As is becoming a tradition, for the third year in a row I stopped off at Shooter’s Choice for their great Annual Hunting and Target Sports Sale on my way to the Great Lakes Custom Knife Show.
So funny, I was just saying in another thread about a event in the Alberta that we don’t have horses here and what did I find in the parking lot?
Though I prefer this chariot
Or if you like more modern.
Ok on to the store
My favourite guns of the day…from Gravel, the Rossi 95 in .357 with Midwest Industries Handguard
Speaking of Gravel, they are now distributors for Viper knives out of Italy
Last year I looked at the Pedersoli 86/71 in BOARBUSTER HV-1 CAMO
This year the 86/71 GUIDE MASTER STAINLESS, so beautiful!
Matt from Stoeger making it rain
I picked up a nice Browning handwarmer before heading up to the archery store
Last year I looked at the Twinstrike, this year I wanted to see the most compact crossbow that Excalibur offers, the Short Mag 308 shown here in Bottomland camo matching the reps cap!
It shoots at 308 FPS, with a draw weight of 154 lbs and 30.4″ overall length
Quite the power despite the small size as you can see by the penetration of the 16.5” bolt
It was quite busy and great to see guns being sold (including a DT11!). The sale is still on tomorrow and I recommend you stop by.
Some of you may remember my “gun store tour” that I started back in 2014. What you may not remember though is that Urban Tactical was the very first store that I covered! Now 10 years later I was super happy to attend their 10 year anniversary celebration! It is amazing that with all the challenges of more restrictive gun laws, covid, and even a destructive robbery, Urban Tactical continues to expand with new product lines and even new store locations!
The secret is that they are run by a great group of people and are a trusted source by law enforcement and civilians alike. Plus, as you will see as I go through the store, they offer some of my favourite brands.
As a usual caveat with my reviews, I got early access so that I could take pics without attendees. Of course, the event was busy with a few hundred signed up for the range package of the day.
Among the celebrity guests, Conservative MP Larry Brock, who is such a strong advocate for our community
And The Hacksmith! You may recall that I saw his bulletproof John Wick suit at a previous event at Urban.
Alright let’s start with some shootin’!
The special package included Glock 17 and 22, CZ P07, Savage 110 Precision in .338 Lapua and 2 mystery guns! (that shall remain a mystery)
Great to see politicians shooting! Remember when the Liberal MP in charge of gun regulations refused to try shooting? As I said, Larry Brock is a strong advocate for our rights.
Larry’s daughter also tried shooting for the first time!
Councilor Rose Sicoli!
She REALLY liked that .338 Lapua!
I didn’t take pics of all the guests, as I said there were a few hundred lol. Big smiles were a common theme though
Ok on to the store! Let’s start with guns…
My favourites were the Troy PAR and SIG Cross
Knives
Including all variations of the SOCP (I picked up the dagger and trainer at previous visits)
Nex batons
Including a trainer with orange handle
More great gear, Garrett metal detectors
Including the THD
Options to keep water in you (Camelback) and out of you (Mustang Survival flotation)
Retro Rifle is such an awesome brand. I discovered them through SHOT Show and have since joined their Facebook collector group. Their attitude and the collectors’ attitudes (some own 100+ shirts!) is so great! I especially like their Pop Culture series with their twist of adding subtle firearms into the designs.
I was happy that Urban had some in 4XL and 3XL for me to compare and thankfully the 3XL fits (I have one on order).
Now on to protective clothing
Urban Tatical just started carrying Masters of Gloves
The anti riot gloves were my favourite
Full lineup
Mechanix
Oakley and Blackhawk
Hakson
Huge selection to protect your feet
Lowa Z-8N and a couple of Salomons were my favourite.
Continuing on the protection theme, eyes from Oakley, including their Standard Issue M-frames
Another one of my favourite brands, Revision (I got those Snowhawk goggles at a previous event)
Ray-Ban
Vortex optics
Peerless cuffs
The full display
Plate carriers
Tactical clothing from 5.11 of course
Kuhl
UF Pro
Packs
Rifle cases
Lots and lots of Yeti
Here’s to 10 Years, I look forward to attending the 20th!
