.
‘We know from long experience that attendance at the SHOT Show is a reflection of the state of our industry. This second highest attendance is in keeping with what we saw in the past year — that our industry is in good health and that manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers have a positive outlook for this year.’
More than 1,600 companies paid to exhibit their weapons and accessories, including silencers at the show.
Steve Sanetti, President and CEO Of the NSSF said: ‘Much of the public and the media are woefully misinformed about who we are and all that we do about genuine gun safety. Some pundits state that the shooting sports are “in retreat”.
‘Well, look at the facts. Last year’s SHOT Show, one of the fastest growing trade shows in the nation, had its highest attendance and satisfaction levels ever; the number of federally licensed firearms dealers is growing; firearm sales experienced the second highest year ever and ammunition sales continue at near record levels; firearms permit and safety classes report long waiting lists; and the number of apprentice hunting licenses increased to well over one million. If this is a “retreat”, as those who see no appeal in what we do have alleged, I truly wonder what an advance would look like.’
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