The intense heat of the fireballs downrange are warm to the skin even in the 90º desert heat. The percussion of the explosions and the gun fire are as overwhelming as the noise. The moment of the line going hot is difficult to explain. You would have to visit a very large museum to obtain ½ of information you will learn at this demonstration and it wouldn’t be ¼ of the fun!Īs soon as the introductions are over it is on to the open line. For those who are not deeply involved with Class III firearms this is a very educational and interesting part of the demo. We are treated to a brief summary and history lesson of each firearm such as caliber, rate of fire, Country and period of origin, and major conflicts it was used in if any.Īs Peter finishes each individual introduction, he asks the shooter to let loose with a five to ten round burst so those in attendance can distinguish the differences between each firearm. Each shooter is introduced to the crowd, (along with their A-gunner, when accompanied by one) and their firearm of choice. The firing line is swollen with guns and gunners and as soon as all muzzles are locked downrange the introduction stage begins. Peter is an asset to the firepower demo and his friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) banter is an important and essential part of the show. He always has some insight to share with those in attendance and is far from shy when asked his opinion on any subject. If you enjoy reading Peter’s articles and columns you can rest assured he is just as prolific on the microphone as he is with the pen. As usual, Peter Kokalis was the master of ceremonies and addressed the crowed with a few of his words of wisdom before getting started.
This past year the Firepower demo was on Saturday, September 26, 1998. With exhibitors such as Jay Tee’s, Armalite, Barrett, Bushmaster, Gemtech, John’s Guns, Lomont, LAR Manufacturing, Olympic Arms, Springfield Armory, and many, many more, the expo is an actual who’s - who of the shooting industry. that specialize in all kinds of firearms and related products. To those who have never attended the Soldier Of Fortune Convention, you don’t know what you are missing. The convention and trade expo was based at the Sands Convention Center just off “the strip”. It just so happens that the Soldier Of Fortune Firepower Demo is a great place to get your fix.Īs in years past, the 1998 Soldier of Fortune firepower demo was held at the Desert Sportsman’s Range on Charleston Blvd. As soon as you attend one of these events you will search high and low for others like them, but there are only a few of these large scale events in the United States each year. The guns posses countless untold tales and many played an important role in shaping history to the way things are today. The explosions and the bullets are as real as the participants. It is like nothing you have ever witnessed on television or at the movies. Absolutely nothing in the world can duplicate the sights, the sounds and the smells of a firing line erupting with live machine gun fire. As soon as you have your first taste, you will need more.