2009 NRA Convention Phoenix AZ

“Build it and they will come” describes the 138th Annual NRA Convention held in Phoenix Arizona May 14 – 17th, 2009. Attendees flocked to the Phoenix Convention Center an estimated 64,000 strong, standing in lines up to 2 hours for a chance to get into the show. Reportedly the largest convention to date held at the Phoenix Convention Center.

The Shot Show may be the biggest outdoor and shooting convention but it is restricted to “industry insiders”. The NRA Convention and Exhibitions are open to anyone. This is the general publics opportunity to see and meet with the biggest names in the shooting industry. To get up close and personal with the latest products and meet some of the biggest names in shooting.

In addition to the exhibitors the NRA Annual meetings were underway, along with plenty of workshops and seminars. Among the events were the American Values Leadership Forum with speakers such as Governor Jan Brewer and Mitt Romney, Senator John McCain, author Marcus Luttrell, former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, and Michael Reagan.

Ted Nugent was on hand to autograph his book “Ted, White and Blue”, “Gunnie” was in the Glock booth signing autographs. Glock Shooting Team members Dave Sevigny and Randi Rogers aka “Holy Terror” and her Grandpa “Evil Roy” were in attendance. Springfield Armory’s Rob Leatham, CZ-USA Angus Hobdel, Para-Ordnance Todd Jarrett were all meeting attendees and answering questions.

Walking through the exhibition halls gave you the opportunity to see all the major firearms and shooting accessories manufacturers exhibit booths. Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Marlin, Winchester, Colt, Glock, Armalite, CZ USA, Ruger, Charter Arms, Remington, Beretta, Browning, you name them, they were there. My favorite was the DPMS “Black Cat Express” a rig the envy of shooters everywhere. A cab and trailer rig backed right into the exhibition hall, just open the doors of the trailer and you’re all set.

The United States Practical Shooting Association manned a booth, as well as locals Rio Salado Sportsmans Club, Shooters World, Arizona , and local companies AlumaGrips, Robar, CZ USA, Sturm Ruger, Dillon Manufacturing, Sun Devil Manufacturing were showing products.

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