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Knives Of SHOT Show

January 31, 2026 by 0 Comments

Despite my best intentions, I did not get to many of the booths of the knife makers at this year’s SHOT Show. I know I missed Case, Ka-Bar, Buck, and Benchmade among the major knife companies.

While I did speak with the reps at the MoraKniv and Condor booths, I didn’t take any pictures. I love both their product lines and have a number of their knives. If you ever wanted to “make” a knife but don’t have the ability to forge the blade, Condor does sell knife blanks for which you can then craft a handle.

I did stop in at Boker USA to see what they had. Their Treebrand Bird Knife with Hook is still being made. The price is now in the $60 range. Mine bought in the early 1980s cost all of $16. It is still a nice pocketknife. The other knife of theirs that caught my eye was the Boker PLUS M.U.K. fixed blade. I like the small blade, full length handle aspect to it. The steel is 14C28N which the author of Knife Engineering rates as as high toughness stainless steel made by Sandvik in Sweden.

I always like to see what CRKT has up their sleeves. One knife and one tool caught my eye.

The tool is called the ToGo Driver. It is a compact driver that features interchangeable bits ranging from a variety of Torx bits to Phillips. It also comes with an adapter allowing you to use both 4mm and 1/4″ bits. At a MSRP of $38, it looks like it would be something many would want in their everyday carry kit.

The other knife by CRKT that caught my eye as a potential purchase was the Fidus liner lock. With a blade length of just over 3″ and a folded length of 4″, it should make a great everyday carry knife. The blade is made from Sandvik 12C27 steel which will give good corrosion resistance, toughness, edge retention, and relative ease of sharpening. The handle is glass-reinforced nylon with grooves for your index and pinky fingers. I like it.

As I said, I missed a lot of the other knife companies. However, Melissa Miller aka Melissa Backwoods did not. I have always respected her knife reviews on YouTube and was fortunate enough to briefly meet her in the Press Room. She did a great compilation of the knives she saw at SHOT in the video below.

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It Is Time To Vote (Updated)

January 30, 2026 by 10 Comments

Ballots arrived for both the Complementary Spouse and myself while I was in Las Vegas at the SHOT Show. Now it is time to fill them out and get them in the mail. All ballots must be received – not merely postmarked – by March 29, 2026. You have two months to get them in but I wouldn’t wait.

While you are allowed to vote for up to 29 candidates, I went with the 13 I had endorsed earlier. There are others on the ballot who are certainly deserving of your vote and very few who aren’t. I should emphasize that if you vote for more than 29 candidates, your ballot will become void. This is true even though 35 candidates will win seats of varying length.

You can see my completed ballot below:

Now to the next matter. A friend noticed this poll on AR15.com. It was asking what people intended to do with their NRA ballots. Sadly, only little more than a third said they were going to fill them out and submit them. An equal number said they planned to trash them. I know it is Arfcom which is not always a good indicator.

All I would ask is that if you are a voting member that you would study the biographies, see other endorsements like those from known reformers such as Jeff Knox and Tim Knight, make an informed decision, and vote. The NRA Board of Directors is one of the very few boards that is democratically elected. Without your participation, it would be easy to slip back to the old ways.

UPDATE: Just a reminder that there are five or so ballots with the order of the candidates different in each. Your ballot may be different than my ballot.

UPDATE II: Here are two more candidates deserving of your support if you have not already mailed your ballot. First, Mark Vaughan of Oklahoma City, OK. He is currently serving as the 1st VP and doing an excellent job. I didn’t include him in my list of endorsees as I saw his re-election as a given. I wanted to give a push to other candidates that needed that extra push. I would have hated to see someone like a Charlie Hiltunen have to run as the 76th Director like he did last year or a Jim Porter only get a one-year term.

Second, consider writing in Charles Rowe of Wadsworth, Ohio on your ballots. Jeff Knox has written about him. Chuck has done yeoman’s work with the competition rules committees helping to rewrite and rationalize the rules. It is not my bailiwick but I’m glad someone extremely competent has taken the ball and run with it.

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SHOT Show Swag

January 27, 2026 by 2 Comments

Over the years I have come home with a lot of swag from the SHOT Show. Every year seems a little different other than patches are always popular. Stickers are moving up in popularity due to the cost savings over patches.

Since I give out patches as well as take them, I tend to get some cool ones. By the way, the swag pirates already have the Altama patch set up on EBay for $60 and up. Not cool!

Then there is the perennial favorite that I always try to collect, the Dillo, from LaRue Tactical. It is a tactical “beverage entry tool.” LaRue makes great barrels and triggers among other items.

