The inaugural NRA Carry Guard Expo — geared toward concealed carry and the gun lobby’s new insurance options — was held in downtown Milwaukee. Given the location, the event floor was a welcome home to a number of Wisconsin firearms-related companies both big and small. Featuring everything from custom gun manufacturing to rifle barrels to law enforcement and civilian gear, some of the Dairyland’s finest was on display.
The Blue Stone team works together like family to produce high-quality, American-made gear for law enforcement and civilians alike. Blue Stone does all its manufacturing and distribution business out of Wisconsin Dells. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Enthusiastic volunteers Sarah and Dave staff the booth for WI Force, the state’s official NRA-Chartered organization. In addition to supporting the NRA, WI Force dedicates significant time and money into its junior shooting programs and state gun ranges. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Josh Vogel with Wisconsin Tactical and his geared-up buddy were happy to discuss their options in force-on-force training. Based out of Waukesha, in addition to tactical and in-depth training for civilians, Wisconsin Tactical also offers full gunsmithing services and gun-building and repair courses. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Michael Ross and Stephanie Dahlke of Criterion Barrels were gracious hosts and happy to discuss the company’s full lines of Custom, Tactical, and Classic rifle barrels. With a massive facility in Germantown, Criterion supplies barrels to the Civilian Marksmanship Program, custom arms manufacturers, and discerning consumers. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Wisconsin non-profit American Snipers was created by Green Bay based law enforcement and military veterans. The group is 100 percent volunteer run to raise money to provide the best available equipment to deployed American military snipers. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
American Defense Manufacturing’s Jeremy Kattner shows off one of the company’s custom .300 Blackout AR-pistol configurations. The New Berlin based company manufactures tactical firearms using WI-made Criterion barrels. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
In addition to firearms companies, there was plenty of turnout from training-specific facilities in the state. Here, Kettle Morraine Firearms Training shows off a booth set up for laser range interactive simulator shooting on silhouette targets. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Scott Graham, of Flitz International, demonstrates how well the company’s Tumbler and Media Additive puts the shine back on tarnished brass rifle casings. Based out of Waterford, Flitz makes a full line of products for both shooters and reloaders, and marine, auto and industrial markets as well. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
One of the newest and lesser-known Wisconsin companies, Roberts Defense was founded in 2011 and builds high-end 1911 pistols in Oshkosh. All pistols are hand-fit and come with a lifetime warranty. While they have a number of “In Stock” models, its the Custom pistols on display that really catch the eye. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
MGS Firearms’ Jake Schneider shows off some of the AR-style pistols, rifles, and components built by the Menomonee Falls company. MGS uses all top-end parts in their builds, including WI Criterion barrels. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Some of the best-selling gear on the Expo show floor were these tactical vests from Blue Stone. Made in the USA with unisex sizes and priced to sell, we found buyers who liked them for everything from concealed carry to travel wear. The NRA Store was also showing off an NRA-branded version of the vest. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Though Blue Stone was showing off plenty of vests, holsters, and gear for civilians, CEO Becky Xheka was clear that the company’s main passion is for making some of the best and most protective law enforcement and military gear on the market. There were plenty of LE officers stopping by the booth throughout the show. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
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