Shooting Show, 2014

[techguy]

Just got back and I thought it was loads better than last year, I got to see everything and have a great chat with Accuracy International, Westlake Engineering and Caledonian Classic Arms. I also go to handle the vz.58 and an AI AT308, so it was well worth the trip. It was full but not too busy and it was a breeze to park and get in, they got it right this year.

Has Alan@Westlake actually got any stock of his armscor revolvers yet?!

[HALODIN]

I didn't specifically ask, but he had one in his glass cabinet.

Has Alan@Westlake actually got any stock of his armscor revolvers yet?!

[450 Martini]

I thought the show was ok, i got my powder supply for the year which included my first bottle of TR 140, some BLC (2) for the 7.62 and vectan AS for my home loaded blanks.

[Matt]

Went today, massive improvement in terms of parking and access etc and even had some space in the aisles.... Mind you compared to last year anything would have been better sign01

Got there early, straight in to a parking space and straight in to the venue, good early look round, a chat to some friends, some food and another look round, didn't even get ' ruck sacked' (is it just me or do people not realise that you can't pirouette around in a tight area when you've got a polar expedition sized pack on your back without attracting the occasional for f##ks sake from the person you've just side swiped - normal service to be resumed at the Phoenix!!!)

Didn't do the air rifle stuff and didn't have to stop myself laughing at the plastic warriors as they patrolled their areas (ok if you like that stuff of course tongueout )

Not as much rifle stuff as last year but still a reasonably pleasant walk round smile2

And yes, AI stand..... Very nice indeed

[saddler]

Oh, and we bought a nice new old bangstick - a 1918 Browning pump action shotgun, trenches for the clearing of...

Pictures, we need pictures!!!!!

1918 Browning....er, QUE??

While I am familiar with the extensive stable of bang sticks designed by the great JMB, that one has me stumped...
The main WW1 trench brooms were the Winchester model 1897 & the Winchester model 12.
There may have been some limited use of the Remington model 17 too (later slightly upgraded as the Ithaca 37)

[meles meles]

Give us a break Fat Rat, we got our claws crossed: it should read 1981 Browning...

[Charlotte the flyer]

Back with a new scope and some powder. Took an ammo can and was very disappointed that there weren't the ammunition vendors there to fill it for me.

Parking was fine but I got there at 8 rather than 11 like last year.

Highlight of my day : someone thinking that I might have a semi-auto L1A1 (presumably for gulf of Aden work). I blushed!

Lowlight : some setting off thunderflashes right next to me in the airsoft bit

[Zilberbak]

Better this time round and lots of temptation!

Came back with a Grand Power K22 LBP, put name down for a Stoeger M3000 shotgun, but star ot the show for me was the CSA vz58 as l thought the quality was impressive and a real alternative to an AR. The trigger release version looks interesting if HO approved. Not sure if l can wait that long to have one and might have to order a straight pull. Is this a cult classic for the future l wonder?

Vortex took money off me with the purchase of a Strikefire and PST 1-4. The new Spitfires look nice especially the1x dot in circle.

The last purchase was a scope rail for my GSG Stg 44, the new MP40 was on show on the same stand.

All in all a good but expensive day.

[HALODIN]

I spoke to him about the vz.58 MARS for ages, he's hoping to be somewhere with it in the next 2 months. He told me a couple of times that the tone of the conversation with the HO has changed and certainly for the better, almost as if certifying the firearm is now a formality. Got to say I was impressed with it as well and it may find it's way on to my free .223 slot when they're released. He's not sure how they'll categorise the rifle, albeit bolt action/straight pull or something else.

He said they were hoping to bring them in for £1,800, but it looks like they'll cost more than that but certainly under £2K.

[Zilberbak]

Might be a bit expensive as it is heading in to Lantac territory.

The only concern is how it might influence the trigger pull.

The biggest decision is green, beige or black!