Then there is the more unusual swag. One year I got a pair of “Battle Brief” boxer briefs from Tactical Distributors. This year it was a pair of cool socks from Darn Tough. I wear their wool socks year around and love their lifetime warranty. These are from their new line called “Wide Open”. I’m wearing them as I write.

Then there is the really useful swag. My good friend Andy Langlois of Andy’s Leather sent me home with one of his Rhodesian slings. Unlike many slings which are meant to be primarily carry slings, this is a shooting sling. It gives a fourth point of contact when shooting a rifle. I highly recommend them.

I always like to spend some time at the Suppliers Showcase which is on Monday and Tuesday. The suppliers range from those having raw materials like steel and fabrics to industrial control software to firearm parts. One of the companies I came across was HolsterSmith.com which sells holster making supplies. They had everything from Kydex to leather and everything needed to make your own holster. They sent me home with a kit to make a leather OWB holster for a Glock 19. With a little work, it will also fit a Ruger RXM.

I don’t believe I saw any giveaway t-shirts this year but I could have missed them. To the Complementary Spouse’s joy, I only came home with one cap though I was offered many more. This one was from Arktis of the UK. It was in blaze orange camo (and not made in China!). Everyone can use a good blaze orange cap for hunting! As for Arktis itself, they make great combat smocks and chest rigs.

Since certain Facebook commentators are consternated about NRA directors being at the SHOT Show, I want to emphasize I was there under my own media credentials, I paid for my food, lodging, and airfare out of my own pocket, and nothing cost the NRA or its members a dime. Every other director who was there with whom I’ve spoken with either at or after the show did the same in terms of paying their own way. I don’t know how things were done when Wayne and his cronies were running things but this is how it is done now.

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DSC Carolinas Foundation Gala – Canceled.

January 24, 2026 by 0 Comments

Due to the lack of ticket sales, this event has been canceled for the time being. We hope to hold it later in the year.

The Carolinas Foundation chapter of the Dallas Safari Club will be holding its second annual “Pursuit & Prestige Gala” on January 31st in Cornelius, North Carolina. The event will be held at the Sweet Magnolia Estate. It will feature dinner, live and silent auctions, raffles, and much more.

For those unfamiliar with the area, Cornelius is adjacent to Huntersville and is just north of Charlotte off of Interstate 77.

Among the items up for auction and raffle include:

  • Hunts and trips in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, and elsewhere.
  • Mauser M18 rifle
  • Many custom knives
  • More firearms
  • Luth-AR Upper
  • etc

Monies raised will go to support conservation and youth outdoor education projects.

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Friends Dinners – What Now

January 23, 2026 by 11 Comments

With the lawsuit filed by the NRA against the NRA Foundation, there have been many questions regarding the Friends of NRA dinners. As most know, traditionally 50% of the monies raised stay within the state for state projects such as youth shooting, training and education, and other charitable projects. The other 50% would be sent to the NRA Foundation to support the NRA’s non-political activities such as youth programs, women’s programs, education, training, and competition. As of the February 1st, where that latter 50% goes will be changed. Instead of going to the NRA Foundation which has been slow walking grant requests among other things, it will go to new and existing NRA 501(c)3 affiliates. This includes the new NRA Patriots Fund that is being incorporated in West Virginia.

NRA EVP Doug Hamlin released a long statement on Wednesday regarding the details of this. The bottom line is that Friends dinners will continue as they should but the money will no longer be sent to the NRA Foundation which has been captured by the Old Guard aka Friends of Wayne.

The statement is below:

Dear All,

I write today to explain some changes that are being made to the Friends of NRA program. As you may know, the NRA Foundation has recently attempted to separate itself from the NRA and has slashed its support for NRA programs, including the NRA’s competitive shooting programs, educational programs, and law- enforcement programs. The NRA has filed a lawsuit to stop the Foundation from dishonoring the intent of the millions of Americans who contributed to the Foundation to support these and other NRA programs and to return the Foundation to its historical role. As a result of the Foundation’s actions, some details of the Friends of NRA program will be changing, but I want to assure you that the fundamental structure of the program will remain the same.

On December 30, the Foundation informed the NRA of its decision to end direct Foundation funding for the Friends of NRA program. As a result of that decision, the NRA was forced to lay off a number of valued and capable field representatives and staff. That was gut-wrenching. But make no mistake: the Friends of NRA program will continue stronger than ever, with some necessary changes.

One thing that will not change is the NRA’s commitment to donor intent. Supporters of Friends of NRA as well as all those who donate their hard-earned money to this association intend their contributions to be used to continue to preserve and promote the shooting sports and provide the highest-quality education and training programs. The NRA will never waver in honoring our donors’ intent to use their contributions as efficiently and effectively as we can.

