What is SHOT Show?

Every year around this time, social media begins to fill up with chatter about the SHOT Show. People buzz about events or tease new products. Inevitably, I always get questions about the show from people new to the gun world. Their biggest question is, “What is SHOT Show?” There is no reason to be embarrassed for asking. Let’s take a minute and explain precisely what the SHOT Show is and who attends.

What is SHOT Show?

The SHOT Show is an acronym for “Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show”. It is an American trade show for the shooting sports, hunting, outdoor recreation, and firearm manufacturing industries. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) sponsors the show. It is a once-a-year gathering place for the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry. These include manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, publishers, and non-profit organizations. While the NSSF has held it in different locations since its start in 1979, it has found a home in Las Vegas (for now).

Now, the bad news. It is only open to those who work in the industry. I mention this because my first question is, “How do I get in?” Now, will I say that you cannot attend the show unless you work in the industry? No. However, that is the stated policy of the NSSF. Every year, though, gun shops around the country seem to suddenly have four or five brand new extra employees who end up at SHOT.

Not a Giant Gun Show

The perception of SHOT by most people who have never attended is that it’s a giant gun show. While firearms are a significant part of the show, that perception is incorrect. There are no individual sales of firearms or products at the show. It is a time for retailers and distributors to meet manufacturers and place their yearly or scheduled orders. These can reach into the millions of dollars. Contrary to standard gun shows, manufacturers have elaborate booths displaying their products. All are staffed with team members ready to answer questions.

The one perception that people have correct is that the show is massive. It is difficult to describe the size of the show with just numbers. The show floors cover 816,000 square feet with 13.9 miles of aisles. That’s enough room to park 547 F-16 fighter jets. It also has a large attendance. The record was over 65,000 people in 2017, with other years close to that.

119 Different Countries Take Part

It is also a yearly destination for those in outdoor media. Gun writers, podcasters, and TV shows from around the world descend on SHOT to share what’s new with their audiences. A walk through the show floor will be filled with cameras rolling on interviews and writers busy getting specs on new products. The biggest reason for such a significant media presence is that SHOT has become a common time when companies release new products.

As a writer, the show is a significant part of my year. I attend to meet companies and learn more about new products. It is also a time when I can get a sneak peek at things coming in the future. It is a week of 12-to-14-hour days where I usually log about 40 miles of walking. Now, I will admit that the show is enjoyable. Having everyone under one roof allows me to connect with friends and get caught up at least once a year. Some whine about SHOT each year, and my only advice to them is not to attend. Is it all work, work, work? Of course not. Some attend SHOT as an excuse to simply party in Vegas. However, most people know our days usually begin at 5 am, so late-night bourbons must be limited.

Big Business

SHOT Show is a reminder of how big the firearms and ammunition industry are. Right now, it is just short of a $9 billion dollar industry supporting more than 384,000 jobs. SHOT Show is the annual gathering of that industry, and I am honored to participate in it. If you are unable to join us at SHOT, don’t despair. Your social media feeds will soon be bursting with news from the show. If you ever get the opportunity to attend, I highly encourage you to attend. It is nothing short of a spectacle.