After months of preparation, Shot ’06 is now history and what an outstanding time it was! The LTW booth was extremely busy and the offerings displayed were more spectacular than last.
Ned Christiansen continues to make us wonder about how he manages to continually be so innovative. Ned doesn’t just think ‘outside the box’ – as far as he is concerned, 'the box’, doesn’t even exist.
Don Williams made us all scratch our heads with his surrealistic ‘ghost’ arrow serrations. Way Kewl!
Stan Chen raised the bar again with his exquisitely clean and detailed offerings.
Chuck Rogers, to no one’s surprise, spent most of his time wiping our drool from his beautiful customs.
Steve Bailey gave us peek into the mind of an up and coming artist. Get on this guys list NOW, folks! Before long you won't be able to.
John Harrison proved once again that his incredible talent must be seen and held to be truly appreciated.
Ted Yost displayed what you would expect, absolute elegance.
Tim Cronin from the Yo-Bo crew, ‘snake bit’ everyone with his astounding take down rifle.
In the ‘gun-bucket’ category:
The master craftsmanship and jaw-dropping eye candy of
Lou Alessi.
Josh Bulman came out of the gate charging hard with some rigs that left absolutely nothing to be desired. His alligator offering was so beautiful, rumor has it that said reptile showed up on Josh’s doorstep and begged to donate his own skin for the project.
Alex Nossar, the ‘Peruvian land shark’, out did himself with one of the thinnest and lightest IWB holsters that I’ve ever had the pleasure of holding. I immediately ordered one from Alex and will post a full review with pictures as soon as he sends it up.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, there were the knives:
Trace Rinaldi had a few of his edged works of art there to astound the masses.
When
Jim Burke danced in and started laying out his folders, I was blown away. These were the most eye-popping folders that I have ever had the pleasure of handling. Trust me when I say that I lust for one. Ask any one who got to handle them, they are spectacular. Period.
Missions Accomplished:
We presented a check in the amount of $20,000 to Ted Nugent for his Kamp for Kids. God bless each and every one of you who bought a ticket (or two, or three, or ten, or…).
Another $10,000 was raised for Terry Tussey through an auction. Thanks to all who bid and congratulations to the winner of this beautiful package. At the close of the bidding, Roy Huntington (editor in chief of American Handgunner) made the call to his dear old friend Terry and gave him the good news. We all got a chance to speak to him for a few minutes and let me tell you, that was an emotional event. After 8½ months in the hospital, Terry will be getting out this Friday and should by now have the check in hand to help with his expenses. God’s speed Terry.
After Hours:
A great time was had by all of the LTW family. As usual, the ladies were completely out of control. Once again, Idamarie Alessi took charge of making sure that everyone’s sides hurt from laughter.
Rumor has it that Jaime will soon be sporting a rock the size of Gibraltar on her left hand or Jason will be forever without any more Alessi leather.
This was Sheryl Bailey’s first time joining in the fun with the other ladies’ and she was her usual ‘nutty’ self.
Add Susan and Lori to the mix and you can rest assured that Vegas was shopped into oblivion.
Mr. Banker had us laughing so hard with ‘tales of his family tree’, that we were almost forced to give oxygen to Don and Layne.
A special thanks to Steve Jimenez for the wonderful dinner and get together you hosted for all of us!!! You ROCK!!!!
Great to not only see old friends, but to make new ones as well. A pleasure to meet some of the people from the LTW family and to finally be able to put faces to names.
It was an honor meeting and getting to know Al Shear (thanks Keith).
Last but not least, Capt. Tighe sent Ned an exceptional bottle of Irish whiskey so that the powers that be of LTW might gather for a toast. Miraculously, Ned didn’t drink said bottle before we all assembled and we were indeed honored to raise a glass to Capt. Tighe, currently stationed in Hajiland. God bless you Jim, and all of our troops who are unselfishly putting life and limb on the line so that America can remain the ‘Land of the Free’.
Start making plans now for Shot Show 2007 in Orlando, FL January 11th-15th. It will be the best yet!!!
Couple 'o snaps:
Heading for SHOT:
The phone call to Terry Tussey:
After the call. Steve Bailey, Jason Burton, Ted Yost, Roy Huntington, myself, Lou Alessi & Josh Bulman:
An exceptional dinner. Thans Steve J.!!! Left to right, Tim Cronin, Alex Nossar, Chuck Rogers, Ned Christianson, Jason Burton, Ted Yost, Steve Jiminez, Don Williams, Steve Bailey, & myself. In front: Stan Chen & Lou Alessi.
And finally, here's to you Capt. Tighe!!!