What will change are some of the financial details. By law, all deductible contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations are within the discretion and control of the 501(c)(3), which is why it is so important for the 501(c)(3) to be a trustworthy and good-faith partner of the NRA. Beginning February 1, 2026, funds raised through the Friends of NRA program will be directed to the NRA’s other 501(c)(3) affiliates like the new NRA Patriot Fund or NRA Freedom Action Foundation. As before, these 501(c)(3) affiliates will reserve half of all net proceeds for grant distribution to qualified programs at the local level. They will use the remaining fifty percent to fund national NRA programs and operations. Your field representative will be in touch with you with more details soon.

We will be working together diligently to make this transition as straightforward as possible. Our priorities in this process are:

  1. Provide information about the NRA organizations and bank accounts
  2. Activate online sales portals
  3. Apply for gaming permits where necessary
  4. Acquire merchandise and develop fulfillment processes for events

This transition reflects our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of donor contributions. By strengthening the structure through which Friends of NRA funds are managed and distributed, we will ensure continued support for vital programs at both the state and national levels. We appreciate the continued trust and dedication of our volunteers and supporters as we work together to preserve freedom and the shooting sports for generations to come.

Please contact friends@nrahq.org with any questions. Thank you for your commitment to the NRA and in preserving freedom for future generations.

Doug Hamlin
EVP/CEO
National Rifle Association

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NRA Ballots Are Arriving

January 21, 2026 by 2 Comments

While I expected ballots for the 2026 NRA Board of Directors election to start arriving next week, posts on Facebook seem to indicate that they have now started to arrive.

Here are the links to my endorsements which give more detail on each candidate.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

My endorsements are a combination of old and new. The common denominator is that all are committed to reform. As I have said earlier, I am suggesting a bullet vote such that these candidates win 3-year terms. Given the number of open seats, almost everyone on the ballot will end up winning a seat.

In alphabetical order:

  • Rob Beckman
  • Charles Brown
  • James D’Cruz
  • R. Todd Figard
  • Charlie Hiltunen
  • Jacqueline Janes
  • Huey Laugesen
  • Randy Luth
  • Jim Porter
  • David Raney
  • Amanda Suffecool
  • Todd Vandermyde
  • Bruce Widener
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Gunblast.com Returns To SHOT

January 20, 2026 by 1 Comment

I didn’t realize that Boge Quinn and Gunblast had not been back to the SHOT Show since 2019. Losing his brother Jeff in 2020 was a loss for all in the gun community. Jeff gave good solid gun reviews and the videos that the Brothers Quinn produced from SHOT were always informative.

According to Boge in the video below, he will be returning this year. I hope to see him in the Press Room and to hear his thoughts on what is new and good.

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Visit The NRA Booth If At SHOT

January 18, 2026 by 1 Comment

If you are going to be at the SHOT Show, I might suggest visiting the NRA Booth (12660). I will be there off and on mostly on outreach purposes.

I received this in today’s email from NRA Public Affairs:

NRA to Showcase Competitive Shooting Sports and Signature Programs at SHOT Show 2026

Visit the NRA 2.0 Booth #12660 for Interactive Demos, Special Guests, Giveaways, and Live Media

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) will make a strong presence at SHOT Show 2026 spotlighting the organization’s leadership in 2A-focused programs and Competitive Shooting Sports.

Attendees are invited to experience a modern, interactive booth environment dedicated to education, competition, and community engagement, anchored by the NRA’s commitment to advancing safe, responsible, and competitive firearms use. The booth theme reinforces the message: “Exercise your rights through competition.”

Featured Booth Highlights Include:

Meet the Pros – ARC Brand Ambassadors
SHOT Show attendees will have the opportunity to meet and engage with top industry trainers and competitive shooters serving as NRA America’s Rifle Challenge (ARC) Brand Ambassadors:

  • Kyle Lamb — Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Dianna Muller and Ryan Muller — Thursday and Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Premier of the Interactive Mantis ARC Experience
Experience the NRA America’s Rifle Challenge through a hands-on interactive demo featuring the latest innovations from the Mantis product line. Attendees can test skills, learn more about ARC participation, how to host at your facility, and enter daily drawings to win prizes, including firearms and Mantis gear.

Shooting USA Live Video Podcast
Shooting USA’s John Scoutten will host a live video podcast from the NRA booth on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring conversations with NRA staff and key industry partners discussing competition, training, and the future of the shooting sports.

Connect with NRA Staff and Programs
Visitors are encouraged to stop by Booth #12660 to speak directly with NRA leadership and knowledgeable NRA staff about the organization’s wide range of programs, including competitive shooting, legislative, training, clubs, youth initiatives, and grassroots opportunities.