As usual, I capped off my visit to Urban with a stop at Camp31. I wasn’t that hungry so I just went with the quesadillas with brisket. Turned out to be pretty good!
Now in its tenth year, the Aquino Tank Weekend is the largest historical military show in North America. Organized by the Ontario Regiment Museum, the weekend long event features:
Static displays from Canadian Armed Forces units, partner museums, historical re-enactors, and other related organizations
The ORM’s Military Vehicle Conservation Centre with over 80 military vehicles and tanks on display
A Tank Arena with live demonstrations, battle re-enactments, and one-on-one tank battles with an opportunity to ride in some of the vehicles
An opportunity to meet veterans of the 1991 Gulf War, the Second World War and the Battle of AQUINO in 1944
Access to the Ontario Regiment Museum that houses artifacts, medals, weapons and uniforms covering 150+ years of military history
A militaria market
The last Aquino Tank Weekend that I attended was back in 2017 so it was high time for a re-visit.
Show-goers were greeted with what we later found out to be the staging area for the tanks to be used in the Gulf War re-enactment. Some of these vehicles and their crew actually served in the War.
May as well start “tank weekend” with the tanks!
If one big gun isn’t enough, how about a 2×5 array of 15cm surface-to-surface rockets
Self-propelled gun
Artillery cannon
Sparrow hawk (Homing All the Way Killer) missiles
As much as I like tanks, APC are just as cool. At least I could fit in one of these lol.
More modern APC
I like the gun ports on this one
Great to see Ryan from SFRC!
OMG this would be perfect for downtown Toronto!
No armor but still an effective way to say “get off me”
For sale eh? Hmmmm
Lol “Hooligan”..is that a drift stick?
I love this car!
Military motorcycles
Remote control tanks
Now on to the tank arena for live demonstrations! The two hour show featured detailed rundowns of at least a dozen tanks, including history and specs, often narrated by famous Youtubers. Many of the tanks shown were used in battle and are extremely rare in the sense that not many rolling examples still exist.
And for the grand finale, a re-enactment of a Gulf War battle complete with live fire (of blanks of course) and explosions!
The scene starts with light and heavy RECCE by Allied Forces with suppressive gunfire from both sides.
Not realizing the full extent of the Allied Forces, the Iraqi’s launch an attack
Undeterred, the Allied Forces press forward
and strike a massive blow to the Iraqi tank
Iraqi infantrymen continue to engage
As Allied Forces continue to advance
Till the Iraqis have no choice but to surrender
What a fantastic show!
All done with the big guns, we visited the Ontario Regiment Museum to look at historical small arms
The CBRN was my favourite display
Displays showing period uniforms
Engine displays
A visit to the gift shop
Morgy picked up this beautiful hat
I would have bought a tanker hat if they had one
And now for some poutine from SFRC’s awesome .38 Special food truck!
This was even better than my 2017 experience and I highly recommend Aquino Tank Weekend. Next time I might even go to the next level and book a ride in one of the vehicles!
I have been to Prefair and ordered from them online multiple times and they continue to impress me.
Located in Beloeil, about 45 min outside of Montreal, the store itself is mind-blowing, literally a Costco size warehouse of tactical, outdoor, and work wear and gear!
The main part of the store is mostly clothing, including footwear (I’ll come back to this in a minute) while airsoft and tactical gear is in a separate room.
I seem to find John Wick everywhere lol
Hopefully the Conservatives get in and reverse C-21 so I can add a real steel John Wick 4 Pit Viper to my collection
I should have bought a real steel Tomb Raider when I had the chance
As you may know, I am obsessed with safety eyewear and Prefair has a huge selection including Smith, Revision, Wiley X, and ESS.
Only the third pair of laser lenses I have ever seen (including mine 😊 ), Revision Stingerhawk
Wiley X Gravity
More eyewear pics from previous visits
Uncle RL1 is a positive influence on his nephew lol
Ok on to the main store. HUGE selection of footwear including Danner, Salomon, Lowa, AKU, Hanwag, Bates, 5.11 etc. etc.
