Surviving SHOT Show

SHOT Show 2019 is quickly upon us, and whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran SHOT Show attendee, there are some things you can do to make sure you survive the largest shooting sport trade show in the world.

Have a Plan
Walking around the Sands Convention Center amongst the tens of thousands of exhibitors can be overwhelming. Add in the confusion of the maze-like layout of the multilevel, multi-room Show floor, and you have a recipe for wandering aimlessly in a zombie-like state of confusion. “Oh look, another AR! Wait, is that the same AR I just saw, or a different one?” If you want to make sure you see everything you want to see, then have a list of vendors, map out their locations, and plan a day to visit their booth.

One of the best resources to help you with that endeavor is the SHOT Show Mobile App.  This app lets you search the exhibitor directory and find exhibitors on the Show floor. It will keep you updated on guest speakers and celebrity appearances throughout the week, and send you alerts so you don’t miss anything.  It can also help you find your way when you get lost and find yourself bouncing off the walls like a Roomba.  Aside from not having a GPS function, it’s pretty much the best survival tool you can have during the week. It’s also a good idea to follow the companies you want to check out on Instagram. Many of them post their booth numbers a week or so out.

Beware the SHOT Show Crud
Want to catch the flu? Jam yourself into an enclosed space with umpteen thousand people for eight hours a day and stay out late every night attending after-show parties. Commonly referred to by SHOT veterans as the “SHOT Show Crud,” this combination of the flu, the common cold, and late-night partying can suck the wind right out of your sails.

To avoid the crud, dose up on immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and herbs like B, C, Zinc, and Turmeric. A crud first aid kit should consist of things like Emergen-C, Airborne, DayQuil, Ibuprofen, Cough Drops, and Gas-X (for the greasy food court food). And for Pete’s sake, try to get some sleep!

Prepare for the Trek
Quality, comfortable footwear is a must. It's not beyond realistic expectations to log 8 to 10 miles of walking a day. Going through a little stretching routine before you hit the floor each day isn't a bad idea either. If your New Year ’s resolution is to log more cardio, then bring your Fitbit and you’ll be off to a good start to fulfilling that commitment.  You’ll also blow away all of your daily challenges for the week unless they’re at SHOT Show.

Watch Your Shins
This may be the most important tip of all. There’s one breed of SHOT Show dweller that likes to pull around milk crates on wheels. They stuff these crates full of catalogs and swag from every single table they walk by. They pull these things around with a blatant disregard for all humanity, and you will likely notice them when they cut you off and you kick their crate with your shin. Watch out! You’ve been warned.

SHOT Show can be a great time to see old friends from across the country and handle the latest and greatest gear. It’s even more fun when you survive to go back next year.

Why you can trust RECOIL

---

Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. 

Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. 

At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. 

Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products.

NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL

For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).

Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.

You want this. Trust Us.