Trade show news

AIM Shooter’s Show: Outdoor products keep arms trade alive

This year was no different, except for the fact that more and more ladies are taking part in shooting sports. It was good to see so many visitors of the much fairer sex coming to the show.

My first glance around the Kyalami Exhibition Center revealed less real guns, and more toys such as black powder, air guns and paintball guns.

The Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 has been responsible for much of the hardship felt by all firearm dealers since around two years ago. The display of goods at the Aim Show reflects the new trend of the few surviving dealers seeking alternative products to keep their livelihoods intact.

Rescomp Handgun Technologies were showing a range of Ring’s blue guns used for safely training with an inert firearm. Rescomp imports other well-known brands too. These include Aimpoint red-dot sights, Blackhawk tactical gear, Versa-Pod shooting rest systems, Para-Ordnance firearms and others. They are perhaps best known for their range of CR Speed holsters, built right here in SA.

Bushnell was showing some good scopes and other optics. Like all others in the industry, they are also diversifying. Their products are good and service levels are better than most. Speak to them for Bollé, Serengeti Eyewear, Tasco and, of course, Bushnell.

Bruce and Barbara Trethewey of Awesome Tools displayed the Leatherman Range. Bruce has been importing and distributing Leatherman from the start. He’s a great guy and few people I know care more about selling than Bruce. Talk to him, he’ll help where he can to help you make a success of selling the well-known pocket tool. The Awesome Tools stand also did repairs and maintenance on Leatherman tools while you wait.

R.M. Williams had a well-stocked stand. They "cover you from head to toe" in their imported Akubra hats, Driza-Bone coats, R.M.Williams’ boots and Blundstone. Perhaps on the pricey side, but very well made gear. I enjoyed visiting their stand.

Blades and Triggers were doing a roaring trade over all three days selling Tippman paintball guns, air guns and accessories. These guys carry big quantities of stock. Give them a call should you decide to venture into the paintball genre.

Steyr displayed their Scout Rifle, Truvello their new assault rifle and others also had some "real guns" on show. After all, one expects to see guns on a gun show!

Lights always seem to fascinate people, same on the Aim Show. There was a different make of flashlight on every stand.

Diversify or die

Redneck Tactical Supplies was selling light hearted satirical gun-rights related T-shirts and bumper stickers. Clint Smith reckons the prints drew laughs and comments. Most agreed the slogans were spot on!

Ramrod had a large variety of gear on display; but they do not supply the public. Their stand was very busy and all retail related enquiries were passed on to the retailers that were exhibiting.

Outside activities included air gun target shooting, bow shooting, food stalls, vehicle displays and pitched tents.

This year’s show was smaller than 2005’s, but more intense, with a more diversified selection of goods on display.

Like the Aim Show is doing, dealers must diversify or die.