GunDiva's SHOTShow Favorites

As usual, there are far too many things that we have seen to write about them all, so as I was going through my notes I decided to choose a favorite item from each day. 

Day 1

For many years, I taught, and was Associate Dean, in a healthcare program. I still have a passion for teaching, and love teaching advanced bleeding control classes. Some of my favorite booths at the show are the trauma-based ones. I was absolutely beside myself to find True Clot. This is a simulated blood product that acts so much like real blood that it's eerie. Their entire catalog of training supplies is a trauma instructor's dream.

Day 2

GunDude Jay and I are avid hikers, so the outdoor portion of the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Tradeshow always interests me. Our packs are pretty well supplied, but I'm always looking for ways to improve our gear.

Katadyn introduced an updated version of their BeFree personal filtered water bottles that I wanted to check out. We currently carry LifeStraws, but I'm not keen on having to basically lie down at a a water source and drink out of it. Plus, with the LifeStraw, there's no way to draw and store additional water, whereas with the Katadyn water bottles, you can store and carry a liter of water.

I primarily was interested in the personal water bladders, but as we spoke with the Katadyn rep, I realized that their personal pump was a much better option for us. It's small and lightweight, but more importantly, it can hook to our larger water bladders in our hiking packs.

Day 3

Two words: Smokeless Range

Last year, while at the DryFireMag booth, I learned about the Smokeless Range, which is a fun training tool from Laser Ammo involving the DFM, a laser cartidge, and a projector. I intended to buy it last year, but never got around to it. I'm actually glad I didn't buy it last year, because this year's version is much bolstered. It's about $1,200 for the software, two DFMs, two laser inserts, and a throw camera. In looking at the Laser Ammo website, there are other options available, with a wider price range.

I regularly use the Ti firearms trainer in class, and while the Smokeless Range doesn't have the depth of training for professionals, it appears to be an excellent home system, one I'm looking forward to.

We have one more day on the show floor, and who knows what I'll fall in love with then.