My favourites from Salomon included the Speed Assault 2 and Quest 4D Forces 2 GTX
My top picks from Lowa were the Z-8N Certified
and the new Combat Boot Mk2 GTX
Cool rain gear
Ghillie suit
I didn’t take too many pics in the warehouse part but you can imagine a huge selection of 5.11, Rothco, Outdoor Research, Dickies etc. etc.
Definitely worth a visit, just prepare to be overloaded.
As I have said in the past, the St. Catheirnes show is one of my favourites as I always manage to find something cool.
Morgy was super thrilled to pick up a silver fox pelt. Apparently only 10% of foxes have fur this colour.
I liked the coyote
I also really liked the A.P Forge Works knives, especially the stag handled bowie
And the Karambit! I am sure you must know by now I love Karambits.
Great to see the Freedom Firearms Canada display again. Morgy liked the new Type 81M with underfolding stock while I picked the FEG KGP9 for my Hungarian background
You should definitely attend this show!
Afterwards we went to Iggy’s for some breaded mushrooms, fish and chips and awesome wings!
Big Buck Day and Gunshow 2024 is a multi-faceted event where you can get your trophy scored by official measurers, see/buy from outdoor exhibitors/vendors, and peruse a proper gun show!
The event is held at a really cool venue, specifically the hockey rink at Seaforth Community Centre.
Racks waiting to be scored
And the experts measuring them up
In keeping with the wildlife/game theme, some beautiful taxidermy from Bluewater
And beautiful fur pelts from Huron-Perth Trappers Association
I was excited to hear that some custom knifemakers I had met at the Great Lakes Custom knife show would be at Big Buck Day. Matethi Custom Knives featuring Justin Dale, a co-resident of Ontario and Oaklahoma.
Nice colours on these
I liked the one in Lager G10 (it developed more of a green hue in the process)
Justin with one of the two in brilliant red
This one in Tiffany blue was also a nice package with its accompanying sheath
Great to run into world-famous art knife maker Wolfgang Loerchner at Justin’s table as well!
Another GLCKS alumni, The Fire Pit Forge
My favourite was definitely his interpretation of a Kukri (with Lignum Vitae scales)
I also met custom bow-maker Max Turczyn of Saratoga Bows at GLCKS and was happy to see his stunning bows again.
To help call in your game, Rustic Calls
And some decoys
Amazing leatherwork from Yogis Leathershop
I especially liked the leather can holster
And can confirm it will hold a 591 ml Yeti Tumbler
McGrath Custom wood working
Ok on to the gun show, which was held in a side room. Again, due to privacy, I won’t be sharing pics of the guns for sale. I will share my favourite display, Freedoms Firearms Canada! This is more my speed anyway!
Rossi Riot shotgun pistol!
Zastava M84 Scorpion…love shooting these
Another one I love to shoot, the Glock 26
Some Famae, both mini
And full size lol
BRS-99…I shot one of these courtesy of Tactical Imports, I think at GAT Show. Love it!
Nice to see my Hungarian roots represented in the FEG (I held one of these at Select Shootings old store…so heavy!)
They had a food truck
Though I opted for wings at Morty’s pub
I also stopped off at Shooter’s Choice on the way home. You can’t miss this one-off shotgun!
The Bow Shop upstairs has a staggering array of bows and crossbows. I liked the Excalibur Mag Air
So all in all a great day! Fantastic job by Mouse in organizing Big Buck Day. I love the venue and there was lots of great stuff to see. Definitely worth the 2+ hour drive.
In case you missed my coverage of Safe and Sound Hearing Solutions custom earpro at the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show 2024, I am re-posting here along with some updates!
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 Solutions 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.
Update: got my Safe and Sound earpro today…they are awesome!
as soon as I get my radio, this will be my first comm
Can’t wait to try them at the range also. Great job Safe and Sound!
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.
Finally a local gun show where I can take pics! And a good thing too as the venue of an old barn is one of the nicest I have seen for a gun show.
