THE 29th Defense and Sporting Arms Show – the country’s longest-running arms show that promotes responsible gun ownership – opens its first edition this year on Thursday at its new home, the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
The organizing Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers Inc., headed by resident Alaric Topacio, welcomes all gun enthusiasts, hobbyists and sportsmen in the five-day event showcasing the latest imported and locally manufactured firearms, ammunition and accessories.
“With the continuous growth of the defense industry, we made the decision to move to a bigger venue to accommodate our growing list of exhibitors. So, expect a grandiose display of sporting firearms from both local and international manufacturers and companies,” said Topacio.
Former Philippine National Police chief and now Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa has confirmed his attendance in the 10 a.m. opening ceremony.
He will be joined by several top officials of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Topacio said aside from the usual activities on renewal of licenses and application for new, registered gun owners, participants will have a chance to attend seminars regarding gun safety, self defense, security, and responsible gun ownership.
“Education and the promotion of responsible gun ownership is AFAD’s main mission. We must continue to promote responsible gun ownership not just to boost the industry, but to help further the development of the sport of shooting,” said Topacio.
Members of the AFAD on Sunday hosted a media day fun shoot – one of sidelights of the show – at the Armscor facility in Marikina City, where participants got a rare privilege to test some of the new firearms, all available on display at the show.
Also, Topacio said that aside from helping buyers in gun licensing, participating companies and members will also give huge product discounts.
This year’s event will feature exhibitors such as Stronghand Incorporated, Final Option Trading Corporation, Force Site Inc, Lynx Firearms and Ammunition; Tactical Precision Trading, Armscor Shooting Center, Defensive Armament Resource Corp., Topspot Guns and Ammo, Lordman Leathercraft Guns and Ammo, True Weight, Tactics SOG Industries Inc., Trust Trade, and PB Dionisio and Co., Inc.
Also in the show are Tactical Corner Inc, Squires Bingham Intl./Armscor, Shooters Guns and Ammo Corp., Nashe Enterprises, Willi Hahn Enterprises, Metro Arms Corporation, R. Espineli Trading, Imperial Guns, Ammo & Accessories, Lock and Load Firearms and Sporting Goods, Pascual Gun Works, Metro Sporting Arms Show, Santiago Fiberforce, Jordan Leather and Gen. Mdse, Magnus Sports Shop, Speededge, Inc, Greyman Elite, Inc., Bonanza/Icarus Shirts, CBX Trading and General Merchandize, among others.
