Back in the late 1970s when the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) established a trade show for the hunting and firearms industry, no one could have predicted that the exposition would become a major stage for the unveiling of law enforcement products. But that's what the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show has become.

Each year the SHOT Show keeps getting bigger and better. Last year's show at the Orange County (Fla.) Convention Center set records for attendance. So organizers are very hopeful that when SHOT Show 2010 opens at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas later this month it will be another blockbuster. The NSSF says it expects some 50,000 people to attend the show.

And it's a good bet that a sizable portion of those 50,000 people will be law enforcement officers. Badged officers are welcome at the show, which is otherwise restricted to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of shooting and hunting products. That's why the law enforcement section of what was once a hunting show is now one of the most prominent showcases for police product debuts. And it's why the following law enforcement product manufacturers are planning to debut or spotlight new products in their booths at SHOT.

5.11 Tactical

The big news from 5.11 Tactical is the debut of the compact PC3.300 Light for Life, an 8.75-inch, 10-ounce model of the company's full-size duty light. The PC3.300 has a peak output of 200 lumens and a standard output of 70 lumens. Runtime at standard brightness is 45 minutes. Like the full-size UC3.400 Light for Life, the new compact flashlight is powered by FlashPoint Power Technology, recharges in 90 seconds, and is rated for 50,000 charge cycles. Both lights feature Cree LEDs. The UC3.400 Light for Life sells for $169.99 and the PC3.300 Light for Life sells for $159.99.

5.11 will also be showing its new eyewear and blades.

Produced in collaboration with Wiley X, the eyewear is manufactured to exceed ANSI Z87.1 safety standards and ANSI Z80.3 optical standards. It also features Wiley X's anti-reflective optical filter.

5.11's new knives were designed by Mike Vellekamp of Blade-Tech and Fox Knives, winner of Blade magazine's "Most Innovative American Design of the Year" award for 2009. The new line includes both folders and fixed-blade knives.

ATK

Just about every law enforcement officer knows that ATK (Alliant Techsystems) is the parent company of Federal Cartridge and CCI/Speer. But the company makes a lot more than ammunition. In fact, it makes everything from rocket engines to sports apparel. At SHOT Show 2010, ATK's Eagle division plans to introduce new soft shell jackets.

The jackets use Schoeller WB-400 fabric, which offers 98 percent wind protection. Also, ATK's Weaver division will unveil a new line of AR-15/M4 accessories, including foregrips, quad rails, and trigger guards.

FNH USA

FN recently announced that it is producing a new line of handguns, the FNX. The polymer-framed pistol will first be available in 9mm and .40 S&W. A .45 ACP version is expected by the end of the year. FN says the new pistols have a low-bore axis for flat shooting and less recoil for improved control. Checkered grip panels ensure a secure grip regardless of weather conditions, and the pistol comes with four backstrap inserts for customizing it to fit any hand. The FNX has a four-inch hammer-forged barrel, a stainless steel slide with front and rear cocking serrations, a decocker, and a manual safety.

Kahr Arms

For 2010, Kahr has announced a revision of the PM9, its very popular compact pistol. Designed for concealed carry, the PM9 is a polymer-framed DAO compact with a lock breech, a Browning-type recoil lug, a passive striker block, and no magazine disconnect. It also features drift-adjustable white bar-dot combat sights. This year, the PM9 has been revised to add two new safety features: a loaded chamber indicator and an external safety. The two new models with the new features are designated as the PM9193 and the PM9193N.

Original S.W.A.T.

Last spring Original S.W.A.T. introduced the WinX2 boot collection. The WinX2 is an 8-inch duty boot that's now available in a variety of configurations, including a basic model and a waterproof version. For 2010, Original S.W.A.T. is introducing a side-zip model of the WinX2.

All of the WinX2 models feature slip- and oil-resistant outsoles with arch ladder tread for extra grip on rope rappels, riveted steel shanks, rust-proof lacing hardware, padded ankle collars, rear heel kick-plates, and moisture-wicking linings. The waterproof model has a breathable waterproof membrane. The new side-zip model features a YKK zipper with a Velcro secure tab, for easy on and off. All WinX2 models are retail priced at less than $100.