SHOT Show attendees looking to learn, compete, connect, and experience the future of NRA competitive shooting sports are encouraged to make the NRA 2.0 booth a must-see destination.

Partnership opportunities in support of NRA programs are available. Individuals, companies, and organizations interested can contact Steve Kupcha, Managing Director of NRA Corporate Partnerships, at Skupcha@nrahq.org.

For more information, visit Booth #12660 during SHOT Show 2026.

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By The Numbers

January 17, 2026 by 1 Comment

If you’ve read this blog for any amount of time you know I love infographics. The SHOT Show has made one available to the media. I realized the SHOT Show was a big trade show but didn’t realize it was in the top 10 nationally.

I head out to Las Vegas tomorrow for my 10th SHOT Show. I will do my best to post from there as I go along. You can also keep an eye out for my friend and SHOT Show roommate Charlie Cook’s posts.

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2026 NRA Board Endorsements, Part 3

January 17, 2026 by 1 Comment

This will be my third and final round of endorsements. I know I have left many good people off the list. However, as things stand as of today, a total of 35 candidates will be elected out of a pool of 37. My last post regarding the most recent resignations breaks it down. My goal is only endorsing a total of 13 candidates is to see these 13 win three-year terms. My earlier endorsements are here and here.

My final five are in alphabetical order Charles Brown, R. Todd Figard, Jim Porter, David Raney, and Bruce Widener. They are all on the ballot by nomination and all five are part of the ElectANewNRA team.

Charles Brown

Charlie is the owner of MKS Supply which distributes Hi-Point and Inland Firearms. While he has passed the day to day operations of the company to the next generation, his expertise in management and experience in the firearms industry would be a distinctive asset to the NRA. He was part of the NRA 2.0 ticket in 2025 as a write-in candidate. He was forced to run as a write-in and not as a petition candidate due to back to back hurricanes. While he had enough signatures to make the ballot, they did not arrive in time and the bylaws provided absolutely no leeway.

Richard Todd Figard

Todd is now on the Board filling a position left empty by one of the many Old Guard resignations. He was a petition candidate in the 2025 race on the ElectANewNRA team and is again running as a reformer in 2026. He is a quality engineer by training with decades of experience. He is a competitor, a trainer, RSO, and serves as the Lead Firearms Inspector (for safety) at both the NRA Annual Meeting and the Great American Outdoor Show.

In terms of committee service, Todd has stepped up. He is on Clubs & Associations, Gun Collectors, Youth, Programs, Education & Training, and Pistol. From my conservations with Todd both before and during the recent NRA board meeting, I think Todd will be a work horse and not a show horse. That is exactly what the board needs going forward.

Jim Porter

Jim chairs the Legal Affairs Committee, is a past NRA president, and is a trustee of the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund. Jim broke with the Old Guard over the shenanigans of Bill Brewer and lost his chairmanship as a result. His motion on the agenda in the Spring 2024 was what paved the way for the reformers to take charge even if they lost the presidency.

I had a long conversation with Jim over dinner at the recent NRA Winter Board Meeting. It made clear that his split with Wayne and the Old Guard cost him many old friends which pains him to this day. Among other things I learned about Jim was that he actually played football for Alabama when Bear Bryant was their head coach. Of course, I had to inform Jim that my alma mater, Guilford College, was responsible for Bear Bryant’s first win as a head coach when at the University of Maryland. My bottom line is that I have an immense amount of respect for Jim Porter and think we need his knowledge and institutional memory of the Board as we go forward.

David Raney

David is a history professor at Hillsdale College. His specialties are American history and the Second Amendment. David actually interned with NRA-ILA while in college. He serves with me on the Legislative Policy Committee and is a voice for transparency. His other committee are Ethics for which he is well suited and NRA Media.

In the NRA Board meetings we sit by alphabetical order (like elementary school kids). David is my seatmate. He has always impressed me as a voice of reason full of quiet intelligence with a good bit of humor thrown in.

Bruce Widener

Bruce is what I consider a work horse on the Board. He has put his head down and gotten to work. He isn’t flashy but does bring a depth of experience to the Board. He has served as both a legislative lobbyist and as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives. I would hope that in the future he might serve on the Legislative Policy Committee. He is a hunter both here and in Africa and is an advocate for bringing women into the shooting sports. Indeed, he is the only man serving the NRA’s Women’s Programs Committee.

Bruce also serves on the Executive Committee and had his run-ins with the Old Guard. As he says on his ElectANewNRA bio, he proudly supported the Patriots (i.e. reformers) taking over the NRA.