Shooting Industry: Show Off Award 2004

We did it again! We had way too much fun at the SHOT Show. While crisscrossing the show's seven miles of aisles (sounds like a country song) as many times as possible, we kept an eye peeled (which really hurts a lot) for clever, unusual and/or wacky stuff, people and events. This, so we could present this year's Show Off Awards. Now remember, these awards are totally random, selected by a totally unabashed, biased panel (which also hurts a lot), just for the fun of it.

So here's a snappy salute to everyone who showed off at the SHOT Show!

Best Way To Sneak Up On Deer, Elk And Golf Balls

E-Z-Go

1-800-241-5855 * www.ezgo.com

Here's a vehicle you really, really need. What a great way to work your way through fields, streams and the back nine. Yep, got to have one! Of course, we wanted to see a test drive. However, no amount of encouragement could convince Kim Hegel, marketing manger for E-Z-Go, to cut this 4X4 mini-workhorse loose for a wild ride through the crowd at the SHOT Show. Even a double-dog-dare-you didn't work.

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Most Unusual Over/Under At The Show

O.F. Mossberg & Sons

(203) 230-5300 * www.mossberg.com

This incredible advancement in over-and-unders was without doubt the most impressive new firearm introduction at the show. Its widespread barrel placement for taking high-flying birds and low-strutting turkeys at the same time will undoubtedly be heralded as the innovation that revolutionized ... What? Oh, it's really a clever clamp for displaying the second barrel of Mossberg's combo models. I see. Well, anyway, doesn't Joe Koziel, Mossberg's merchandising manager, have a nice smile?

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Most Temptation To Break Glass For Gambling Emergency

Camfour & Hill Country Wholesale

1-800-FIREARM * www.camfour.com

1-800-987-GUNS * www.hillcountrywholesale.com

A wastepaper basket full of discarded cash! The message from Camfour and Hill Country Wholesale drew a lot of attention as dealers took advantage of the distributors' special deals. John Walsh, a Camfour sales rep accepted the award. The display also attracted others, especially after a few nights in Las Vegas, who stood staring at the wastepaper basket. It was sad, really. Grown men, unable to prevent tears flowing down their faces, looked at the money, then the sign, then the money. One was overheard mumbling, "I could use a hug."

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World's First Concealed Carry Anti-Aircraft Handgun

Triple Action LLC

(435) 755-7083

Robocop, eat your heart out! Now, for the ultimate self-defense minded citizens who has everything, comes the Thunder 50 BMG--just what you need to take on enemy aircraft. Terri Dushane (left) and designer Janos Lakatos, however, won't endorse using the hefty handgun for rodent control.

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Ultimate Vertical Terrain Assault Vehicle

Ultimate Power Products

(334) 735-3030 * www.timberlift.com

Calling all braggarts. For years, you've claimed that souped-up 4X4 you take to the woods will climb trees. Well, now you can really do it. The Timberlift, designed by smiling Ric Uphaus, has six wheels, room for one plus a gun and will climb straight up a tree. We double-dog-dare-you to try that with your wimpy Hummer. Of course, there are some drawbacks; the Timberlift doesn't offer leather upholstery, airbags or a CD for playing your favorite Tobe Keith hits.

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Lone Survivor Of The Ultimate Outdoor Challenge

Leupold & Stevens

(503) 649-9171 * www.leupold.com

So you think your rifle-scope is tough, huh? Well try this. For 11 years, this rifle with its Leupold scope was lost in the ldaho mountains. When found, the rifle was rusted beyond repair but the scope is crystal clear and fog-free. Leupold President and CEO Tom Fruechtel recommends you not try this at home. Okay, so we won't double-dog-dare you. Listen to him and the folks at Leupold; these guys are professionals.

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Photos by Randy Modle

Story by Russ Thurman