As a firearms instructor, police officer and gun writer, I’ve attended countless vendor range days. Most feel the same: step up to a table, get a quick demo, fire a few rounds and move on. But occasionally, an event breaks the mold — like PrairieFire Range Day ahead of SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas.
But every once in a while, a vendor day stands out. Sometimes it’s because of a groundbreaking product that’s unlike anything we’ve seen before, or because of a fresh and exciting format. Maybe it’s the way they roll out the red carpet and treat you like a celebrity — or perhaps it’s because they manage to do all these things at once. That’s exactly what the PrairieFire Range Day felt like on the Monday before SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas.
I discovered a few new and improved products that address specific needs within law enforcement. Each of these is likely to draw serious attention from departments, whether for selecting gear, recommending equipment to fellow officers, or adopting a product to fill a previously unmet need. Additionally, the team at PrairieFire organized several unique shooting challenges, offering an opportunity for anyone willing to step up and test their skills.
PrairieFire shooting challenges
These challenges were a fun way to test the skills of everyone involved and added a new twist to the vendor show experience.
First up was the Run n’ Gun Canyon Shoot, a dynamic experience that takes shooters through an actual desert canyon. Along the way, participants must locate and engage targets hidden throughout the terrain. This challenge demands quick movement and split-second decision-making at every twist and turn, providing an excellent test of weapon handling and accuracy.
Another popular PrairieFire Challenge is Rolling Thunder, which gives attendees the adrenaline-pumping experience of shooting from a moving vehicle as it races down canyon trails over rugged terrain. Along the way, participants engage targets, making it a thrilling test of precision, agility, and quick decision-making.
Next up were two SWAT-style challenges, including the chance to shoot select stages from the 2024 PrairieFire National SWAT Competition.
Finally, the Overwatch Challenge put shooters in the role of a precision rifle sniper, tasked with making long-distance shots up to 1,400 yards in a windy, dusty, and demanding environment.
After the adrenaline of PrairieFire’s challenges, the vendor showcase provided an impressive lineup of gear and innovations designed to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement.
Black Rain Ordnance
Founded in 2009, Black Rain Ordnance, Inc. is a precision firearms manufacturer specializing in modern sporting rifle design. The company’s philosophy is only to manufacture weapons and accessories they would be proud to own and operate.
One of the standout new products from Black Rain is an SBR featuring a 11.5” barrel with a variety of optional features available. The new handguard available for this SBR has a collar system attaching the handguard to the upper receiver making for a solid lock up capable of supporting laser, lights, or anything else you want to hang off the rifle. The slim design also makes it more controllable, comfortable and manageable.
Check out this cool new handguard and the rest of the Black Rain Ordnance gear at https://blackrainordnance.com/.
HOP Munitions
Founded in 2020, House of Payne (HOP) Munitions was established with a mission to produce top-quality ammunition while serving the community by providing combat veterans with stable employment and housing when needed. Based in central Ohio, HOP Munitions is dedicated to crafting the highest-quality ammunition possible.
Their team of skilled veterans meticulously tumble polish, hand gauge and white-glove package every round produced at their facility. HOP Munitions offers a wide variety of calibers, each tailored to meet the needs of specific shooting activities.
Of particular interest to law enforcement, HOP Munitions has introduced a new type of training round called Polymer Bullets to address the growing demand for high-quality training ammunition. These more economical rounds have gained popularity among competition shooters and firearms trainers.
The polymer-coated bullet features a lead core encased in a high-temperature polymer, which offers several advantages: reduced barrel wear, prevention of barrel fouling, improved accuracy and greater affordability. An added benefit is the ability to engage steel targets at closer distances, introducing an additional training dimension for users.
Check at the lineup of ammunition available from HOP Munitions by going to https://hopmunitions.com/.
Lowa Boots
Lowa is well known for making great outdoor boots for backpacking, hiking and mountaineering and now they’re making great tactical shoes and boots. Lowa Professional has introduced new product families and technologies, elevating its lineup for tactical applications.
The Lowa Zicon GTX, with its slim design, lightweight construction and outstanding comfort, is an excellent choice for police and corrections officers. It comes in low-, mid- and high-ride styles and features a reflective coating over its full-grain leather for added functionality.
The Zephyr GTX has been upgraded from the MK1 to the new MK2 and is now available in three upper variations. Offering all-round protection with a puncture-resistant sole, composite toe cap, and high-quality split leather, it is designed to handle the toughest jobs with ease.
Find out more about the lineup of tactical boots available for men and women at https://www.lowaboots.com/.
International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors (IALEFI)
The International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors (IALEFI) was founded in 1981 by a group of instructors committed to advancing the standards and techniques of law enforcement firearms training. Since its inception, IALEFI has grown into a leading non-profit organization advocating for modern, high-quality firearms instruction.
Guided by an elected Board of Directors representing a diverse and global membership, IALEFI has successfully tackled universal challenges in firearms training, ensuring instructors worldwide have access to cutting-edge practices and techniques.
IALEFI offers several firearm instructor development opportunities, including the Annual Training Conference, Regional Training Conferences, and the Master Instructor Development Program. These programs bring firearms instructors from various regions together to train, exchange knowledge, and challenge one another to enhance their skills and expertise.
The next IALEFI Annual Training Conference will be hosted by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Houston, Texas, September 14-19, 2025. Find out more about what IALEFI has to offer by going to https://www.ialefi.com/.
Warriors Heart
Warriors Heart is a privately funded treatment center with locations in San Antonio, Texas, and Milford, Virginia. The center serves active military, veterans, firefighters, police, EMTs, and other members of organizations dedicated to protecting and serving the United States. Warriors Heart provides private, inpatient treatment for adult men and women struggling with chemical dependency, alcohol abuse, and co-occurring psychological disorders related to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or the effects of MTBI (mild traumatic brain injury).
While police officers may return home to their friends and family after work, the emotional toll of their daily responsibilities often manifests over time. This impact can lead to struggles with alcohol or substance abuse, which family members may eventually notice. In such cases, loved ones must remain vigilant about the risks of PTSD and addiction and seek help when needed.
If you or someone you know is ready to seek help, Warriors Heart provides support and treatment from professionals who understand and have experience with similar challenges. Learn more at https://www.warriorsheart.com/.
Overall, the PrairieFire Range Day was an out-of-the-ordinary vendor show that filled the day with new products and challenging events.
