I will be adding videos throughout the day. This is from Monday during the show setup showing the foyer heading into the show. For the next three years the Shot Show will be located in Vegas, which is good --I hate the Orlando, FL location. The Show has also moved from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Sands Expo Center which is connected to both the Venetian and Palazzo casinos. So no more 12 dollar hotdogs at the convention center now you can spend 70 dollars on steak at world class restaurants. All kidding aside the free parking and atmosphere really make this a a nice venue, and I for one am glad we have the new digs.

Keep checking in throughout the day I will be adding things trying to be as live as possible.

Springfield Armory is finally leaking information about the 45acp XDm series pistol. No samples were available but they had what they called their Ghost XD poster hanging up announcing the existence of the pistol. According to the Springfield Reps, execs from the company flew to Croatia last week most likely to finalize things with this new pistol. Reps said it was real hush hush and thought the prototype would make an appearance at the show, so I will have to check back every day to check. Since there is all of the secrecy no one knew or would talk about MSRP, colors, barrel lengths. Speculation was that the NRA Show would be the first major release of the the new pistol.

The XDm series of XD pistols is getting a second generation. From now on they will be called XDm-3.8 and XDm-4.5. The 3.8 & 4.5 denote the barrel lengths, respectively. The new features include redesigned slip resistant slide serrations, factory available fiber optic sights and the new 3.8 and 4.5 engravings.

(click on pictures for larger views)

The New factory option fiber optic sights for the XDm

(click on pictures for larger views)

From left to right: The generation 1 XDm. Note: no barrel length engraving and straight slide serrations. The Generation 2 with new engravings and the Major Grasp Slide Serrations. The serrations are described as having a longer, deeper angle for a more penetrating grasp. 

“XDm 45acp Ghost Poster”

Smith & Wesson released a polymer 380acp pistol that looks to be taking the Ruger LCP and Sig Sauer 238 head on. Similar in size as the competition, the one up is that all of the pistols will have a built in laser. The MSRP on the body guard 380 will be right at $575.00. Also in the Bodyguard series is a new revolver that will also have a built in laser with an MSRP of $620.00.

Umarex showed off its new HK officially licensed MP-5 and AR-416 rifles. After handling these I can say with confidence that these new products are well built with very nice fit and finish. These should be out to your dealers shelves right before summer.

(click on pictures for larger views)

This is the new Bodyguard 380. Its features include a Melonite coating on the stainless steel barrel, slide and sights. An external takedown lever & slide stop with a manual safety. Notice it has a built in laser sight system with ambidextrous laser controls (far right). The Bodyguard is a double action pistol with second strike capabilities. The four samples displayed all had nice smooth triggers and seem like they would be a pleasure to shoot. The frame is polymer and seems lighter than my own Sig Sauer 238 overall, but I am wondering will it fit the same holsters with that laser.

Sku: 109380

Laser Sight mfg: Insight Technologies

Length: 5.25”

Width: .75”

Height: 4.1”

Weight: 11.85oz

Barrel length: 2.75”

Capacity 6+1

Action: DAO

Taken from the January 07, 2010 UmarexUSA press release

“Umarex USA, the leader in firearm replication, introduces the first official Heckler & Koch (H&K) replicas. The dedicated .22 long rifle (LR) platform is not simply a knock-off but a new, licensed, economically-priced reproduction available in a 416 and MP5 Tactical Rimfire.

Umarex USA will become the official H&K replica .22 LR United States importer following a new licensed agreement between manufacturer Carl Walther Germany and H&K. The tactical-style rifle is recognized for its growing popularity and demand in the States. The new licensing makes the .22 LR version affordably available for rimfire shooters as well as centerfire shooting enthusiasts who own tactical guns.

The new H&K .22 Tactical Rimfire rifles have both metal upper and lower receivers for durability and authenticity. They are available in the MP5 A5 and SD as well as the 416 Pistol and D145RS. The rate of twist in the barrels for all models is a one in 13.75 inch with six grooves for optimum accuracy. Each model boasts a front sight adjustable for elevation (different posts are included with the MP5s) and rear sight adjustable for wind and elevation for more precise shooting. Additional features, such as the simplicity of the blowback operation, make the firearm easy to operate as well as enhance reliability.”

(click on pictures for larger views)

My impressions of these new products are overwhelmingly good. I currently own one of the Umarex Colt M4-22lr rifles and these are no different. The build quality is top notch and looks like it will give you a lifetime of shooting pleasure. I also own another brand MP5-22lr and I can honestly say the other brand does not live up to the quality you get here. The collapsable butt-stock on the MP5 actually works and I can use one finger to manipulate the latch and easily work the butt-stock unlike the other bands. The Official word is that they can or can not confirm that real HK furniture and accessories will work with this 22lr version because of importation rules. But unofficially *hint hint* the rifles are very similar so this should make those who are never happy with stock firearms happy.

(click on pictures for larger views)

This revolver is the new Bodyguard 38. It Features a Stainless Steel barrel, with a one piece Aluminum Alloy Upper Frame. The most unique feature though has to be the Ambidextrous Cylinder Release that is located where the hammer traditionally is. The BG38 also comes with a one piece rubber grip that fits hands of different sizes comfortably. Just like the Bodyguard 380 this revolver also comes with a built in Insight technology red laser. Smith & Wesson took the extra step and designed the laser to sit high and shine over the cylinder above where your index finger would be located. For myself this is great because it always seems my finger blocks the laser making it useless, so I am Glad S&W got this right (Far right). The Stainless Steel cylinder has also been PVD coated taking the corrosion resistance to new levels. This little revolver has the potential to be a perfect choice for some one who wants a worry free robust revolver.

Laser Controls: Push Button, ambidextrous on pistol / Top mount on the revolver

3 Modes: Constant On / Pulse / Off, plus 5min auto off timer

Battery Life: 3 hours continuous on

User adjustable: Windage and elevation with no disassembly required

One of the reasons to come every year to the Shot Show are the networking possibilities. Some of the people who you run into at a show this size from left to right:

Rob Leatham From Springfield Armory and shooting legend

John Scoutten from one of my favorite TV programs Shooting USA

Chad Adams from the NRA and NRA TV programs American rifleman / American guardian.

Black Rain Rifles can set you up with a truly custom AR-15 that can match your personal style. (left to right) Check out the markings next to the selector switch. They give the auto look without the cost or jail time. Some of the other custom offerings are AR sets of every color and pattern, including American flags for the patriotic build to Skulls for that zombie hunter rifle. These AR upper and lower sets are restricted to FFL Holders only, but if you want one of these for your build use Black Rain’s dealer finder at their website www.blackrainordnance.com.  And if already have a favorite dealer you use, have them contact Black rain at 417-456-1920.

(click on pictures for larger views)

What separates Black Rain Rifles from the rest:

1. 1Of the highest quality-tested and inspected
   

2. 27075 T6 Billet Aircraft Aluminum
   

3. 3100% CNC Precision Machined
   

4. 4MIL S-8625 Type III Class 2 Hard Coat Black Anodizing
   

5. 5Teflon Coated
   

6. 6Mill Spec Dimension to match with any other manufacturers parts
   

7. 7Guaranteed lifetime replacement

More coverage on next page