Among the other things that stood out were some new ideas for gun safes, and the number of concealed carry solutions (clothing, purses, etc.).  You can get my initial impressions over at The Hog Blog.

Mike, from Ithaca Gun Company poses with the Deerslayer III slug gun.

One thing that folks hunting here might be interested in is the new Deerslayer III slug gun from Ithaca.  This is the slug gun that so impressed me yesterday at the Media Day.  It’s a little weighty, at a shade over 9lbs., but when you shoot this gun you can appreciate everything that goes into it… not the least of which that it is completely made in America. 

Slug guns aren’t really big in CA, but they’re a great option for close work on wild boar.  It’s a lot of thump, and in a platform like the Deerslayer III, it’s accurate as all get out! 

Stay tuned, or keep an eye on the Hog Blog for more updates as Day Two is right around the corner.

This may be a little more than you need for the average wild boar, but should you need to take those 2000 yard shots across the canyon, it is up to the job.

The 2010 Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trades (SHOT) Show officially kicks off this morning in Las Vegas.  It’s the largest hunting and shooting trade show in the world, with gun and gear makers from all over the world coming together for the four day event.   

The shooting and hunting media were treated yesterday to several shooting events around the city, which allows us to get our hands on some of the new guns and ammunition.  The shoots were well-attended, and if there was a trend at all, it was that there wasn’t a whole lot new in the “traditional” sporting arms.  Tactical (and tactical-style) weapons were well-represented, and of course these drew plenty of attention.  Who doesn’t like shooting great big guns (.50 BMG) or machine guns? 

I’ll be here all week, checking out the new stuff, and looking for items that I think are particularly outstanding.  I’ll be running detailed reports over on The Hog Blog, but I’ll also be sure to provide an overview and highlights to readers here are well.

So far, things to look forward to are the new slug guns from Ithaca gun (still made right here in the USA), and the ballistic-compensating rifle scopes including Bushnell DOA, Nikon BDC, and Zeiss Diavari.  I am very nearly a convert to the idea of these scopes, even if I still don’t think most people have much business shooting far enough to need them. 

Stay tuned!