View from the upper level
And from the lower level
Cool lights
I heard Buffalo Bones would be at the show and that was one of the main draws for me (along with custom knifemaker Todd Bolce) and look at who the first person was that I ran into!
Seamus doing a little fur shopping.
He showed me the challenge coin that Todd made for him, complete with Leprechaun heads and Buffalo tails!
We walked over to his Buffalo Bones table where Seamus showed me some more unique pieces such as this fur lined pocket knife holster
Pocket wallet with Griffin Co. Scout Medic knife
And prototype case for your glasses/shades
That I just had to have
Though my absolute favourite piece was the ring lizard leather covered Pelican case!!
More great pieces on his table
look at that stingray
Seamus and his lovely family
I also ran into Sam the Cannon Man at his table!
Next I headed straight for Todd Bolce’s table
This little fixed blade was my favourite and it reminded me of a Fred Perrin Street Bowie
Amazing handle material on the next two. First, Ultrex Sure Touch, a new patent-pending process that combines the toughness and durability of G-10 with the grip and anti-slip properties of rubber
Next, ancient bog oak from Ukraine, about 5400 years old!
Mated to a blade in W2 steel with Hamon
Todd and I holding my two favourites
Todd doing some sharpening
Thanks again for the 1 $%^& coin, I could sure use some
More great custom knives from Sharp Sticks, most featuring 440C steel.
Interesting handle material on these
especially the pine cone
I really liked this one as well
no shortage of blades at the show including saws
and axes
I thought the billhook was a good match to my Dixxon Freddy Krueger shirt
Still more knives
Of course, this being a gun show, I am sure you want to see some guns! Believe me, there were plenty of them but out of respect, I didn’t take pics of all of them. Keep in mind that most exhibitors are private individuals selling their personal guns as opposed to the dealers and manufacturers you might see at a show like TACCOM. This is mainly why gun shows have traditionally been camera shy.
beautiful 10 gauge
CCFR on site educating consumers about what the government have in their sights next
There was also lots of gear at the show, both new and old
As well as a couple of vendors selling fur
I saw Knotty Beaver Calls at the 2023 Toronto Sportsmen’s Show and was happy to see their selection of calls here as well. And yes, they will be at 2024 TSS next week!
I am not sure how long the Milton show has been around but I can say that it was a good one! The venue is awesome and it was PACKED with people (to the point I could hardly move). Clearly they did a good job promoting the show. I think it helped to have some big names (at least in the knife/EDC communities) like Todd Bolce and Buffalo Bones. Those guys also did a great job promoting the event on social media (indeed, I wasn’t planning to attend till I saw their posts). Also, thanks again for allowing pics!
For my apres show meal, I was planning to go to Lancaster Smokehouse but in the end I wasn’t hungry enough and I was more in a burger mood. After some quick research I landed at Kevin’s Hamburger House, which turned out to be a fast food kiosk located in a mall. Also, the Kevin Special was gigantic and I was hardly able to finish it.
Day 2 opens with an opportunity to get an autograph from and photo with Lovie Malespin.
In keeping with the theme of all the cool experiences of TACCOM, I rushed over to SFRC to try their Transcend Robotics Vantage. These are used by SWAT teams for room clearing (though sadly the gas cannons were not installed).
Check out the remote on this thing!
It can climb obstacles in forward and reverse!
just gotta turn it around
and from a sideview vantage point
again look at the remote!
thanks again to SFRC for letting us try it…and also for letting me borrow the red gun yesterday
nice to see Ryan again…this time selling Viking axes
I’ll get back to guns and gear but for now, let me stick with more great experiences at TACCOM! Such as the Clarington Woods Airsoft range!
Funny, I was wearing the same shirt when I saw a real Stoner with grenade launcher
AR15 airsoft for us to try
I have shot airsoft before but it is still always freaky to shoot something with absolutely zero recoil
By this point Lovie moved over to the Range 519 Shooting Simulator, which was quite popular with attendees.
Show-goers got the chance to shoot against Lovie for prizes and also to get her autograph
Thanks for bringing the simulator to TACCOM Dean!
