Executive Insights
- SHOT Show 2026 hosted over 53,000 professionals and 2,700 exhibitors in Las Vegas.
- The ‘Year of the Clone’ was a major theme, with new reproductions of the SR-3M, SA80, and other retro military arms.
- Digital optics took a leap forward with Garmin’s AR-enabled Xero L60i and Swarovski’s stabilized AT Balance spotting scope.
- Handgun innovation included the Glock Gen6, HK CC9 micro-compact, and the unique stripper-clip fed KelTec PR-3AT.
- Lightweight hunting rifles utilizing advanced carbon fiber construction were prominent releases from Bergara and Weatherby.
The Industry’s Biggest Event Returns to Las Vegas
The 48th Annual SHOT Show concluded its 2026 run in Las Vegas, reasserting its dominance as the world’s premier trade event for the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industries. Held from January 20–23, 2026, at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, the event drew over 53,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and 126 countries. With more than 2,700 exhibitors covering over 830,000 net square feet, SHOT Show 2026 was a massive showcase of innovation, ranging from high-tech ballistics integration to a surprising resurgence of retro military clones.
While the previous years focused heavily on tactical modernization, 2026 has been dubbed by many analysts as the “Year of the Clone,” with manufacturers meeting consumer demand for faithful reproductions of historical and rare military firearms. Simultaneously, the integration of digital technology into analog optics reached new heights, with augmented reality (AR) rangefinding becoming a practical reality for civilian hunters.
Top Handgun Releases of 2026
The handgun market in 2026 saw a split focus between ultra-concealable carry optics-ready platforms and high-performance competition hybrids.
HK CC9 Compact
Heckler & Koch finally answered the call for a dedicated micro-compact with the HK CC9. Designed specifically for plainclothes law enforcement and concealed carry (CCW), this pistol maintains the ergonomic standards of the VP9 but in a slim, single-stack profile. Key features include a modular grip system and a factory trigger that rivals custom aftermarket options.
Glock Gen6 Series
Glock unveiled its Gen6 lineup, focusing heavily on trigger geometry. The new trigger shoe is flatter with a wider face, encouraging a straight-to-rear press that improves accuracy at speed. While retaining backward compatibility with many Gen5 holsters, the Gen6 internal changes promise a smoother, more defined wall and break, addressing one of the most common critiques of the platform.
KelTec PR-3AT
In true KelTec fashion, the company introduced one of the most unique firearms of the show: the PR-3AT. This .380 ACP pistol features a rotating barrel and is fed via stripper clips rather than a detachable magazine. With a capacity of 13+1, it is designed to be a “grab-and-go” defensive tool that minimizes fine motor skill requirements during reloading.
| Model | Caliber | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| HK CC9 | 9mm | VP9 ergonomics in a micro-compact frame |
| Glock Gen6 | 9mm | New flat-faced performance trigger |
| KelTec PR-3AT | .380 ACP | Stripper-clip fed, rotating barrel |
| OA Defense 2311 | 9mm | Compact Pro Elite hybrid double-stack 1911 |
Rifles: Innovation Meets Nostalgia
The rifle category was dominated by two distinct trends: the push for lightweight carbon-fiber hunting rigs and the explosion of the “retro” market.
Daniel Defense DD4 X1 Family
Originally developed for British Special Forces, the Daniel Defense DD4 X1 is a modular family of rifles featuring advanced materials and coatings. The commercial release includes variants ranging from 11.5-inch pistols to 18-inch DMRs. The system features a proprietary suppressor with a heat shield and a DLC-coated bolt carrier group designed to reduce felt recoil and increase reliability in adverse conditions.
The Rise of the Clones
2026 is undeniably the year for collectors. Roswell Rifle Works stole the show with their US-made SR-3M clone, a faithful semi-auto reproduction of the Russian 9x39mm Vikhr rifle, adapted with M-LOK for modern utility. Similarly, Murdoch & Co. introduced the EM-85, a bullpup series cloning the iconic British L85A1 and L85A2, bringing a firearm previously unobtainable in the US market to collectors.
Hunting Heavyweights
For the backcountry hunter, weight savings was the priority. Bergara launched the Premier Cima Pro, a rifle built entirely around carbon technology—from the stock to the CURE carbon barrel—making it one of the lightest production rifles available. Browning also expanded its X-Bolt 2 line with a comprehensive Left-Hand Series, ensuring southpaw hunters have access to their top-tier composite and speed models.
