The Path Less Traveled #073: NRAAM 2023 Preview Part 1
Andrew D 04.10.23
While I am primarily the hiking – biking – backpacking dude, this is AllOutdoor and a lot of the vendors at NRAAM 2023 have things that have piqued my interest. In this article, I’ll go over a brief description of a couple dozen companies that I have scheduled to meet up with, or want to see what new wares they have on display. Do note, I like to look at the big names, but also dig into the less than common things at these expos!
If you’re going to be at NRAAM 2023, leave a message in the comments and I’ll give you an AllOutdoor sticker! If you’re staying home this year, tell me in the comments what I missed and what you want to see!
Did you forget what was covered at NRAAM 2022? Take a refresher course below!:
- TFBTV Show Time – The FN-15 TAC3 and DMR3: Modern Tactical Rifles
- TFBTV – Colt’s Diamondback Successor: The King Cobra Target .22 LR
- TFBTV Show Time: The NEW PTR 9CT Classic SLAPS! – NRAAM 2022
Alpine Innovations – Alpine Body Fuel
Alpine Innovations is primarily known for hunting and fishing accessories, and optics covers. I saw they have a watermelon supplement – I know, “Do you even lift bro?“. They claim it is a nootropic to remain focused and hydrated when hunting. There’s 250mg of caffeine, 5 grams of protein, and 28 calories. I’m guessing they’re using freeze dried watermelon powder for the flavoring. ISOpure does something similar to this, but they use stevia as a sweetener.
All in all, I want to learn more about this.
American Tactical (ATI) – OMNI .410 Upper Receivers
*NOTE – DO NOT TRY THIS, DO NOT TAKE THIS AS ADVICE*
I’ve been obsessed with .410 AR uppers for years now. My goal is to take an ATI .410 AR upper and find a way to make a bolt & ejection rod work with the FiteLite SCR Rifle lower. Getting this with a wooden handguard would be the ultimate “FUDD” AR platform. Imagine it, a beautiful Remington 870 stock on the SCR lower with a 5rd .410 magazine. Attached to this would be the American Tactical .410 upper.
This will be a stupid and expensive build if I ever try….
Axil – X-Pro Passive Ear Protection
I’ve never head of axil before, and this is funny because I take hearing protection pretty seriously. Yeah, I’m the guy who puts in foamies before my Peltors when shooting clays. I’ve been a fan of Surefire’s Sonic Defenders while plinking, and feel Axil’s ear buds would provide similar protection, while not having to fidget with that little flip cap piece; these work by pressing the red button instead. They have a couple other products that I’m interested in, but we’ll see on those at the show.
BERSA – Threaded Thunder 380 Pistols
My first CCW was an older all silver Bersa .380, with black controls. Loved it, but it was heavy. Want to talk to the vendors and see whether they know if getting a barrel replacement is viable for an older model. Would love to have a threaded barrel on it, since it’s only purpose is a range toy these days.
There’s also a few optics ready 9mm pistols that are worth taking photos of and reporting on.
Better Garden Tools – Ratcheting Pruners and Loppers
My parents are getting older but still enjoy gardening. I see that Better Garden Tools has loppers, large and small, that have a ratcheting mechanism so you can swing out the handles multiple times without losing your place on the bush branch you’re trying to remove. I want to see where these tools are made, and whether they’re as interesting as I initially think they are.
Bladetech – J-Frame Revolver Holsters
I’m looking for a good J-Frame holster for my Smith & Wesson Model 317. Bladetech makes a compact single clip IWB holster for J-frames. I’m interested to see how it feels and whether it fits me well. It has good reviews on Amazon, but we’ll see what it’s like in person.
C&H Precision Weapons – Duty Model Red Dot Sight
C&H Precision is known for their slide milling turn quality and turn around times, often being better and faster than most other machining companies. I mean, check out their lead times on their site! They have a few new red dots coming out, and with my handicapped eyes, I want to see whether the Duty Model with it’s enclosed body will help decrease the astigmatism problems where a 3MOA dot turns into a 65MOA dot. This red dot is coming out in May, 2023 so this may be some breaking news. I will say, C&H and Swampfox have some very similar red dot products, but if they’re both quality… more power to both of them!
Challenge Targets – Target Paint
We have a writer on this site that evangelizes the not only the coming of our Lord this Easter Sunday, but also the vibrancy of Challenge Targets’ Target Paint. Think this is some typical rattlecan garbage?
Nope.
These paints pop, whether we’re talking about the white or black color! While I’m hesitant to buy a can of paint for more than $10 USD, I do trust his word on this. I’m hoping to talk to Challenge Targets about this paint as well as their harmonic IPSC targets which I love.
Choate / Versapot – Versapot
Living right on the ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, the weather here is prohibitive for early gardening, but to maximize things like peppers, you have to start early. I’ve considered indoor hydroponics and other methods, but the VersaPot Grow Bucket Gardening System might be the solution I am looking for.
Everyone has 5 gallon buckets laying around, or can access them pretty easily. The problem is there is no ISO/Uniform standard for buckets; we all know this after getting a lid at Home Depot for the Harbor Freight bucket we had at home…
Luckily with a softer edge, this seems perfect for those who want a compact and low-maintenance garden. The VersaPot system is easy to set up and does not require much maintenance. The four wicking cups and four net cups ensure a constant and even water supply to your plants. For those who know the mason jar Kratky method, this has a longer lifespan due to the abundance of dirt used, but still protects plants from over and under hydrating.
Christensen Arms – Ranger 22LR Rifle
Three words: Gucci Bolt-Action 10/22. Well, that’s technically four, but lets get back on topic.
We’ve covered Christensen Arms a lot on this site because they make good gear we believe in. Now, Christensen Arms is making a 5 pound, carbon wrapped barrel bolt action rifle that uses 10/22 magazines. Do I need this? Maybe. Do I want to see and talk about it? Yes, and my girlfriend doesn’t care that it takes magazines that I have tons of already. You know how people always ask “Does it take Glock Mags?” Well, Christensen Arms took the big brain idea to make a high-end bolt action that you can sling BX-25’s in just for poops and giggles for Instagram. Best part is that the trigger mechanism is 10/22 compatible, so you can slap your Tandemkross Manticore trigger pack in there with no problem!
The only question I have left is how many pesky raccoons I can take out when they’re trying to get my neighbor’s chicken’s eggs.
If there’s anything you want me to look at and cover during NRAAM 2023 – Reach out to me in the comments!
I’m here solely because you enjoy reading our content, if there’s something you want covered… Let me know!
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