My favorite part?  I think it was probably handling SEVERAL handguns I had never handled before, including some new ones not even on the market.  Some enjoyable ones to see were the Taurus G2 and G3, the CZ TS2 and Shadow, the various models from SAR, which is a huge line these days, Seecamp--even though I'm not likely to buy one--is offering the little pistol in every Ceraote color under the sun these days, and--interesting news, are considering bringing back the .25ACP version.  Not sure why. 

It was great seeing Rock Island Armory--they are always so friendly.  I did check out the Czech-made .22LR revolvers they are offering--very nice indeed.  I also enjoyed visiting with Charter Arms.  The founder (or long-time CEO, not sure which) is always there--Eric and I always like talking with him.  I think the current Charters are better than ever, quality-wise, and the trigger pulls seem to be better than I ever remember them being. 

We also looked at the Zastava USA booth.  Zastava is offering new versions of the M57 and M70 with well-designed safeties, as well as the EZ9 and CZ999.  I like their CZ999, it is basically a SIG P226 for half the price or less, with the addition of an ambi-decocker.

The EAA "booth" (so many of these companies had areas that were so not booths--more like mini-mansions ) had a nice display of the Girsan NC P35 Hi-Powers.  these are nice, with nice triggers and nice build quality.  Eric was taken with the MC P35 OPS Optic, but I really like the MC P35 Match.  We both thought the MC P35 PI was cute and felt really handy.  I'm not normaly a small gun kind of guy but this one is reminiscent of the old FM Detective, but a bit more refined.  While Girsan added a nice beavertail to most of their full-size Hi-Powers, other than the classic model, they also left it off the PI, which makes sense for an obvious concealment model.  And not everyone needs a beavertail--anyone who has shot a Hi-Power much knows whether they get bit or not.  Girsan gives everyone what they need.  To show how much we liked the Girdan product, Neither Eric nor I had any interest in looking at the Springfield SA-35 pistols, made by God-knows-who, God-knows-where, just by someone somewhere "in the USA."  Big whoop.  This isn't the 1950s.  Made in USA used to meen something more than it does today.  Eric, by the way, looked at the new FN "Hi-Powers, and thought they looked "slightly less crappy" than their photos.

What else?  I handled the new Colt Anaconda.  I am surprised to say that it is a better revolver than the one I owned in the 90s, with a much better trigger in both DA and SA.  It is half-tempting, if this old man had a need for a 4" .44 Magnum anymore.

I'm forgetting a lot of places we stopped ad were likely impressed.  I'll post more when it comes back to me.