2010 NRA ConFab: Final Observations

As I get ready for my trip back to the real world, I thought I’d share a couple of observations about the NRA show. Keep in mind, this is my first NRA National Convention, but it’s not my first trade show. Not by a long shot. Also not my first gun show.

• This show is big. REALLY big. As in, Charlotte’s convention center could just barely contain it. They move it around from city to city, to give as many members a better shot at attending. But if it gets any bigger, I can see where they might have to stick it in Vegas – as they’re the only place that could handle a really huge show.
• Aside from a few showbiz quibbles, the NRA did a near-flawless job on the show. And I say that as somebody who’s now been on both sides of the desk – as an exhibitor and as a member of the press.
• The name of our little slice of heaven here, The Truth About Guns, is purposefully and simultaneously “neutral” and “provocative.” There’s a reason for that. We want TTAG to tell all sides of an issue, and to never hide our own prejudices and biases. Most of the media doesn’t bother; they are openly anti-gun. And it showed, Many vendors I spoke to were openly reluctant to open up to a member of the media, until they realized that I was “gun-friendly.”
• The fact that I like guns and I’m not afraid of ’em does NOT mean I’m ever gonna be in the tank for any manufacturer or product.
• Because of the Charlotte Convention Center’s policy prohibiting guns inside, the NRA had to have every firing pin removed from every gun. I don’t know if they do that in other cities, but they did it here.
• Because the firing pins had been removed, none of the guns feel the way they would with the firing pin intact. That is to say, sans firing pin, every gun I dry fired felt as if it had a weird vibration in the hammer. At first, I had no idea why these guns all felt “mushy.” Then it dawned on me why. Pity. I was surrounded by guns, yet there was no way to get an accurate trigger feel because of the missing pins. Kind of like “water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.”
• Once their suspicions were assuaged, most vendors were happy to speak with me. There was no bias against an online site versus a magazine or other print publication.
• I can’t say the same for my brethren in print and television. I suppose that’s the same way the dinosaurs felt towards whatever species replaced them.
• The staff at the NRA was REALLY helpful to journalists. I appreciate everything they did for us. They rock!
• Charlotte is a beautiful city. I hope I get to come back here again.