The Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show, Also known as SHOT, wrapped up its annual trade show in Las Vegas, NV this past week and the floor was full of new products for 2018. The future looks bright for everyone who loves the shooting and hunting sports.
As always, the SHOT show did not disappoint. New items are flooding the market annually. Finding the best of the best is not easy, hopefully, this list will help you sort through the maze of firearms, optics and equipment and allow you to make well informed decisions.
Browning Eclipse in 6.5 Creedmoor
The Browning Eclipse was one of the guns that stood out at Industry day at the range. The grey and black laminate stock with matte finish caught my eye immediately. Sitting at the shooting table the gun fit my hand and mounted superbly. Firing the 6.5 Creedmoor through this rifle was one of the highlights of the day. The matte blued receiver is mated to a matte finished stainless barrel comes threaded for a suppressor. For those that do not have a suppressor, the threads are protected with a muzzle-brake. The standard removable rotary magazine holds four rounds with an additional one in the chamber. Weighing only 6 pounds 7 ounces the Eclipse is a joy to handle and shoot. The Eclipse will come in twelve of the most popular calibers for 2018. When choosing a new rifle, choose the Browning Eclipse.
Traditions PA Pellet Ultralight Flintlock Muzzleloader
Traditions has changed the game for the side-lock shooters. The PA Pellet Ultralight Flintlock is the only flintlock on the market that is capable of shooting pyrodex pellets. Their proprietary firing system enables lovers of the flintlock to have the best of both worlds. The ability to shoot modern pellets while maintaining the flint and frizzen ignition system. Available with a wood stock or a choice of synthetic options. The PA Pellet is a great choice for states what have flintlock seasons. One great addition to the PA Pellet from Traditions, is this flintlock can also shoot loose powder if you so desire. (CAUTION: one should never attempt to shoot pellets in a traditional flintlock, or one that does not specifically specify it is capable of handling the pyrodex pellets.)
Steiner HX 10×42 Binoculars
When it comes to quality binoculars, it is splitting hairs among a few top brands. For my money, Steiner is the go-to place for quality binoculars, crystal clear glass at a great price. The HX series of binoculars by Steiner are some to consider. The 10×42 are what I personally consider some of the best for hunters. If traveling by horseback and little walking, the 10×56 are a better choice. The added weight is the only reason, I opted for the smaller 10×42 versions of the HX series. The 10×42 version comes in at 28 ounces while the 10×56 are 42.6 ounces. A considerable difference for those who plan to spot and stalk or backpack into remote hunting areas. Steiner also introduced for 2018 their Shadowquest line of binoculars. Available only in a 56mm objective, these are impressive binoculars but a bit on the heavy side for my liking. Still, if weight is not a consideration for you, the price point for top quality binoculars is something to consider.
Leupold RX 2800 TBR Range Finder
The Leupold RX2800 has a unique ability to find objects that are further than most hunters can shoot and be able to accurately range them in micro-seconds. One push of the button and the illuminated reticle will display yardages to the user for accurate shot placement. The designer of the rangefinder have tested the 2800 out to and beyond 3000 yards with extreme accuracy.
Small, compact and less expensive than many other rangefinders with better features. This is perhaps the best buy at the show this year.
Sitka Training, Travel and Workwear
Long known for their “turning clothing into gear” Sitka gear is introducing a new Training, Travel and Workwear line of clothing, also known as the TTW. Using the same highest quality materials in the industry, the TTW line of clothing is impressive. From lightweight T-shirts, shorts, and shirts designed for mid-season scouting. The TTW line will definitely have something for you. Travel clothing is designed to provide comfort while spending long days in trucks or airplanes. The lightweight clothing will stretch where you need it and provide ultimate comfort for those days of travel.
Workwear is designed to provide the wearer with all for the protection they need while also allowing the user to be comfortable. The Highland Over-shirt takes the shirt-jacket to another level. Whether you are cutting and hauling firewood, or doing chores around the house, this is a great garment to have around. The TTW will allow those who love the Sitka brand to live the Sitka lifestyle.
Taurus Raging Hunter 6 shot Revolver in .44 Magnum
Taurus has long been one of the finest manufacturers of hunting revolvers. Their Raging Bull series took the hunting world by storm when it was introduced. Through the year Taurus has never left well enough alone, and the new 2018 edition of the Raging Hunter may just be one of the finest hunting revolvers ever introduced.
Available in two color choices, a solid matte black and a beautiful two tone matte black and matte stainless steel. The look is breathtaking. Currently only available in .44 Magnum, the Raging Hunter comes complete with a picatinny rail to mount your choice of optics.
To reduce added weight, the designers at Taurus wrapped the steel barrel in an aluminum shroud. Aiding in the recoil management is the unique placement of the factory-tuned porting and gas expansion chamber that is designed to disperse gasses directionally. Hunters know that if a follow-up shot is needed, fast target acquisition is necessary. The placement of the porting helps to reduce muzzle lift and allows for a faster recovery after a shot.
Hunters and shooters need not worry, the future is bright for the industry in 2018. With the move of Weatherby from California to Wyoming, and other announcements coming in the near future, this is a great time to be a hunter and shooter in America.
