Media SHOT SHOW 2023: Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum Convention Center (1/16/23 to 1/20/23) 7

Las Vegas, Nevada (1/16/23 to 1/20/23): The annual 2023 SHOT SHOW once again commenced at the Venetian Expo and the Caesars Forum Convention Center from 1/17/23 to 1/20/23. Prior to the annual show, the annual Media Day at Range was also completed at the Boulder City outdoor range on Monday, 1/16/23. Many new and innovative firearms were introduced in 2023 but this summary will focus on new handguns and trends in concealed carry for this year. In general, noticeable trends on concealed carry include the following: bigger guns, metal frames and bigger calibers. Examples of metal frames are Smith & Wesson's CSX and M&P M2.0 METAL. The CSX has an aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel barrel and slide and interchangeable polymer backstraps.The result is a compact gun that weighs only 19.5 ounces and a 9mm capacity of 10+1 or 12+1. The M&P M2.0 METAL is an example of the increasing demand for bigger and full-size guns. It has the same build as the CSX but weights 30 ounces and a capacity of 17+1. The latter is also a good example for demand for bigger calibers: it is available in 10mm. The model 610 revolver for those who want a wheel gun available in 4.5 inch and 6 inch barrel. Ruger's 1911 is also available in 10mm caliber. Examples on new handguns introduced in the 2023 Shot Show were the following: 1. GLOCK MOS (Modular Optic System): Gen 5 MOS to include the G20 Gen 5 MOS 10 mm AUTO, G21 Gen 5 MOS .45 AUTO and the G47 MOS 9x19 Caliber. In particular, the G47 MOS incorporates all the Gen 5 technology and engineering; 2. FN: added a subcompact handgun to its compensator-equipped EDGE series within the model 509. The 509 CC EDGE comes with a 4.25-inch barrel and available in 10+, 12+ and 15+ round magazines. It is differentiated by a field strip procedure with FN is the fastest in compensated guns. It has a flat-face trigger and pre-installed optic and slide cut. MSRP: $US 1,569.00; 3. SMITH & WESSON: The new EQUALIZER possess several popular attributes to include easy racking EZ series, 3.7-inch barrel, 10+, 13+ and 15+ rounds magazine, single-action trigger, 18-degree grip angle, optional thumb safety and optics ready slide. MSRP: $US 599.99; 4. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY: announced their first 2011 - the DS PRODIGY. It has the following attributes; double-stack magazine with 17 or 20 round capacity with a optional 26 round mag, only available in 9 mm caliber, four (4) editions released at the same time, hammer-forged slide, forged stainless match-grade bull barrel wiht 1:16 twist. MSRP: $US 1,499.00; 5. TAURUS: as mentioned above for modern trends, larger guns were introduced in 2023. The  brand new 9 mm GX4XL is a bigger version of the GX4 series with an additional inch on the slide which is gas nitride-coated carbon steel with a 3.71 inch DLC-coated stainless steel barrel. Capacity remains 11 to 13 rounds with a 10 round option, flat-face trigger, serrated blackout adjustable rear sight and two backstrap choices. MSRP: $US 429.00 with the standard slide; 6. TISAS USA: In the 1911 category, TANK COMMANDER, is the company's interpretation of the traditional Colt 1911. It has a forged frame and slide and hammer-forged barrel. Its Mec-Gar magazines are Cerakoted to match the finish which is infused with lubricity. It has a Turkins walnut grip and available in 9 mm caliber and .45 ACP. MSRP: $US 429.95. (All photographs and text by: Rene Zamora, Newsmexx, Henderson, Nevada USA).