by The press releases from vendors appearing at the SHOT Show are starting to pile up. Some are for products that are of interest to most readers (guns!) and some are more appropriate for the military and law enforcement audience.
I did get one the other day on a product called the Q-Collar intended to minimize head injuries on the battlefield or football field. It really is not a product that many of my readers would need. However, my major interest in going to that booth is to meet former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly. He was a seven-time All-Pro player plus the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year. He walked away from the NFL after the 2019 season at the age of 28 rather than suffer more head injuries. I admired him for making that decision.
I can’t stop at every booth at the SHOT Show but I can make an effort to stop at those whose products are of interest to you. Here is a list of all the exhibitors that will be attending the SHOT Show this year. If something catches your eye, let me know in the comments. I will try to make it to that booth and post a report here.
I only played football as far as high school, a total of 9 years. In my 4 years of high school, I suffered at least 5 serious concussions, with one where I was completely knocked out, and then put back in the game after setting out 2 plays. I don’t remember any of the game after that, but I did dislocate my jaw and broke a few teeth on the play.
I am currently on Social Security Disability due to chronic near daily migraines and a bad back due to a broken back when I was 20. I can’t blame my health completely on my football playing, and I would still play even knowing what it could possibly do. But I am glad that this man made such a wise choice at an age where he still has a chance to live a normal life with a family and a future.
I know that in today’s climate, I would not have been able to play football, as they have a concussion protocol, and I know that I had more mild concussions than the 5 serious ones. But when I graduated in 1978, that was just not a concern. When I got my most serious one, the next day, I went to the dentist to get my jaw and teeth fixed up, but no trip to the ER, to worry about my brain. Although I did take that trip once, in my freshman year.
Wishing you a safe trip and that you enjoy the SHOT show. Eat a lot of good food, and make sure that you make Michael Bane buy you an expensive Scotch.
I would be interested in new defensive ammo developments, especially from the majors whose products are readily available. We seem to be emerging from the great ammo drought but while there are vast quantities of FMJ, defensive ammo is still pretty thing on the ground where I am.
Also interested in lights. I use Surefire or Streamlight for serious stuff but have some Fenix lights for less demanding uses. The lumen race seems to still be going on. I saw a Fenix light with 18,000 lumens and I am so old I can remember when 60 was a wall of light.. There also seems to be a definite move to rechargables. I would appreciate a report on this topic too.