The NRA Annual Meeting was in full effect earlier this month. The NRA show is open to all members and is a lot like a mini-SHOT show. The NRA show is an opportunity for not only the NRA to connect with members,m but for companies to show off some new guns and gear that we’ll likely be seeing sometime this year. We gathered our top 5 Highlights of SHOT Show 2018 and wanted to share with our faithful readers.
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5. Mossberg Shockwave in 410
The Mossberg Shockwave was likely the biggest hit of 2017. These lightweight and compact totally not shotgun firearms made a massive splash and companies continue to push them out. Shortly after the 12 gauge, Mossberg Shockwave proved its potential the 20 gauge was released. Now we are being hit with a 410 variant. The 410 Shockwave will be a lightweight little bulldozer in the standard Mossberg configuration.
These guns are more or less fun range toys and the 410 variant won’t be much different. That being said this would be a lightweight and potent little snake and pest gun. It will be much easier to control than the 12 and even 20 gauge variants. Plus with its low MSRP its bound to be a hit.
4. Smith and Wesson Brings back the Model 19
The Model 19 is a legendary medium frame 357 Magnum revolver. Made famous by lawman and Marine Bill Jordan the Model 19 was the combat revolver of its day. S&W is bringing it back as part of their classic line complete with a rich blue finish and diamond checkered wooden grips.
Revolvers like this make me giddy. There is also going to be Performance Center variants including a carry model. The S&W Model 19 is an excellent all-around revolver, and it’s exciting to see S&W bring it back. The only downside is that it still features the much-hated locking hole. It is an ugly zit on a beautiful gun.
3. The Magpul Bipod
Magpul continues their quest for firearm’s accessory domination with the new Magpul bipod. Magpul is smashing feature after feature into this boip[od and plans to have it retail for right around 110 bucks. The Magpul bipod will come in three different models that allow it to be mounted to a Pic rail, or directly to a handguard via A.R.M.S 17S mounts and M-LOK slots.
The Magpul bipod will make heavy use of polymers and 6061 aluminum. The bipod promises to offer a low profile and lightweight design. Keeping up with modern modularity the Magpul bipod will even be compatible with Atlas pattern bipod feet.
2. Beretta’s Centurion and new 92
Beretta rarely makes the front page, but the new Centurion models of the APX are certainly noteworthy. The Centurion falls between the full size and compact models and promises to be an excellent compromise of control, size, and capacity. The gun rocks a flat face trigger and promises to be compatible with full-size APX parts and magazines.
Outside of the Centurion Beretta also introduced the Langdon Tactical Elite 92. Built with the guidance of famed firearms instructor and Gunsmith Ernest Langdon the Tactical 92 Elite LTT is a welcome update to the 92 platform. The gun has a nice rail for accessories, VZ G10 checkered grips, an oversized magazine release, and radiused trigger guard.
1. Oliver North Named NRA President
Our final highlight isn’t a product, but an announcement. Oliver North has been named President of the NRA. This left half the NRA excited and the other half confused. Oliver North immediately came out in support of gun rights, but many members were wondering what exactly he had done to advance firearms rights in the past.
Even if you ignore the Iran-Contra controversy, Olive North seems like an odd choice. Previous Presidents like Peter Brownell, Marion Hammer, and Charlton Heston all had a long history of Second Amendment support and activism. Oliver North seems like an odd and controversial choice for the NRA to make, but the President’s position is largely symbolic, and they are not involved in NRA decisions and practices.
The NRA 2018 Annual Meeting was a big success for the NRA and more members than ever attended. President Trump and Vice President Pence even took the time to come down and give speeches to members. While the NRA is certainly in the crosshairs of several anti-gun political crusaders, the membership seems firm and secure in their dedication to preserving the right to keep and bear arms, and their excitement about the organization.
