BAG Day & Swag

Sold a scope the other day. Other than some POS or a Mosin-Nagant, it wasn't enough for something I really wanted.  At the NRA Convention however, it was enough for this on BAG Day:

Plus there was my collection of 'Pocket Swag' that I gathered over the course of the weekend outside of the usual CD's, brochures, catalogs and other paraphernalia that one normally acquires at these events.

 Next year something that goes *BANG*

 

NRA AM '12: Final Thoughts

After taking yesterday to catch up on everything at home, I now have a chance to put everything together.  Excepting Saturday, the show 'felt' smaller than the others I've been to but, according to Cam Edwards of NRA News, the registered attendance was near 74K, a record number.  Even the number of vendors was huge.  The ladies running the press room told me there are so many wanting room that there's a waiting list for next few years already.

But the industry is dying and there are less gun owners each year.

Yeah right.  We're talking serious clinical levels of denial for anyone who believes that.

The whole 'protest' thing was entertaining.  The CSGV had at least one individual in Leadership Forum, Members meeting and Glenn Beck speech live tweeting it.  Now I'm going to guess that means they signed up for the NRA and registered for the convention since I doubt they were credentialed media.  If that's the case, the only thing they've achieved is handing the NRA another $25 and given us lots of quotes for how far off the mainstream (not to mention unhinged) they've become. 

On the bloggers I've met. There were less than what I remember from '08 and '09 but that's not entirely surprising based off of the economy and that many bloggers are on the coasts.  It was of course great seeing Sebastian and Bitter again.  It's been too long since I've gotten together w/ them. Squeaky has returned to the fold after many years of life getting in the way.  Old NFO helped me solve an issue my BIL had w. his M1 carbine. Saw the Sandcastle Family and John R. again. . Finally got to meet Lawdog (here's his take on the general attitude of the folks at the show and of which I had similar conversations),Jay G. ,  Phlegmfatale ,the Cornered Cat , Rick Ector of Legally Armed in Detroit (LAID) and Mad St. Jack were most fun to talk to. Of course finally seeing 45Superman in the meatworld was an excellent ending. I know I'm missing names but right now I'm just going off of cards and photos. Put up a message if I forgot please.

The NRA staff were great as usual.  Stephanie Samford (NRA-ILA Media Liason) and all the ladies in the Press Room made us feel right at home while the MSM folks looked at us like lepers. 

On the floor, there were AR's as far as the eye could see.  The majority of the vendors were VERY open w/ us about their products and even issues they've been having which is a nice change from the glowing reviews of anything and everything you normally see from the 'professionals' (another part of the discussion I had w/ Kathy Jackson on the differences between the 'old school' and 'new' media).  There were exceptions though. One reason why is this.  I got a fancy for ATI's StG-44 repop. and put up some info and pictures.  I'm a small-time blog but then Tam saw it and posted about it (I'm thinking Uncle's link may be from my mention as well) and their readership is in the (tens of) thousands.

 And for those who complained, here's your obligatory 'booth babe' photo:

Yeah, zombie stuff was almost as prolific as AR's.  But to be honest, there weren't that many 'booth babes', what there were were LOTS of families (another sign the industry's dying, right?).  My nephew went w/ the family of a friend of his, kids all over the place.

No idea if I'm going to be able to make it to Houston next year but Indy's likely a definite.

 NRA AM Day 1A
 NRA AM '12 Day 1B 
 NRA AM '12 Day 2A 
 NRA AM '12: The @CSGV Protest That Wasn't 
 NRA AM '12 Day 2B
NRA AM Day 3: Finale
NRA AM '12: Final Thoughts

NRA AM Day 3: Finale

So far today I've spent most of the morning talking. Showing up early I got into a discussion of SHOT show blogger vetting, old and new media, etc w/ Kathy Jackson from Concealed Carry Magazine.

Following that, Jay G. and I got into a discussion w. Stephanie Sanford, NRA Media Liason over interactions w/ the blogging community.  It was a very pleasant discussion where we discussed how we hoped to continue the positive relationship that has developed over the years.

Hit the floor and went back over to the ATI booth to oogle the STG-44 replica to ask a few questions.  Mentioned the fact that there's been issues w/ feeding on some of their replicas.  They stated that's usually due to using standard velocity ammo when they require high velocity.  Got some more details as well. 25 rnd magazine w/ extra mags at $40 ea.

