[ARCHIVED THREAD] - A Short Report from SHOT (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 1/20/2012 11:18:56 AM EDT
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I’m convinced the generosity of Mark LaRue and dedication of his crew knows no bounds and the 2012 SHOT show was no exception. It begins with continued sponsorship of so many events supporting the shooting sports, charities and people in the industry and carried through to SHOT. The hours, days and weeks the staff puts in to make it all happen comes together when these events open – thanks to you all!
Monday was Range Day and LaRue had some great rifle and optic combinations as well as the famous Leander War Wagon with that great Texas chow that was free for all the participants! I had a chance to meet some leaders in industry as well as many who use LaRue products daily keeping our freedoms secure. I shot a LaRue rifle with a US Optics SN-4 1.5x6 DFP, what a combo. Super accurate LaRue rifle with a scope with dual focal planes and a bull’s-eye like dot that graduated with the power of the scope - incredibly fast on target! Combine that optic with LaRue accuracy, and even I was a rapid fire pro on those steel plates at distance. ETA - We had about a 3hr delay after setting the downrange area on fire. We kept at it until it got out-of-control and the fire department had to be called; too bad since I was next up on the Ma Deuce. There were a lot of operators and LEOs at Range Day and I honored the rule of no pictures. The LaRue booth was packed with a steady stream of folks looking over the product line and new releases for SHOT. There was even the obligatory Chinese spy taking pictures of every conceivable angle of product so they can knock it off. The LaRue crew was all there and patiently handling every question while discussing the product line. There was a never-ending stream of people stopping by to the point you needed a traffic director at times! Mark also had some great people in the booth signing posters and kit for donations supporting Wounded Warrior. I was able to get signed posters from Dakota and Chris as well as a signed copy of the Art of the Precision Rifle (complete with a LaRuler) from Todd. I regret I had to leave the show early on Wednesday afternoon to get out to the 3-Gun Championship shoot-off, so I missed Dustin and Brad, but Mark still got a good chunk of cash from me for a great cause. LaRue was everywhere at the 3-Gun Championship providing the RSOs and range help (in distinctive red Dillo shirts BTW). The event was a classic beginning with eight competitors. They were randomly paired and the eliminations began until there was an all FNH USA final where Tommy Thacker beat out his friend and team mate Mark Hanish for the win and $50,000. Despite the 30 degree weather for the event (in Vegas???), the competition was hot and shooting spectacular. NBC Sports/Versus was filming the competition (as was Juan Avila) and I'm sure video will be up as soon as they can be produced. I also took one video with the crappy handheld and it’s posted below so you get a feel for the event. BTW, big thanks to the NRA for coordinating and supporting the 3-Gun (and our own Direct Action), FNH USA, Brownells, Timney Triggers and ARFCOM for their event sponsorship and Leupold Tactical Optics and NBC Sports for the $50,000 prize! I had to leave the next day but the show was great; it's one more scratched off the bucket list. 3-Gun Championship, final round, first of the best of three shoot-offs. Tommy Thacker is closest to the camera competing against Mark Hanish. The guy saying "Go Boy" that you hear was Tommy's dad chearing him on. Both his Mom and Dad were at the event supporting him. 
The show floor, still being laid out and prepared on Sunday before the show opened. The future home of LaRue Tactical is just behind the crates. Yes, I honored the rule of no pictures of the booths without being media once the show opened: 
One of the new products, the suitcase rifle: 
Competitors being briefed by one of the LaRue RSOs - pretty nice red Dillo shirt - they might have had 2 or 3 on each considering it was 30 degrees: 
A shot of the range where FNH USA was havins a Smoke and Hope shoot-out for the attendess (fastest to hit the five targets). The Clarke Country Range was incredible: 
A look at the range setup for the 3-Gun Championship: 
The Palazzo Hotel, which is co-located with the Venetian and where the convention center has these events. I didn't get too far with the wife explaining it really wasn't that great: 
I was in the hotel four days and never had to leave. Here's a canal with damn gondolas no less on the second floor: 
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Wow. Looks like you had a wonderful time. Not sure which I'm most impressed with, the suitcase rifle or the hotel. Thanks for posting. The hotel is crazy nice, every room is a suite. I got a discount from a shooting association which helped a lot. The minibar was fully stocked and they warn you up front, if you lift up an item from the bar, you're automatically billed. 
