I think by far the biggest attraction of the NRA Annual Meeting was the exhibit hall. It was advertised as "Four Acres of Guns & Gear." All of the major manufacturers as well as a host of other companies were there.
Here's a view on the west half of the hall, taken before the exhibits opened on Saturday morning.
Ruger had one of the largest and best exhibits.
I'm not sure what EAA was thinking, but if they were trying to win the award for using drainage pipe in a gun show display, then they would have surely won it.
After the meeting concluded, the exhibits were open. It was estimated that approximately 60,000 people attended (although I suspect the majority of that number were people who went for the exhibits, since I know the main meeting didn't have near that many people).
When I saw this little beauty, I couldn't help but think of Kim du Toit, given his expressed interested in rifles with full stocks. Of course, he might have to sell a kidney or something to afford this one:
Looks fun and informative.
So do you have to be an NRA member to attend the exhibit halls? I'm not currently a member, but perhaps next year (Houston) I'll be in a position to attend. I'm sure my stepbrother (who owns seven guns last count, a few of which I've shot) would be willing to make the trip as well.
Posted by: Kevin White at April 21, 2004 11:26 AMYou have to be an NRA member to get into the exhibit hall. However, they usually offer a $10 discount for a one-year membership at the show, making it $25.00.
Posted by: Aubrey Turner at April 21, 2004 11:44 AM