More shooting experiences…the Mantis booth was one of my favourites last year, glad to see them back.
Or how about virtual reality! Gaim has a past connection to Aimpoint…
great to meet the rep from Sweden and get the details on the Bluetooth module
Ok on to presentations! First up, Solomon Friedman, lawyer extraordinaire for gun rights.
Next up, Rod Giltaca and Tracey Wilson, who just flew in from the Conservative Convention in Quebec City.
Lots of seminars today….next up, Steve from Crusader Arms with a new product introduction
This should be a hint about the next presentation, which ended up being one of the coolest I have seen at a show!
Baden K—9 has been training dogs for the Navy Seals and other elite military units for three generations. First some background info from gen 2 lol
Next the dogs are brought out for some live demonstrations
First they demonstrated how dogs are checked for wounds, either in the field or when they come back from a mission.
Next to demonstrate the dogs’ composure, they had one dog walk over the other three. Not a peep from any of them. Astonishing.
Finally the bite demo! Here comes the perp
Guess who is next?
Hahahaha not me! I bet all my haters are disappointed they didn’t get to see me get mauled by a dog hahahaha.
I think they like Lovie!
Woah who is this guy in the audience
While I would love to have a service dog by my side, that isn’t really feasible so having some self-protection skill is important. To that end, Chris from Tirsia Tactical gave us an informative presentation on situational awareness…
Followed by a demonstration of his strategy of “moving off the line” when it is too late and the perpetrator has already entered your space
Thanks Chris!
And now a real treat for me! I have watched MANY of GrandMaster Oliver “Pintados” Garduce’s videos. He is incredible!
Thank you so much for your pre-seminar demonstrations, especially with the Karambit!
On to the presentation…an introduction to Filipino Martial Arts and the Pintados style
Next a live demonstration using various weapons such as double sword, single sword, cane, and staff.
Next an introduction to Modern Arnis, the sport version of Filipino Martial Arts.
That was great!
Ok back to gear. I was really looking forward to visiting Sportsman Group to check out the lineup of Cloud Defensive lights, which are reputed to be among the most powerful out there.
With super high Candela ratings, these lights have incredible throw and easily penetrate glass without dispersion.
One of the features I really like is the adjustable depth of the firing button. This is accomplished by removable rings.
Also being brought in by the Sportsman Group, the King Competition Pineshot shell carrier from Finland.
Another one I was anxious to see, thanks to Code of Arms great video, the Byrna Launcher. This non-lethal solution shoots .68 caliber round kinetic projectiles that can disable a threat from up to 60-feet away.
What you get in the kit
It’s available in orange
and grey
the business end
with serious stopping power
very intuitive to us shooters
Back this year with their great line up of smoke grenades, Enola Gaye Canada, this time accompanied by distributor TAGinn.
Love the grenade water bottle (yes, I bought one lol)
Cool helmet
I picked up a box of FBG4 flashbangs (which have to be orange in Canada)
And a box of Thunder Flash
I forgot to take a pic with the helmet so ended up coming back on Day 3 for that lol
Alright, I will close off Day 2 with one of my favourite booths of the show! I came back here A LOT and made several purchases lol. I am talking about the MGear booth of course!
First, congrats to MGear for getting a patent for their famous RFID modular wallet!
Some early prototypes on display
In case you are not familiar, the wallet allows you to attach different faceplates and tools, keeping everything in a secure compact package
MGear was also running the Holodeck again.
I got my 3-D action figure in 2019 and the technology has evolved quite a bit since then. Some examples on display
Look at that, Master Ken made it to TACCOM 2023 after all!
But the Filipino Martial Arts section was the best part of the booth for me! In addition to the ongoing demonstrations, it featured an incredible selection of authentic knives and trainers hand-made in the Philippines, including my favourite, Karambits!
What’s better than one Karambit? Two Karambits!
Of course, I could not resist.
Oh what’s this? Karambits made out of water buffalo horn!
Got bit again.
Lots of other traditional blades as well such as Parong, Golok, Kriss etc