ltwguns.com

Let's use this as a thread for pics and impressions of this year's SHOT Show. I didn't even bring a camera but I'll start.

First, it was a great pleasure to see you all and sell you tickets! I have never desired a job where I dealt with the public daily but I gotta tell ya, during SHOT I find myself truly enjoying meeting and greeting people. We have a lot of fine people following LTW from many, many walks of life, including occupations that are most interesting, most glamorous, and most dangerous. To you all, again, thanks. But especially to the many who stopped by that are or have been very much in harm's way for the rest of us. Many of you who have been, will be again. We had one right in our very midst all week, 6 tours and looking to do more at a higher level. This well-mannered, sweet-faced "kid" was a hardened vet. I was "rather surprised' when I found out. Smart as a whip too, and we had some good chats.

NSWF threw a lot of help our way. Nancy circulated all day every day selling tickets. Former SEALS were there to help too. Great folks, all.

Our booth was a little different this year. Since John VanZyck's businesses is more product related, and Stan Chen's Asym Ammunition is about products, these two businesses were featured prominently at the LTW booth. Due to a slight signage snafu, LTW was a little hard to find actually, if people weren't really seeking us out. We live and learn. But still, we were a definite target destination for many that stopped by.

On Friday I finally took a grand tour of the show. I had a list of things and people to see, most of it not really LTW related. I managed to get to most of them in 4 hours-- I walk very fast and make a game out of seeing how efficiently I can get through a crowd without being rude.

I did finally meet Wiley Clapp, who everyone says is one of the nicest guys in the biz. Looks like they were right. I was introduced to him by a guy who I have thought for years is one of the nicest guys in the biz, Wayne Novak. I checked out the Wiley Clapp Colts and dang-- they're nice!

Cylinder and Slide's Pocket .45 is just as sweet as can be. You guys gotta see this. One big surprise for me-- Ithaca had 1911's. I was very impressed. I hadn't heard a peep about them and just stumbled upon them. Not sure what they'll be going for but worth a look. Another surprise I stumbled across, Sharps Rifle Company making..... OMG--- AR 15's. Looking them over and talking to (I think) the owner of the company, I left thinking they've got it together.

My moment of rapture came when I saw R. Lee Ermey signing autographs at the Glock booth. I am embarrassed to say, I somehow became convinced about 6 months ago that he had passed away. I was bummed. When I saw him, I stood and stared..... my mouth was probably hanging open, all crooked. He looked up from the autograph he was signing and I swear he sent me a mental message-- "Yeah, I'm still here, numnutz, what didja think? You were gonna outlast the Gunny?! I DON"T THINK SO! Now drop and give me 25!" Glad yer still with us Gunny!

More as I think of it. Anyone else.....?

I owe somebody an apology. I wish I knew who it was. On the first day, I was in a conversation with somebody at our table behind the booth. Somebody else politely came up just to let me know he wanted a minute with me when I was done. I said something like, "Sure, I'll have a minute in a few minutes". I never saw the guy again and I was worried that I may have come off as being short with him-- I certainly didn't mean it that way. Big guy, I looked for ya the whole rest of SHOT!

I want everyone to remember the whole reason for us being there-- to sell tickets. If you don't have yours yet, now's the time. Tell your friends.

Joe, it was nice chatting with you too. That's the great thing about SHOT, eh?

Ned, always good talking "languages" with you at SHOT brother. Pimsleur's getting a lot of support from some of the guys here at work. Going to give it a shot based on their recommendation and our discussion. Stay safe.

Groundbranch, you'll be talking the talk in no time. Glad the guys are onto it. Keep up the good work!

Groundbranch great chatting with you at the booth, and be careful over there. SHOT was a fun few days, always good to see friends and meet a few new folks. Joe next time I find myself in eastern NE I'll look you up, maybe get Dave, you and myself together for some guntalk lunch, I'll buy.

Mark

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https://www.graffcustom.com/

Mark, good meeting you too brother. Now who's hiding all the SHOT pics!?

I cannot explain my disappointment in not knowing LTW was there. I was just there for the last two days, so I missed some of the booths......where was it?

2244..... ground level. We were a little inconspicuous this year. Look for the blimp and neon next year

I'll start.

here's the view of TI fromt he pedestrian overpass "next" to SHOT. (As in, half a mile away);



The newest Para, a tactical hi-cap;



Of course Surefire makes a "can" for .22s. But Ruger making a pistol to take it? The world has changed;



Troy Industries, with a GPS built into an AR stock;

I saw on one of the Shot Show threads somewhere about a Stan Chen frame with his unique frontstrap etc. Is this going to be available? or was it just an example of his amazing work...

Wally

The GPS in the stock, is that somehow better than the old dime-sized compass set into the .30-30's walnut?

Updated version of the "Daisy Red Rider bb gun with compass in the stock"

Great pictures!

Not sure if it is going to be available to the general firearms community or not - I am sure Stan will drop in and let us know. I do know that he will be making these frames, it was not a one off. The one at the show was Serial Number 1 - I don't think he will build me a pistol out of it though - probably going to keep that one for himself

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I will never forget you Lou......February 21, 2009

John Ralston
5 SHOT LEATHER, LLC - Finely Crafted Custom Handgun Leather

http://www.5ShotLeather.com

Ned--W/res to the GSP vs that Walnut stock eguipment controversy---neither a map sheet or that compass has a battery!! Just Old Scool, I guess--sorry.
Cheers---Paul