rlauferblog

As mentioned in the closing comments of my review of last year’s Toronto Sportsmen’s Show (TSS), I liked the direction the new management was heading, specifically by being more welcoming to firearms and tactical gear. I am happy to report the trend continues!

Typically I cover all things firearms related followed by knives and gear but this year I will flip the script and do it in reverse order while splitting gear into “tactical” and “hunting/traditional.”

Tactical Gear

Hudson Tactical Supplies had pretty much my favourite booth of the show. They were showcasing some of the MANY brands they carry, such as Tasmanian Tiger, Nanuk, Flashbang Magazine etc.

There were lots of interesting TT backpacks on display such as the Tac Modular Pack 30 Vent

With its “open-book” design and super thick grab handle, you can open it completely in a flash

I really liked the MOLLE Velcro as well (cool concept!)

Another super cool one, the Modular Gunners Pack.

The upper front pocket of the backpack flips up so you can attach a magazine holder (three AR15 mags or 4 pistol mags).

Both middle front pockets are removable and behind each is the same MOLLE Velcro shown in the previous pack. The backpack has a MOLLE reverse system on the back so you can integrate it into a plate carrier.

More great packs from TT

This one from the Tatonka line is a duffle bag, backpack, and dry bag all in one…and it’s huge!

The TT Secret Cummerbund has elastic side pockets for pistol magazines or radio devices and you can add attachments using the MOLLE hook and loop panels.

The TT Modular Front Seat Panel (from their TacVec line) is pretty legendary. Great way to mount gear in your car and the panel can be removed quickly from the vehicle with all attachments. They also make a similar panel for your sun visor.

Nice helmet on display

Some TT patches

Carcajou is a Canadian manufacturer of high-end gear like plate carriers and attachments.

I liked their Thermocell pouch. You can see their famous Boonie hats in the background…they even have one that allows you to attach NVG!

Ok I am a bit obsessed with eyes and ears. I have “customizable” plugs from Decibullz but that is not the same as a good pair of custom earpro like the mil-spec kind Safe and Sound Hearing offers.

Tons of colours available

Their two-way radio model comes with a plug for your other ear so that you can use a PTT while retaining 28-30 NRR!

Didn’t take much arm twisting for me to get fitted for a set…in black of course!

Fitting the coil

Of course this was just the fitting, there are several steps involved for the finished product.

In terms of eyes, this Pit Viper vending machine at the TeamLtd booth caught my attention! I have a pair (with matching holster in the same pattern lol). Don’t be fooled by their wild styling, Pit Vipers are legit safety glasses and some models have a formal ANSI rating.

Hmmm, purple or black?

For darker environments, Fenix is a great option! So glad to see them back at TSS.

The HT30R white laser flashlight has an insane 1,500M throw! Yes, 1.5KM!

Or if you prefer a more traditional source of light, the Firestarter Guy will have something for you lol

Or if you need to see longer distances, Vortex has a solution for you.

I specifically wanted to check out the new Impact 4000 Ballistic Rail-Mounted Laser Rangefinder. This technology marvel, according to Vortex, is “an all-in-one range and ballistic problem solver that delivers point-and-shoot solutions without coming off the gun. The rail-mounted laser rangefinder provides range, ballistic, and weather data via the integrated GeoBallistics® solver, on-board Environmental Sensors, and Vortex’s patented Wind Bearing Capture Mode.” Thanks to the rep for the long discussion of pros and cons of the design.

Well it is pretty hard to get more tactical than the actual military lol. The Forces display was awesome!

What’s better than a G-wagen? How about a G-Wagen with a turret!

Their “mine clearing” demo was very popular with show-goers

I liked the breaching equipment too

The O.P.P. also had a display of their various vehicles (including a commemorative boat)

And for your milsurp needs, Army Issue Surplus

Lol I always take pics of their gas masks whenever I see AIS at a tradeshow

Hunting/Traditional Gear

One of my favourite parts of last year’s show was all the fur goods on display so I was quite eager to see this year’s offerings. Indeed, Silver Cedar Studio ended up being another show favourite.

Yes, their infamous skunk mitts were really nice

While their mountain man hats were spectacular! I especially liked the wolf

Lynx

Raccoon

Beautiful pelts at Ontario Fur Managers Federation

I would say the taxidermy pics in last year’s review got the most online buzz. There wasn’t quite as much at this year’s show though.

Not quite taxidermy but still quite realistic chainsaw art by Against the Grain

I almost thought they would come to life with all the calling going on lol. Last year I bought a couple from Conception CP, including one that I gifted to someone who has used it to successful call tons of coyotes.

Once again Claude was sharing his booth with carver Samuel Côté

I just saw Knotty Beaver at the Milton Gun Show a few days ago. Nice to see their beautiful acrylic, wood, and hybrid calls back at TSS

Recall Designs custom calls

Victory Ridge, a great store out of Barrie, is an authorized dealer for Sitka. I don’t hunt but if I did, I would buy Sitka. Their approach of optimizing camo to match the vision of the game is really cool.

I wanted to check out their Caller Glove but lo and behold I arrived just as someone else was buying the last one in XL. At least he was gracious enough to let me try it on! I love the concept of the single glove on your weak hand with built in hand-warmer for the dominant hand.

I don’t know much about Kuiu other than they have a great reputation

Skre

Or if you prefer hi-viz over camo, Traktiq

Firearms

I was pleased that Kodiak Defence brought their K9 9mm PCC (Glock mag compatible) along with the WK180C of course. And no, no K98 (before you ask)

O’Dell Engineering brought their vast lineup of Canuck, Bergara, and Derya.

I was looking forward to checking out the Derya mag-fed lever action .22 and was not disappointed.

Other show specialties, the OG, a limited run of 50 just for this show

Pioneer semi

I covered Williams Arms grand re-opening a few months ago. So pleasantly surprised to see them at TSS! Williams was showcasing Rossi lever actions in 30-30. I am seeing more and more lever action options to close Marlin’s production gaps.

Hunt Group with a massive selection of shotguns in every configuration

Wing’s Live Bait and Tackle

Shooter’s Choice with a wide array of firearms and archery equipment

Speaking of which, I shot Excalibur’s wild Twin-Strike over-under crossbow at Shooter’s Choice Customer Appreciation Day and wanted to have another look at it.

The rep also introduced me to the RevX, a fast (400FPS) crossbow with built in crank

(his hand is blurry because he is spinning the crank fast lol)

Like all Excalibur, the RevX is a recurve…no compound bows from the brand

Bowtech does offer compound bows, like the new CoreX

Knives

Puma Canada brought a huge selection of knives representing Puma, Svord, Otter, and Hubertus

I saw on social media that Puma was bringing several rare pieces that I wanted to check out, such as the extension knives from Puma and Hubertus

What a difference in feel between the retracted and extended positions

I have been lusting after an Automesser for a long time. It was just as great in the steel as I thought it would be

 My two favourite folders from the Puma lineup, the General and Hunter III

The Otter Mercator Black Cat K55K has a very colourful history. I wont get into it here so I urge you to watch some Youtube vids talking about it.

Rotwild

Blades4You

MAB Impex

Ash Gears

Closing thoughts

You can definitely feel that the show keeps growing under the new management. There were 350 exhibitors, including many newcomers to TSS, spread out across the massive space. I also found it to be more experiential, for example getting fitted for custom earpro, the Canadian Armed Forces exhibit, the calling competitions, and I think there were even driving/riding opportunities? In any case, it is nice to see something beyond the fishing pond.  

So to management I say, keep doing what you are doing, it is working.

RL