EL BE tac on Tour - SHOT Show 2016

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Our friends from EL BE Tac have been wandering around the SHOT SHOW this year, and we asked them for their report. Here it is: Upon arrival at the 'Sands Expo Center', which has been the home of the mother of all weapon fairs for several years, a quite familiar but nevertheless somewhat different spectacle unfolds, which initially reminds one of the IWA: In front of us there is an entrance hall, lots and lots of people standing in line and a bit of confusion (at least for a SHOT Show virgin) about where to pick up the final access authorization as a pre-registered attendee. But not being ones to shy away, we quickly asked one of the obvious ushers and then headed to the rather well-hidden line at the distribution points, where nice older ladies stand scanning our registration confirmations and effortlessly handing us the corresponding badges from a printer - and off we go.

After a brief discussion, we split up tactically, as the first appointments and meetings with local representatives of the manufacturing guild are already scheduled, but we still want to make sure to see as much as possible of the lesser-known exhibition pieces - a keyword being "unknown time factor".

Before I delve into products that have for various reasons (individually) remained in our memory, I would like to say that the SHOT SHOW overall reminded me a lot of the IWA Outdoor. However, I would assign the SHOT a higher share of firearms and the IWA a higher share of outdoor, which probably also makes the SHOT the "largest" firearms fair in the world. One of the most obvious advantages in comparing IWA and SHOT is that here you can find both well-known and rather unknown (American/Canadian) manufacturers that are sought in vain at the IWA. The reasons for this are certainly diverse, ranging from "we don't need it" to "we can't afford the additional presence at the other end of the world" to "the sales potential is largely exhausted by other manufacturers" - or whatever, it's a shame nevertheless.

Perceived - although this may be a very individual feeling depending on preferences and interests - there was a strong presence of shot-spewing, AR-10/15 or the already known Saiga-based semi-automatics. Some of them are not new, like the UTAS XTR-12 (above) for example, but it seems that more and more manufacturers are jumping on this bandwagon, so there seems to be a demand for it. But other systems that we had heard and read about beforehand also aroused technical and playful interest, such as the DP-12 (Double Barrel Pump Shotgun) from 'Standard Manufacturing Co. LLC'.

If shotguns are not your thing, you certainly were not disappointed at the SHOT SHOW, as there were still an immense number of AR-15 systems to admire, which all too often looked strikingly similar. But where there are copies, you can also find originals, such as meaningful developments of the "standard AR-15" by the manufacturer 'SWORD International'.

SWORD has taken it upon themselves to use their own experience to create something more functional and "better", which not only provides a more intense experience for the sports shooter, but also for the soldier in service - if the superior should approve it. The result is high-quality, thus more reliable, and enhanced AR-15 versions (in various calibers and configurations) that I have not seen at any other manufacturer.

If anyone is looking for a reliable all-rounder based on the undisputed queen of the "indestructible" category, the Kalashnikov, which still features all the advantages of a modern multi-caliber (assault) rifle according to US SOCOM standards, should definitely take a look at the Robinson Armament XCR, which will be available in various versions in Germany this year - coincidentally through the company EL BE tac 😉

Another very interesting product that caught our attention by chance is a grip on AR-15 base from Brethren Armament, which can thus accommodate AR-15 trigger groups and is also based on the ergonomics of an AR-15. However, this grip was not developed for an AR-15, but for weapons from Heckler & Koch, such as the MP5, the HK33, and the G3 or G3 clones. Since many customers apparently cannot get used to the H&K trigger groups in the long run and are looking for alternatives, the guys have developed this alternative accessory, which so far exists only as a prototype but is expected to be ready for production in the near future.

Since we don't want to completely neglect the equipment and outdoor part, I would also like to, and especially because it convinced me right away, mention a pattern that at first glance resembles a symbiosis of Flecktarn and MARPAT; "Caiman", a pattern/camouflage developed by 'HyperStealth', or distributed as a uniform by LBX Tactical.

I think the photo shown and also other photos that can be found on the internet speak for themselves, although it is certainly not the ultimate camouflage that has been discovered here, which works everywhere - as always; whether it works depends on the region in which it is used.

In conclusion, I must say that the SHOT SHOW and the surrounding events and parties around the actual "fair" were a lot of fun for us, we met and/or reconnected with many interesting people and companies, and we can basically only recommend to anyone interested to experience this thematic highlight at least once in their life. Because if you enjoyed this little report even a bit, you will surely not regret a personal visit.

Your EL BE tac Team

EL BE Tac on the internet: www.el-be-tac.com

Special THX for your SHOT SHOW 2016 Report!