The SSAA SHOT Expo returned to Victoria last month after a Covid-induced hiatus and was a roaring success, with more than 16,000 people flocking to Melbourne Showgrounds over the weekend of October 19 and 20. Hundreds lined up to enter well before opening time and the hall was buzzing right from the get-go, exhibitors doing a roaring trade as some amazing deals convinced many to make a purchase on the spot.
Optics were particularly popular and plenty of shooters took the opportunity to have a closer look at the vast array of binoculars, thermals and night-vision scopes. Astonishingly, some exhibitors had run low on stock by Saturday lunchtime and had to send out for more supplies. With so many options out there, SHOT Expo is a the ideal opportunity to compare a variety of firearms and accessories in one location.
But it wasn’t all guns with an impressive selection of knives, leathergoods, side-by-side buggies (both electric and petrol), camping equipment and, of course, SSAA insurance and membership services. Clothing options were also hugely popular with plenty of bags filled with camo gear being carried around as people moved from booth to booth. And keep an eye out in our online store for the new SSAA T-shirt which sold in the hundreds over the weekend.
Visitors were able to keep themselves fuelled up with an excellent selection of food and beverages provided by the army of catering trucks, while entertainers kept youngsters amused and injected a real carnival atmosphere into the family-friendly event. There was a great feel on the floor with attendees excited at the return of the Expo after five years and big crowds enjoying a variety of demonstrations including field butchery and camp cooking.
A huge amount of work by promoters SSAA Victoria paid off handsomely and, with the next SHOT Expo scheduled for Sydney with dates to be confirmed, if the success of this year’s event is anything to go by we’re in for another treat.
• Next month: We’ll look at the return of SHOT Expo in more detail.