Each year the latest firearms, law enforcement gear, and shooting sports products make their debut at the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show. This year's show is scheduled for the middle of this month at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. And from what the POLICE editorial staff is hearing from some of the top law enforcement product manufacturers, the guns making their debut (or U.S. debut) at SHOT 2014 will continue some of the trends that we have seen in the last five or so years.
Since the expansion of concealed carry laws nationwide, some of the biggest sellers in the firearms market have been compact or even pocket-sized pistols. The word from major pistol makers is that this trend will continue and probably gain steam.
The other major trend in the firearms market is the AR-variant rifle. These semi-automatic versions of military-style rifles called "modern sporting rifles" in the industry continue to be extremely popular as target and hunting rifles with gun enthusiasts and as patrol rifles for law enforcement. Both new and improved versions of ARs will be on display at this year's SHOT.