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I can see it now. That last stage handgun plate rack was sweet. I must admit, I was impressed by the last sequence as well. I had never seen the rotating targets, except as some mad scientist's contribution to the Top Shot episodes... 
If you look at the picture I posted you can see that the dueling tree for the finals is concealed by the FNH USA sign. The tree is upright since the plates and weights have not yet been added. The initial shoot-offs used a final stage with two rows of horizontal plates. For the final they uncovered the weighted tree and set it up. The tree has weights added to each end that balances the tree horizontally. Then target plates are added. Each plate unbalances the tree causing it to swing in the direction with more weight. The tree starts horizontal with all targets and balanced, so the shooter has to try and pick off targets that keep the tree as stationary as possible. The tree had a very politically incorrect name, I believe it was called the polish dueling tree or something like that. For the purpose of TV, I believe Chad called it the devastator. |
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Thanks for the AAR on the shot show D3. LaRue forum so I tried to keep it to LaRue goodness. A download on the whole show would be volumes. My short take is that there was nothing really revolutionary at the show, with the exception of the LaRue Suitcase Rifle. and the dual focal plane of the US Optics SN4. Most seemed to be improvements to existing kit or an expansion of a product line. I could very well be wrong and different people have different opinions, but that's my 2 cents. ETA - Thinking about it a bit more, there were a lot of compact pistols coming out in 2012 as well as "colored" pistols for women shooters and those with factory patterns in the polymer. The Walther P22 will have about 12 different color/patterns if I recall. |
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Thanks for the AAR on the shot show D3. LaRue forum so I tried to keep it to LaRue goodness. A download on the whole show would be volumes. My short take is that there was nothing really revolutionary at the show, with the exception of the LaRue Suitcase Rifle. and the dual focal plane of the US Optics SN4. Most seemd to be improvements to existing kit or an expansion of a product line. I could very well be wrong and different people have different opinions, but that's my 2 cents. I never got out ... so how did our booth compare attendee-wise ... ? |
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Thanks for the AAR on the shot show D3. LaRue forum so I tried to keep it to LaRue goodness. A download on the whole show would be volumes. My short take is that there was nothing really revolutionary at the show, with the exception of the LaRue Suitcase Rifle. and the dual focal plane of the US Optics SN4. Most seemd to be improvements to existing kit or an expansion of a product line. I could very well be wrong and different people have different opinions, but that's my 2 cents. I never got out ... so how did our booth compare attendee-wise ... ? I stopped by several times each day I was there (Tuesday and Wednesday) and I think you were smokin'. They were always at least 20 deep at LaRue with more trying to get in from around the corner. Another thing I noticed is that there seemed to be a good number of operators at the booth who use your kit and who were looking to expand by buying one of your rifles. I had to wait in line to speak with Alfred about a rifle choice I'm leaning towards (12" PredatOBR); I didn't have to wait in line to get Miss STG's autograph. For the record, I only got her signature so I could get the tube that came with her poster, that way I knew I could get Dakota's and Cris' posters home in pristine condition.  What was your impression of the show?
ETA - Mark, there was a nice Rapid Prototyping Machine on the first floor that was a polymer 3-D printer instead of the Zcorp type using a powder. Looked like it would let you test fit and finish with more reliability than the powder models. 
I also had some good reading on the plane ride back to VA, from "Combat Tactics:" 
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Thanks for the AAR on the shot show D3. LaRue forum so I tried to keep it to LaRue goodness. A download on the whole show would be volumes. My short take is that there was nothing really revolutionary at the show, with the exception of the LaRue Suitcase Rifle. and the dual focal plane of the US Optics SN4. Most seemd to be improvements to existing kit or an expansion of a product line. I could very well be wrong and different people have different opinions, but that's my 2 cents. I never got out ... so how did our booth compare attendee-wise ... ? I stopped by several times each day I was there (Tuesday and Wednesday) and I think you were smokin'. They were always at least 20 deep at LaRue with more trying to get in from around the corner. Another thing I noticed is that there seemed to be a good number of operators at the booth who use your kit and who were looking to expand by buying one of your rifles. I had to wait in line to speak with Alfred about a rifle choice I'm leaning towards (12" PredatOBR); I didn't have to wait in line to get Miss STG's autograph. For the record, I only got her signature so I could get the tube that came with her poster, that way I knew I could get Dakota's and Cris' posters home in pristine condition. What was your impression of the show?
