Each year, the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits hosts a wealth of fascinating, family-friendly activities like NRA Youth Day and the Freedom Experience concert, and each year we faithfully print them up in a schedule for our treasured guests. The only trouble is that with a full 14 acres of guns and gear on the exhibit hall floor, it's simply not possible for us to list all of the cool things that our exhibitors and partners have planned for the folks who visit their booths. But aren't the best adventures the ones that come without an itinerary?
From new products being unveiled for the first time at the show, to special guests, to great giveaways, here are some standout surprises from Day One of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits ... or as it's known to so many, "the NRA Show."
1. Want to win a gun? Doompity-do it!
Just a few days ago we learned about the new GForce Arms 12Hammer shotgun, and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get our hands on it. Turns out that a certain candy maker got to it first. The gun was created to eat anything you feed it, but GForce is here to feed you some chocolate (not too much; nobody wants to Augustus Gloop theselves). And in that chocolate, you may find a golden ticket. And that golden ticket, combined with a QR code that you scan at the GForce Arms booth, might just win you a shotgun. Delicious!
2. Meet the greatest shooter of all time
Even if you're not familiar with the world of competitive shooting, you may have heard of Jerry Miculek. He's known as "The Greatest Shooter of All Time," and for good reason: He holds 19 world records shooting for speed and accuracy (at last count), even beating the record of the legendary Ed McGivern. He's on Smith & Wesson's pro team, and he's here at the NRA Annual Meetings at the S&W Booth signing autographs! Couldn't make it for Day One? He'll be here on Saturday the 26th, too!
3. Build a Belt at CrossBreed Holsters
Yes, you read that right ... "belt," not "bear." Interestingly, the "build a belt" area at CrossBreed Holsters' booth seems to be just as much of a draw among showgoers (despite a distinct lack of cuddly plush). You pick your belt from CrossBreed's high-quality selection, choose your buckle, and Bob's your uncle! These are the same belts that you can purchase online from the company, just customizable right there on the spot. Our advice is to get there early because it's definitely a popular area of the booth.
4. SIG SAUER X ACE Virtual Shooting Experience
What do you get when you pair ACE Virtual Reality with SIG? The Virtual Shooting Experience! This year, the ACE and SIG booths are back-to-back so the companies that partnered to provide this awesome product and activity can host the fun together. At the booth, you can take the SIG handsets out for a spin along with a virtual reality headset for a truly realistic shooting experience right on the show floor. Don't worry if you can't make it to the show--you can absolutely have the Virtual Shooting Experience at home--but if you're here for the Annual Meetings, it's a can't-miss.
With so many exhibitors, unique products, and fascinating personalities, there's more to see and do here than it's possible for an NRA Family to cover in a day. We hope to see you for Days 2 and 3, too!
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