“shot show”

Browning is releasing a new version of its classic A5 model shotgun, and it was a hit at SHOT Show's Media Day at the Range. The gun retains the A5's iconic humpback-shape, but is new and improved in all other respects. Reliable, fast-cycling, recoil-operated, the Browning A5 is poised to be a popular new buy among shotgun fans.

Winchester went old school with one of its SHOT Show releases—unveiling the Jack O'Connor Tribute Model 70 Winchester to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the original Model 70, which was wielded by O'Connor, a legendary hunter and outdoor writer.

Despite all of the bright lights and eye-catching new products at every turn on the SHOT Show floor, the Fred Eichler Series varmint rifle from Rock River Arms hooked us and drew us in. New for 2012, this .223-caliber rifle features a 1:8 twist, 16-inch mid-length stainless steel cryogenically treated barrel and a low-profile hidden gas block.

Alert: Bear sighting at SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nev.! Oh, whew. Not that kind of bear.

The numbers are not in yet, but I’ll be surprised if this show does not set an attendance record. Wading through the sea of gunning humanity has been a challenge; nonetheless I have found a few more nuggets that tripped my trigger.

When I was young (how I regret that phrase), the old guys used to bore me with stories of how much better the hunting was, how much better the guns were, how much better—and simpler—cars and trucks were or even how much prettier the girls were when they were young. Now that I am among the old guys I am sometimes tempted to wax similarly. But was it really better 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years ago?

A couple of years ago, the Louisiana-based firearms distributor Lipsey’s put together a contract with Ruger to produce a Blackhawk Flattop .44 Special revolver. Seems they took notice that quite a few original Flattops in .357 Mag. were making their way to custom revolversmiths to be converted into the better caliber.

It’s time to get outfitted for turkeys with the year’s latest gear.

If you have been reading this sonorous blog for any time you know how I enjoy shooting black powder cartridges in our local cowboy action matches.