Optics and High-Tech Gear
The gap between traditional optics and digital situational awareness tools has officially closed.
- Garmin Xero L60i: This GNSS-enabled monocular uses augmented reality (AR) to overlay waypoints, ballistic data, and maps directly into the optical view. It can range targets out to 3,600 meters and allows hunters to “pin” a target’s location digitally.
- Swarovski AT Balance: A game-changer for spotters, this spotting scope features active image stabilization. With the push of a button, the view locks in, eliminating the shake associated with high magnification and wind, effectively allowing for tripod-quality viewing from a handheld position.
- Leupold BX-6 Range HD: Leupold’s new flagship binocular integrates map-pinning capabilities compatible with apps like onX Hunt and HuntStand, alongside onboard Hornady 4DOF ballistic solving.
Shotguns and Ammunition
In the scattergun world, Benelli updated its legendary M2 Field with a new technical stock integrating Progressive Comfort recoil reduction, making high-volume shooting significantly more manageable. Stoeger introduced the M3000 Sporting, offering a budget-friendly but feature-rich competition ready semi-auto with walnut furniture and ported barrels.
Ammunition trends leaned toward efficiency and small-game precision. CCI launched the Hunter Series, a dedicated line of rimfire ammo with flat-nose bullets designed for clean kills on small game without excessive meat damage. In the centerfire realm, the .400 Legend cartridge continued to gain traction, with Franchi chambering their Momentum Elite rifles for this straight-wall Midwestern whitetail powerhouse.
Key Industry Trends for 2026
1. “Year of the Clone”
The fatigue with “just another AR-15” has led to a market explosion for retro and military-correct clones. Companies are investing in tooling to recreate cold-war era firearms (like the SA80 and SR-3M) that offer a unique shooting experience and historical connection.
2. Augmented Reality in the Field
Devices like the Garmin Xero L60i prove that heads-up displays (HUDs) are no longer just for fighter pilots. The ability to visualize ballistic data and GPS markers inside the optic allows hunters to keep their eyes on the target rather than looking down at a phone or wind meter.
3. Carbon Fiber Standardization
Carbon fiber barrels and stocks are moving from “custom shop only” to standard production offerings. Major players like Bergara and Weatherby are utilizing advanced curing processes to make these lightweight materials durable enough for general consumer use, effectively lowering the carry weight of the average hunting rifle by several pounds.
Conclusion
SHOT Show 2026 demonstrated that the firearms industry is capable of balancing deep nostalgia with cutting-edge futurism. Whether it was the mechanical ingenuity of a stripper-clip fed pistol or the digital wizardry of an AR-enabled rangefinder, the event proved that innovation is alive and well. As the dust settles in Las Vegas, the industry now looks forward to the 49th SHOT Show, scheduled for January 19–22, 2027.
In-Depth Q&A
Q: When and where was SHOT Show 2026 held?
SHOT Show 2026 was held from January 20 to January 23, 2026, at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Q: What is the ‘Year of the Clone’ trend at SHOT Show 2026?
The ‘Year of the Clone’ refers to a major trend in 2026 where manufacturers released faithful reproductions of historical military firearms, such as the Roswell Rifle Works SR-3M and Murdoch & Co. EM-85 (SA80), catering to collectors and retro enthusiasts.
Q: What are the key features of the new Glock Gen6?
The Glock Gen6 features a redesigned trigger system with a flatter face and wider shoe to encourage a straight-to-rear press, improving accuracy and trigger feel while maintaining compatibility with many Gen5 holsters.
Q: What is unique about the KelTec PR-3AT pistol?
The KelTec PR-3AT is a .380 ACP pistol that features a rotating barrel mechanism and is fed via top-loading stripper clips instead of a traditional detachable magazine, offering a unique solution for high-stress reliability.
Q: What new technology did Garmin introduce at SHOT Show 2026?
Garmin introduced the Xero L60i, a GNSS-enabled monocular that uses augmented reality (AR) to overlay ballistic data, maps, and target waypoints directly into the user’s optical view.
Q: What are the dates for SHOT Show 2027?
The 49th SHOT Show is scheduled to take place from January 19 to January 22, 2027, returning to Las Vegas.
