Shot Show in Las Vegas was, in a word, overwhelming. There were about 50,000 people wandering through the Sands Convention Center and the male/female ratio was, I'd guess about 9.7 to .3. I went on a press pass that Alan Korwin ("the largest publisher of gun law books in the U.S.") kindly provided me, which meant that I got to hang out in the press room with lots of other inquisitive people. I met folks from my favorite vendors (Sig Sauer, Blade Tech, and Galco Leather), spoke at length with the people who oversee the NICS background checking process, met Sandy Froman (former NRA President) and got to hold an RPG (they are quite heavy). I am still sorting through my thoughts about the experience, but can report that if you enjoy being utterly surrounded with guns and gun equipment, gun literature, gun businessmen and basically, gun fanatics, you'd be in heaven. Otherwise, not so much. Most importantly for me, I met several publishers who let me know they'd be happy to review the articles I am working on, and that was encouraging.
One thing I am still turning over in my mind: Being female in this environment can feel a little strange and maintaining solid footing can be tricky. On the one hand, you sense that some men are thrilled to see a woman enjoying the shooting sports, on the other, they don't know what to make of you. Not sure I have any broad pronouncements to make about that at this point, but I am thinking it over and will keep you posted. In the meantime, I will just keep shooting.
1 week ago