ETA - Mark, there was a nice Rapid Prototyping Machine on the first floor that was a polymer 3-D printer instead of the Zcorp type using a powder. Looked like it would let you test fit and finish with more reliability than the powder models. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v501/defender3va/GSG_STG44.jpg I also had some good reading on the plane ride back to VA, from "Combat Tactics:" http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v501/defender3va/LaRueAd.jpg Thanks for the report ... ... and for the record, we got two of those RPM 3D plastic makers. 
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Thanks for the AAR on the shot show D3. LaRue forum so I tried to keep it to LaRue goodness. A download on the whole show would be volumes. My short take is that there was nothing really revolutionary at the show, with the exception of the LaRue Suitcase Rifle. and the dual focal plane of the US Optics SN4. Most seemd to be improvements to existing kit or an expansion of a product line. I could very well be wrong and different people have different opinions, but that's my 2 cents. I never got out ... so how did our booth compare attendee-wise ... ? I stopped by several times each day I was there (Tuesday and Wednesday) and I think you were smokin'. They were always at least 20 deep at LaRue with more trying to get in from around the corner. Another thing I noticed is that there seemed to be a good number of operators at the booth who use your kit and who were looking to expand by buying one of your rifles. I had to wait in line to speak with Alfred about a rifle choice I'm leaning towards (12" PredatOBR); I didn't have to wait in line to get Miss STG's autograph. For the record, I only got her signature so I could get the tube that came with her poster, that way I knew I could get Dakota's and Cris' posters home in pristine condition. What was your impression of the show?
ETA - Mark, there was a nice Rapid Prototyping Machine on the first floor that was a polymer 3-D printer instead of the Zcorp type using a powder. Looked like it would let you test fit and finish with more reliability than the powder models. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v501/defender3va/GSG_STG44.jpg I also had some good reading on the plane ride back to VA, from "Combat Tactics:" http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v501/defender3va/LaRueAd.jpg Thanks for the report ... ... and for the record, we got two of those RPM 3D plastic makers. Why does this not surprise me...I should have known...
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Thanks for the AAR on the shot show D3. LaRue forum so I tried to keep it to LaRue goodness. A download on the whole show would be volumes. My short take is that there was nothing really revolutionary at the show, with the exception of the LaRue Suitcase Rifle. and the dual focal plane of the US Optics SN4. Most seemd to be improvements to existing kit or an expansion of a product line. I could very well be wrong and different people have different opinions, but that's my 2 cents. I never got out ... so how did our booth compare attendee-wise ... ? I stopped by several times each day I was there (Tuesday and Wednesday) and I think you were smokin'. They were always at least 20 deep at LaRue with more trying to get in from around the corner. Another thing I noticed is that there seemed to be a good number of operators at the booth who use your kit and who were looking to expand by buying one of your rifles. I had to wait in line to speak with Alfred about a rifle choice I'm leaning towards (12" PredatOBR); I didn't have to wait in line to get Miss STG's autograph. For the record, I only got her signature so I could get the tube that came with her poster, that way I knew I could get Dakota's and Cris' posters home in pristine condition. What was your impression of the show?
