By IPC

Days 2 and 3 of the SHOT Show were just as busy as the first, trying to see everything I possibly could before the Show ended. I stopped by Voodoo Tactical, Remington, ESEE Knives, Alien Gear Holsters, and Wolf Ammunition. All of them have new products that have been released or are set to be released later in 2018. And they were all fun to get my hands on.

Voodoo Tactical, a California based tactical equipment manufacturer, has released a new line of backpacks, soft rifle cases, hats, soft pistol cases, and briefcases with a color scheme more appealing to women (picture below). They also have a line of quilted bags that has colored stitching. The color scheme has expanded beyond the usual black, gray, green, and tan that is expected of tactical equipment to include purple, red, and Tiffany blue. According to a Voodoo Tactical representative, the Voodoo color scheme received an overhaul after they received feedback saying that the solid purple and pink bags get too dirty and did not look very good after a few uses. The representative that I spoke with said that the new line is flying off the shelves, so if you see one that you like, you had better grab it because if you do not, someone else definitely will. Given the initial success of the line, Voodoo Tactical is expanding this line even further to include other colors like blue, green, tan, and certain types of camouflage. Overall, I am a fan of the new look and the bags are versatile enough to be used as an EDC bag, a school bag, a hiking pack, or even as a BOB, with numerous pockets, pouches, and slots for equipment, pens, books, and gear. (Click here)

After Voodoo Tactical, I swung by Remington with a friend of mine on Day 2 to check out their new pistol line. I spoke with one of the Remington representatives at the booth and they gave me the rundown on the updates to the Remington R1 1911 series. Although the R1 1911 has been around since 2011, Remington acquired Para USA back in 2012 with the intent to expand its pistol line. Para was moved to Huntsville, AL and, according to the representative that I spoke with, began manufacturing 1911s for Remington, branded as the Remington R1 series. (Click here) Since Para has begun making the R1 series for Reminton, the lineup has definitely expanded, boasting numerous variations of the traditional 1911. The R1 is a standard 1911, with everything a 1911 fan needs. The R1 Enhanced is a match grade 1911 out of the box. The R1 Carry is a Commander style model built more for EDC. Remington has also kept many of Para’s influences, manufacturing tactical versions of the 1911, with threaded barrels, G10 grips, blacked out frames and barrels, and hi-capacity double stack magazines for the .45acp. (Click here) I am a big Para USA fan, so while I am sad that the company is no longer around, I am glad to hear that they are still manufacturing quality pistols.

Once I was done at Remington, I stopped by to see some friends and trainers at ESEE. ESEE Knives, formerly known as RAT Cutlery, is known for making quality bushcraft and outdoor knives.  Last year, ESEE introduced their Cleaver and while there were some mixed reviews about it (it is a big chopping knife), most people seemed to like it. For 2018, however, they are expanding out a bit further into carving axes (picture below). Made in collaboration with a long time carving ax manufacturer, ESEE has hit the nail on the head with this ax. The length of the edge is a bit smaller than most since it is based on a carving ax, but the overall feel and heft of the ax is great. It is well balanced and the shape of the handle allows you to grip it in numerous ways for different tasks. It is a little heavy for its size, but it is a reassuring weight when you remember that the ax is one solid piece of steel with good grips firmly attached to the handle. No worrying about spare or broken handles with this ax. Currently, ESEE’s new ax is not available for purchase, but they plan to have it available by June 1st for the Blade Show in Atlanta. If you make it to the Blade Show, I encourage you to swing by the ESEE booth and take a look at their latest addition. (Click here)

After lunch, I stopped by the Alien Gear Holster booth. If I am honest, I have never been fanatically loyal to any one specific holster or holster company. I just buy what is best for the pistol I have and the situation I expect to be in. Alien Gear Holster had me doing a double-take this year. While it has been out for a few months now, the Alien Gear Shapeshift somehow snuck by me and the Alien Gear representative was very enthusiastic about bringing me up to speed. At its basic, the Shapeshift is an extremely versatile and modular platform. The main component is the holster, which you select for the pistol you intend to carry. This holster component is then capable of being moved quickly and easily to different carry positions on different mounts, including IWB, OWB, and appendix. There is even a gun mount that can be screwed in to a desk, wall, or car dashboard. Alien Gear features a starter kit for the Shapeshift which includes, appendix, IWB, and OWB. The representative also told me that they are currently working on a shoulder carry, and also have expansion packs for drop-leg and ankle carry, as well as a mount for a backpack strap. If you tend to shift back and forth in how you carry, or like having lots of options, then I suggest you take a look at the Alien Gear Shapeshift (Click here). I, for one, fully intend to keep an eye on this particular holster platform.

Wolf Ammunition is a well known name in the shooting industry. Most shooters have shot some Wolf ammo at some point in their shooting career. This year Wolf is reintroducing an old round, the 9×39. The 9×39 is a somewhat mysterious round, and, until last November, it was not found in the USA. Due to the belief that it was armor piercing, it was banned from import. However, Wolf has started importing a commercial version of the round and with it, they have introduced an AR platform that chambers the round. Wolf is selling an entire new firearm chambered in the round, or just the completed upper separately. They are still unsure what the final configuration of the rifle will look like, however it is based on a 7.62×39 AR platform. Wolf is releasing the new rifle sometime in 2018 and they hope to have it ready by the end of the first quarter. Keep an eye out for this new and slightly unusual rifle.