November 11, 2023-In the heart of Savannah, Georgia, on Veterans Day weekend 2023, Can Con brought together firearms enthusiasts for an unforgettable celebration. Against the backdrop of camaraderie, respect, and service to this great country with a whole lot of good old-fashioned fun thrown into the mix, participants immersed themselves in a unique blend of technology, empowerment, and professionalism.

Under the sprawling Georgia sky, sunny and warm on the first day and then overcast with a dose of drizzle on Veteran’s Day, we delved into an exclusive interview with firearms expert Thomas Grisamore. In hushed tones, he shared insights into the world of fully suppressed firearms at Can Con 2023. “This is a truly wonderful-and truly unique event that will thrill any fan of firearms and outdoor sporting.”  Remarking upon the fact that every weapons system being fired was fully suppressed, Grisamore asserted the claim “to my knowledge, this is the only event of its kind in the country.” From cutting-edge technology to stringent safety measures, Grisamore’s perspective illuminated the event’s dedication to innovation and responsibility.

Amidst the gathering, Shelby Willis offered a refreshing perspective, representing the strength and grace of veteran women. Her words echoed through the event, acknowledging the vital role of women in the firearms community. “It is a fine pleasure to see so many females enjoying the shooting sports”.  Acknowledging the large number of women participating in the event, Willis proclaimed “It makes me proud-not only to be a veteran, but also a female participating in what traditionally has been a male-dominated space.” Can Con 2023 emerged as a platform not just for marksmanship but also for the empowerment of veteran women.

The heartbeat of Can Con 2023 was the professionalism exuded by the range safety officers, as attested by Dennis Bateman. “Enjoying the experience of any range day starts and ends with safety first.  I feel me and my staff are doing a fine job making sure that everyone has fun, but also gets home safely.”  Their dedication showcased the event’s commitment to safety and responsibility.

As dusk settled over the range, Aaron Nate’s perspective shone a light on the Night Shoot VIP Event. With a twinkle in his eye, Nate described the thrill and joy of this unique experience. “The shotgun shoot may have been the most fun I’ve ever had shooting, and that’s saying something!  Blue lights and fluorescent clay pidgeons in the dark…C’mon!  it’s like a video game come to life!”The event, bathed in the warm glow of camaraderie, highlighted the nocturnal side of Can Con 2023, revealing a different facet of the celebration.

While each and every vendor exhibited an admirable degree of friendly enthusiasm and professionalism, our friends at TiON were our pics for “Best of Show”.  We have included a brief introduction to their fine company and equally impressive product line:

When you think of TiON, two words should come to mind.

“Titanium On.”

It’s a simple phrase, but it’s the heart of the simple mission we set out to accomplish when we entered the suppressor market back in 2012. Our goal was to create something that was missing in the market — a suppressor made of solid, unwelded titanium that was lightweight, durable, high-performing, and completely user serviceable.

Okay, maybe it wasn’t as simple of a task as we thought going into it. But barely a decade later, our dream has become a reality with our full lineup of 14 titanium suppressors that meet the specific needs of shooters — shooters who crave peak performance without sacrificing engineering excellence.

One of our most exciting offerings is our growing Dragoon®️ Family of Mini Rifle Suppressors. These cutting-edge suppressors are available in 7.62, 5.56, and 9mm — with Direct Attach and Quick Detach models available for each.

The Dragoon Minis all feature Total Breakdown Technology, which means they’re completely user serviceable with common tools you probably already own. You can easily clean and service your suppressor yourself to achieve optimal performance every time.

And they sound fantastic. Here are the results from a Mil-Std 1474D test at 1 meter:

● Dragoon Mini 7.62: .300 BO, 127dB

● Dragoon Mini 5.56: .223 Rem, 132dB

● Dragoon Mini 9mm: .357Mag, 128dB

These test results prove that the Dragoon Minis are all hearing safe without ear protection at these calibers. Combine that with their decreased length and weight, and you have a suppressor that’s perfect for hunting or any situation where you need to pack light.

When you need high performance, durability, and complete user serviceability in a small, lightweight form factor, remember “Titanium On!” Find a dealer near you today!

As the muffled echoes of gunfire faded, it became evident that this Veterans Day celebration was more than just a gathering of firearms enthusiasts. It was a tapestry woven with the threads of innovation, empowerment, professionalism, and sheer enjoyment.

Can Con 2023 offered a poignant salute to Veterans Day, providing a space where the dedication of individuals like Grisamore, the empowerment of women exemplified by Willis, the professionalism upheld by Bateman and the nocturnal revelry curated by Nate, seamlessly blended. We, like many others who shared in this unique experience, eagerly await Can Con 2024 as it descends upon Arizona in April of 2024.

(Special thanks to Tom Marshall, who made possible our presence at Can Con 2023 and whose leadership and guidance helped in the realization of a truly enjoyable, safe and welcoming environment throughout the entirety of the show.)