LAS VEGAS — Back in 1979 before the first SHOT Show, organizers worried that industry professionals might not show up for the fledgling event, a story recounted in the just-released National Shooting Sports Foundation 50th Anniversary history publication. Organizers needn’t have worried then, or now, about the vitality of the SHOT Show.

The 2011 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show soared above expectations by setting records for buyer attendance at 31,769 and media attendance at 2,074.

Overall attendance of 57,390, comprising buyers, exhibitors, media and guests, ranked the show as the third largest ever behind the 2008 and 2010 events. In this sluggish economy, the SHOT Show demonstrates the resilience of one of America’s oldest industries and the popularity of its products.

“The importance of the SHOT Show to the firearms industry cannot be overestimated,” said Steve Sanetti, president and CEO of NSSF, which owns the trade show. “The SHOT Show is simply the must-attend business event for all segments of our industry. Based on what we’re hearing, industry has every reason to think that 2011 shows promise of being another strong year.”

Filling the Sands Expo and Convention Center to capacity with 1,600 exhibiting companies covering 630,000 net square feet with their booths, SHOT Show brings together all facets of the $4 billion industry. Many companies use SHOT Show, the largest trade show of its kind in the world, to announce new products and services. Buyers and media members are able to handle and discuss products that include firearms, ammunition, outdoor and tactical clothing, optics, knives, related accessories and law enforcement equipment. Read more

Source: NSSF

Recommended books and DVDs for gun owners:

Gun Digest 2011, The World's Greatest Gun Book, 65th Edition

Gun Digest 1944-2009 3-DVD Set

Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World

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