ETA - Mark, there was a nice Rapid Prototyping Machine on the first floor that was a polymer 3-D printer instead of the Zcorp type using a powder. Looked like it would let you test fit and finish with more reliability than the powder models. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v501/defender3va/GSG_STG44.jpg I also had some good reading on the plane ride back to VA, from "Combat Tactics:" http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v501/defender3va/LaRueAd.jpg Thanks for the report ... ... and for the record, we got two of those RPM 3D plastic makers. Why does this not surprise me...I should have known... Did you get your hands on one of the Sniper Comp videos ? |
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Will the 16" PredatOBR's have a longer handguard that the 14.5" PredatOBR's? Should they ? Well if you're asking me, my answer would be Yes. I think the standard 16" length PredatAR handguard would look great on the 16" PredatOBR. Plus I'd rather have the longer handguard anyway because I use a far forward support hand grip. |
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Thanks for the AAR on the shot show D3. LaRue forum so I tried to keep it to LaRue goodness. A download on the whole show would be volumes. My short take is that there was nothing really revolutionary at the show, with the exception of the LaRue Suitcase Rifle. and the dual focal plane of the US Optics SN4. Most seemd to be improvements to existing kit or an expansion of a product line. I could very well be wrong and different people have different opinions, but that's my 2 cents. I never got out ... so how did our booth compare attendee-wise ... ? I stopped by several times each day I was there (Tuesday and Wednesday) and I think you were smokin'. They were always at least 20 deep at LaRue with more trying to get in from around the corner. Another thing I noticed is that there seemed to be a good number of operators at the booth who use your kit and who were looking to expand by buying one of your rifles. I had to wait in line to speak with Alfred about a rifle choice I'm leaning towards (12" PredatOBR); I didn't have to wait in line to get Miss STG's autograph. For the record, I only got her signature so I could get the tube that came with her poster, that way I knew I could get Dakota's and Cris' posters home in pristine condition. What was your impression of the show?
ETA - Mark, there was a nice Rapid Prototyping Machine on the first floor that was a polymer 3-D printer instead of the Zcorp type using a powder. Looked like it would let you test fit and finish with more reliability than the powder models. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v501/defender3va/GSG_STG44.jpg I also had some good reading on the plane ride back to VA, from "Combat Tactics:" http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v501/defender3va/LaRueAd.jpg Thanks for the report ... ... and for the record, we got two of those RPM 3D plastic makers. Why does this not surprise me...I should have known... Did you get your hands on one of the Sniper Comp videos ? Unfortunately, I did not. |
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Thanks for the AAR on the shot show D3. LaRue forum so I tried to keep it to LaRue goodness. A download on the whole show would be volumes. My short take is that there was nothing really revolutionary at the show, with the exception of the LaRue Suitcase Rifle. and the dual focal plane of the US Optics SN4. Most seemd to be improvements to existing kit or an expansion of a product line. I could very well be wrong and different people have different opinions, but that's my 2 cents. I never got out ... so how did our booth compare attendee-wise ... ? I stopped by several times each day I was there (Tuesday and Wednesday) and I think you were smokin'. They were always at least 20 deep at LaRue with more trying to get in from around the corner. Another thing I noticed is that there seemed to be a good number of operators at the booth who use your kit and who were looking to expand by buying one of your rifles. I had to wait in line to speak with Alfred about a rifle choice I'm leaning towards (12" PredatOBR); I didn't have to wait in line to get Miss STG's autograph. For the record, I only got her signature so I could get the tube that came with her poster, that way I knew I could get Dakota's and Cris' posters home in pristine condition. What was your impression of the show?
ETA - Mark, there was a nice Rapid Prototyping Machine on the first floor that was a polymer 3-D printer instead of the Zcorp type using a powder. Looked like it would let you test fit and finish with more reliability than the powder models. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v501/defender3va/GSG_STG44.jpg I also had some good reading on the plane ride back to VA, from "Combat Tactics:" http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v501/defender3va/LaRueAd.jpg Thanks for the report ... ... and for the record, we got two of those RPM 3D plastic makers. Why does this not surprise me...I should have known... Did you get your hands on one of the Sniper Comp videos ? Unfortunately, I did not. Well, dammit, we brung thousands of 'em ... |
Exactly what I was hoping for! Great work LT.
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Did you say 12" PredatOBR?!?! There has been no talk of that elsewhere... It would seem reasonable since there is a 12" OBR556... Yes, I did. Interesting... I like the possibilities. ETA: Why have we not heard a single whisper about this yet? Mark, any confirmation on this? |
| I agree with OP... The kind people at LaRue Tactical made my SHOT show a lot more enjoyable. My dad(a serious BBQ fanatic) was gifted 2 bottles of Dillo Dust from Mark personally after they sat around talking briskets for a few minutes. Lots of badass new gear, still in love with the old stuff. Its gonna be a tough decision on my next rifle purchase, but I know its coming from LaRue. |