 Swung back around and ran into ISRA Pres. Don Moran talking to Alan Gottlieb of the SAF.  They both enjoyed the story of the little protest that couldn't.

At the ISRA booth, they told me they had signed up dozens of new/renewed members along w/ nearly a half-dozen life members. Said goodbye to numerous folks including bloggers and NRA staff and headed out. But not yet 'quite' for home.

 After 6 years of talking online and working together to backhand the anti's, I finally got to meet one of my best online friends, 45Superman.  We got together for a couple drinks (mine non-alc., I was driving) at his favorite pub.

 And then it was back home.  Tomorrow I'll clean up the posts for easy linkage and post my final thoughts including all the bloggers I met, saw again, etc.



 NRA AM Day 1A
 NRA AM '12 Day 1B 
 NRA AM '12 Day 2A 
 NRA AM '12: The @CSGV Protest That Wasn't 
 NRA AM '12 Day 2B
NRA AM Day 3: Finale
NRA AM '12: Final Thoughts

NRA AM '12 Day 2b

With the sad display that was the CSGV 'protest', the afternoon was mandatory for coolness:

Valinda and Mike Rowe of Illinois Carry. I ran into them waiting for the 'protest'

Jodie Newell interviewing Dick Heller.

One of my best friends (and USAF vet but we'll forgive him) meeting the Nuge.

The Gunny. R. Lee Ermey.

He signed my 'Glock' book and a picture.

I needed a new NRA hat so I picked up a 'Life Member' one.

I had it customized.









Spent some time talking to the Marlin folks.  After their move, they admitted there were some QC issues but they are busting their humps to 'put out the best firearms possible'.Their displayed product looked good and, as a Marlin fan, I look forward to seeing the company maintain a reputation for reliability.

Tomorrow will be the final day and I'll be heading home after a planned rendezvous w/ 45Superman.




 NRA AM Day 1A
 NRA AM '12 Day 1B 
 NRA AM '12 Day 2A 
 NRA AM '12: The @CSGV Protest That Wasn't 
 NRA AM '12 Day 2B
NRA AM Day 3: Finale
NRA AM '12: Final Thoughts

NRA AM '12: The @CSGV Protest That Wasn't

Well the much vaunted 'protest' came and went at the America Center in St. Louis.

 Here's the turnout.

 So I walked down Washington and 4th st all the way to the Arch at about 1:45pm just to say 'HI" to my good buddy Ladd.  Nothing.  It was like Where's Waldo but w/ a bald guy w/ anger management issues. Disappointing, however I did get some nice shots of the arch.

 Ah well. Back to the floor.

 Update:  CBS St Louis reported on the 'rally' w. a photo of one person w. a sign and some statements.

The building behind them is the (in)famous courthouse where the Dred Scott decision was made.  Appropriate for these individuals who want to strip us of our rights. It's also nearly a half-mile away from the convention center. Also no mention of the number of attendees (few) or how long it lasted (minutes).


 NRA AM Day 1A
 NRA AM '12 Day 1B 
 NRA AM '12 Day 2A 
 NRA AM '12: The @CSGV Protest That Wasn't 
 NRA AM '12 Day 2B
NRA AM Day 3: Finale
NRA AM '12: Final Thoughts

NRA AM '12 Day 2A

Morning started out rough. Pouring rain, parking was a cluster. Hoping to meet the Gunnie but the line is something like 2 1/2 hours long.

But:  

 I got my aerial shots thanks to the folks at  Lone Wolf Distributors.

 The NRA logo is apparently worth $20/item.  I sell these flags for $10.

 Remember the flap by the CSGV, Media Matters etc. over the CCW Hoodie that allegedly was marketed in response to the Martin/Zimmerman shooting a month before it happened?

Well I met the manufacturer.  They have nearly two months worth of backorders and are shipping out so many they didn't have enough left to bring any besides a sample to the convention.

Ladd Everitt, NRA hoodie salesman of the year.








Now I'm heading out to see if the protesters actually show up.  There are two buses out there but we don't know who they are yet.



 NRA AM Day 1A
 NRA AM '12 Day 1B 
 NRA AM '12 Day 2A 
 NRA AM '12: The @CSGV Protest That Wasn't 
 NRA AM '12 Day 2B
NRA AM Day 3: Finale
NRA AM '12: Final Thoughts