NRA Convention/Annual Meeting report (lots of pics)

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iamkris

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Well, I went to the NRA Annual Meeting today to volunteer at the Airgun Range. That was a lot of fun and got to introduce a lot of people (including a lot of kids) to shooting. More on that below.

I only got to spend about 2-1/2 hours going through the exhibits but it was definitely worth it. I packed a lot into that time. Rather than talk more, I'll let my pics do the talking.

This pic really doesn't do the exhibit area justice. I was standing in the middle of the exhibition space. Picture this as a slice about 1/6th of the total. It was pretty large...I'd say a couple hundred booths

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First stop was the SIG booth. I fondled the 556...say what you will, it is a really nice piece...a lot less AR-like than I thought it would be.

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Also in the booth were Blaser rifles...I'll just let the (fuzzy) picture do the talking.

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Next in line was the Barrett booth...Ronnie wasn't there but his daughter (?) was...quite attractive girl. The next most attractive thing was this beauty on a swivel mount...I want one mounted in my Expedition.

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The Shiloh booth made me drool...can you guess why?

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The Chapperall booth was small but impressive. They have some beautiful 73's and 76's. The actions are a bit stiff but that would smooth up I'm sure

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There was a whole row of hunting outfitters...these were some of the neatest displays

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The only thing I saw interesting in the Steyr booth was the "updated" AUG with rails and crap hanging all over it

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The DPMS booth had a fun display of shortie Kitty Cats

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Todd Jarrett was giving a demo/lessons on speed shooting...now I know why I'm so slow:p

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Nothing earthshattering in the Ruger booth. The Frontier Scout rifle is neat but I forgot to take a pic. And I just love the Vaquero (especially the New model with the smaller frame) so I couldn't resist taking this.

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I spent a fair amount of time in the Springfield Armory booth. The Loaded 1911 is quite a nice pistol...near equal to my Kimber in fit and finish. the XD45 is really amazing that they've been able to squeeze 13 rounds in that grip. Robbie Leatham was in the custom shop section...he was very nice and spent a lot of time answering questions. This guy was asking how to reassemble a 1911 (!!?!). Rob took his time and patiently told him how to do it. Showed a lot of class.

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The rack of M1s and M1As caught my attention also.

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Thanks for sharing the pics. My wife is their working, for Springfield. She is supposed to be taking plenty of pics for me, since I didn't get to go.
 
In the Kimber booth, they were raffling off 8400's to benefit the NRA. I couldn't resist entering...well, the very attractive young ladies manning the booth also may have influenced that.

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Their shotguns are exquisite.

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And of course I got to drool over the Kimber pistols

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Taurus showed their Thunderbolt...very neat slide action rifle but I was less impressed with it than I thought I'd be. The wood was a little "plastic" and the color casehardening was dull.

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Mossberg had a neat display of their old target rifles...shows that my heart lies in old and accurate.

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This .460 SW beast at the S&W booth just kills me...it must weigh 5 lbs. I want one.

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I really didn't want to like the M&P...but it felt really good in the hand. Trigger was crisp but a little heavy.

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This just killed me...a bear survival kit including a .500S&W.

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A wall of S&W steel

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A quick stop by the guys at DSA (one of my favorite rifles). They gave me some advice on how to get rid of my post ban muzzle break on my StG58A. I also fonded a Para...must...get...one

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Here's the Bennelli booth...didn't have time to stop and gaze.

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I stopped by the Remington booth to ogle the 105CTi. That shotgun is LIGHT!!! Must have one but don't tell my 1100. It will hurt it's feelings.

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The Remington 700 CDL sure is pretty. I wanted to find their new Zavasta made Mauser action but couldn't find it in the short time I was there.

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While I don't care for Glocks, I do like Gunny Ermy. He had a huge line of people and was genuinely taking the time to speak to each one. Nice guy. Here he is with Dave Sevigny.

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Finally, here's where I spent most of my time in the afternoon. The airgun range. Got to instruct and shoot quite a few very nice, high end rifles and pistols. I don't have many airguns in the safe but may have to add a few.

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Those pics were so large I couldn't fit them on my 19" monitor. Try this on for size
Freeware that allows you to resize photos, as well as do some other basic editing. I'm so glad I didn't open this thread on dialup!
Click to expand...

**Sigh** Sorry I wasted your time. Perhaps I can ship pics to you next time so you can resize and post?

Resized and reposted for others who want to see the virtual NRA Exhibits.
 
Midwest express center is nice, how much is it to get in, and are they selling guns right there or is it only show and tell?
 
Thank you for the pics and your efforts. I like others wanted to attend but couldn't. So it's the next best thing to being there.:D
 
Got to see it today after a morning IDPA match.... What better way to show your pro-gun than to shoot in the morning and then go to the NRA convention in the PM.... Priceless

Lots of stuff, lots of venders.... for your SASSers, Got to meet Judge Roy Bean, SASS #1..... and Mr. Lee Ermey...


Wish I could of spent the whole weekend at the convention.....
 
Shoot with the Racine IDPA group at Schultz Gun Club in Muskego Wi.... About 30-35 minutes from the Convention. www.racineidpa.com...

I spoke with Bubba at the show about Bristol's IDPA and Urban 3 Gun, today...
 
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