SHOT Show 2020 is open and moving. And the first day was highlighted by new initiatives, significant visitors, a look at what may be ahead, and a fond look back at the people who imagined, and launched a trade event that has grown to be the industry’s major happening of the year.
A record-setting 2600 companies are represented at SHOT 2020, whether full-fledged exhibitors with booths ranging from modest 10x10 foot displays to multi-level, multi-media extravaganzas. There are also table-top exhibitions in what is essentially a what’s coming pavilion area, and today will feature the second Pop-Up Preview section, where 260 exhibitors will showcase everything from footwear to cameras, tents, and other gear.
It’s early in the process, but SHOT 2020 might be characterized as the year the industry stepped up to get involved in significant issues. While there’s little political emphasis, the NSSF has launched a new “Gun Owners Care” campaign, focusing on responding to what the organization calls “efforts to shame and disrespect them simply for exercising their constitutional right to own a firearm.”
Simply stated, Gun Owners Care focuses on something many intent on turning them into something to avoid or eliminate choose to ignore: gun owners are regular people. “Gun owners are your neighbors, co-workers, parishioners, community leaders, physicians, doctors and others you interact with in regular life,” says the NSSF’s President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. “We’re not on the fringes of society…gun owners abhor the misuse of firearms as much as anyone.”
Additionally, the industry stepped up its efforts to raise awareness to the significance of the nation’s public lands as both a resource and recreational goldmine via joint appearances by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. In a Tuesday morning “fireside chat” the Secretaries they talked with the NSSF’s Larry Keane and members of the media, industry and non government organizations about their joint efforts to increase access to and the quality of the nation’s public lands. Other topics included protection of our wildlife from disease, reducing wildfire risks and a promise that both organizations would continue to work together to smooth processes that impact the outdoors.
Last night, at the annual State of the Industry gathering, NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi again reminded attendees that the good messages about outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and shooters weren’t always top-of-mind for many.
“But,” he said, “we do have evidence that our efforts are making a difference,” citing Operation ChildSafe results from Memphis and the efforts to reduce suicide by firearms via partnerships with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Defense.
“As you all know,” Bartozzi said, “there are federal and state legislators, media outlets and presidential candidates that are trying to outdo each other in their quest to be the most anti-gun. We are constantly monitoring legislation, litigation, regulations, policy decisions and remarks by these folks to make certain that we are prepared to respond in a timely, accurate and forceful way. We have boots on the ground all over this country and have spent considerable time and money educating legislators at every level of government about the real issues affecting this industry and our communities. The NSSF has your back when it comes to protecting the lawful commerce in firearms, ammunition and accessories as well as our Constitutional rights.”
But he also offered simple advice we all should take: “Get involved and stay informed - especially this year. Go to our Gunvote.org website to see what the candidates are saying, and on Election Day go out and vote like the future of this industry depends on it – because it does.”
NSSF Board of Governors Chairman Bob Scott used his time to look back, rather than forwards, introducing the newly created NSSF Hall of Fame, and naming the initial six inductees into the organization.
“Honoring past leaders and their accomplishments,” Scott said, “while at the same time keeping our focus on the future, is something we all should do.”
That initial class, Warren “Lefty” Page, Harmon Williams, Charlie Dickey, Arnold “Rocky” Rohlfing, Bill Talley, and Ted Rowe were each instrumental in bringing the “idea” of SHOT Show to life. “While some in America try to belittle our industry, and disparage our products, we choose to remind everyone of the pride we take in our community and what our leaders then and now stand for—the freedom to make, own and use firearms responsibly in America,” said Scott.
Long, busy first day of SHOT 2020. Tomorrow won’t be much different.
And we’ll keep you posted.
-- Jim Shepherd