We’ve all been there. We have spent a lot of money on a new, exciting gun, are still eyeing some extra magazines and a good optic, and are quickly running out of cash. So, where do you skimp? For most people, it is on ammo. Sure, we have all been there, looking for the cheapest rounds we can find so we can get out on the range for the least amount of money. And, we have also heard how this can be a mistake and not be good for our firearms. Is it true?

Kimber broke some new ground last year with the introduction of their K6s revolver line. This year featured some new additions to that line, sure to make them a major player in the wheel gun market.

I don’t think anyone has yet improved over the reliability of Benelli shotguns, including Benelli. So unfortunately, we didn’t see some crazy new operating system this year that would make even the impressive and capable Inertia Driven system look stone age by comparison. There is always next year, though. We did see some serious improvements on the comfort side of the house though, with the new Super Black Eagle 3.

Thompson/Center has long been synonymous with muzzle loading firearms. Last month at a Smith and Wesson event, we got to go hands-on with all the new options from Thompson/Center. In fact, I pulled the trigger on my first ever muzzleloader at that event. At SHOT Show 2017, we got chance to spend some more time with them and get the latest scoop. Some of the big stories this year are the Strike, the Impact, and the T/C color scheme updates.

Bipods are a very important part of precision rifle, and I wouldn’t dream of running a sniper rifle without them. The average consumer or sportsman might not appreciate that, but they make life a lot easier when you are talking about long range shooting. I have been running they same brand and style since about 2005, but I am always on the look out for better. Accu-Tac may finally be able to deliver that.

By far the most exciting product from Burris is the new spotting scope. The most interesting features include modular eyepieces and the integrated mount for a red dot. Burris will offer different eyepieces that are marked for MIL, MOA and with Burris’ SCR competition reticle.

Falkor Defense has come out swinging with a couple of different products this year. Falkor is most famous for magnum cartridge AR-style rifles, notably in .300 Winchester Magnum. That is a lot of cartidge to get in semi auto, but apparently Falkor fears no challenge.

STI made their name on competition pistols, and this year was no different. In addition to providing the base kit on which probably 95% of the custom race guns are made, STI has their own out of the box ready to go model available now. As the name implies, this year’s model was made with the 3-Gunner in mind.

The Glock booth became a clash of titans briefly on SHOT Show range day. An immovable force met an unstoppable object, lightning crashed like a phalanx colliding, and the sea ran red with the blood of heroes. Or something like that. At the very least, two old smokers, one with Glock inc, one with GunsAmerica and a camera crew of misfits, had a pretty kick-ass shoot off.