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The second edition of the 29th Defense and Sporting Arms Show, organized by The Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers, Inc. (AFAD) fires off December 7-11 with a new target in sight — to elevate the annual gathering into a true sporting event.
“It is time to make out annual event into something else. Very soon, beginning this year, we shall be known not just as gun enthusiasts but as sportsmen,” said AFAD president Aric Topacio.
The event is the country’s longest-running arms show, and it will feature a wide range of top-of-the-line local and imported firearms, optics, sporting goods, and accessories. The event is open to the public, gun enthusiasts, hobbyists, and sportsmen.
Topacio said that AFAD will not stop with the expected success of this year’s arms show, and revealed some new projects that would further add good marks for the organization.
Among the plans in the making are reviving shooting events like practical shooting that is considered a sport worldwide, education and training on proper handling and shooting, and marksmanship of guns — nationwide.
“Actually, active naman ang ating mga atleta when it comes to competition, sadly with the current gun ban because of the barangay election, tigil ang lahat, but kung kailangan talaga at humingi ng tulong ang atleta sa amin, AFAD is always at service to provide help to get them special permit from the agencies concern,” said Topacio, whose older brother and former AFAD president Hagen Topacio is currently a member of the Philippine shooting team.
The increase in the number of women visiting the arms show in the past editions is also a positive sign for AFAD to be more active on its role to support the sports of shooting as many hobbyists and former women shooters are out to relive the old glory in the sports.
Grace Tan, a two-time World Shoot silver medalist, is one good example as the veteran internationalist is planning a comeback and is currently in serious training after years of hiatus due to the pandemic and motherhood.
“Grace (Tan) is a world-class shooter and we’re glad to support her on her comeback in the world stage. By next year, magiging active ang ating mga shooters competing here and abroad. This is a good sign for sports and for the business side, of course,” added Topacio.
After a successful first edition at its new home at SMX in Pasay City, the show’s members and exhibitors are also anticipating heavy participation of both local and international gun enthusiasts.
The arms show has been the leading firearms industry hub for almost three decades, providing opportunities for gun enthusiasts, law enforcement, collectors, and industry professionals to learn about the latest products, innovations, and technology.
In addition to the usual product display, promotional program, and activities on renewing licenses and applications for newly registered gun owners, visitors will have the chance to participate in an open discussion about self-defense, firearms safety handling, security, responsible gun ownership, and regulation policies.
Over 40 members and guest exhibitors are confirmed to participate such as Trust Trade, PB Dionisio and Co., Inc., Tactical Corner Inc., Squires Bingham Intl./Armscor, Nashe Enterprises, Willi Hahn Enterprises, Shooters Guns, and Ammo Corp., Metro Arms Corporation, R. Espenile Trading, Imperial Guns, Ammo and Accessories, Jethro International, Inc. 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., Tactical Corner Inc., Squires Bingham Intl./Armscor, Shooters Guns and Ammo Corp.,, Metro Arms Corporation, 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 Merchandise, Calibre Monte Carlo Sports Corp., Tacops Tactical Option, Inc., Frontier Guns and Ammo, Profence Systems Corporation, Lantin Customs Gun Shops, Raj’s, Topspeed, Asia Defense Armament Corporation, Top Gun, Oksmoto, Tongs and Steamers; and Simply Gourment.
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