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Industry representatives are already on the ground or heading over to SHOT Show 2026 in the United States, with that in mind, we speculate on the upcoming trends, impending product debuts and what to expect for this key international event.
The annual SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show conference is considered to be one of the most important trade shows on the firearms, law enforcement and defence industry calendar with more than 2,800 exhibitors on the show floor, as well as buyers, media and industry professionals from all US states and more than 126 countries.
The trade-only event, owned by National Shooting Sports Foundation and The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is held from 20 to 23 January at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada. More than 600 material suppliers are expected to participate in the two-day 2026 event.
Silent anticipation
US analysts are already speculating that the removal of a US$200 National Firearms Act tax stamp on 1 January this year could motivate the American suppressor industry to produce entry-level silencer manufacturers into the market, develop smaller and more effective suppressors to meet significant public demand for the noise-reduction devices. Interestingly, this could have knock-on effects with more readily available suppressors for shotguns in the US.
In line with this thinking, silencer and firearms manufacturer ATAC Defense has already confirmed that it will be showing off a 30 Below suppressor for .308 calibres and below, made of titanium or aluminium/stainless steel.
OG Suppressors also announced a complete line-up of precision-engineered firearm suppressors across rimfire and centrefire platforms. The portfolio includes the industry-recognised Scorpius .22LR, the Operator series for 5.56 and the versatile Trident series for .30 caliber applications.
The big players
In the field of major players, I speculate that we will see a larger field of compact style rifle scopes. This change has been creeping in steadily over the last few years and leading the charge. Defence and firearms manufacturer Heckler & Koch USA already announced that it will feature a number of HK models with newly launched Vortex Defender series micro red dot sights optics-equipped packages.
“HK and Vortex share the same values; the best performance and features for the customer, backed by lifetime warranties,” said Nathan Schueth, director of sales and business development.
“For any defender, the VP plus Vortex combination will exceed their needs for reliability, durability and usability.
“Optics-equipped versions of full-sized VPs, like the VP9 A1 F, VP9 A1 X and VP9 A1 K feature the Vortex Defender CCW closed emitter model and the micro-compact HK CC9 features the Defender CCW open emitter model. Oversized OE models like the VP9 L and VP9 Match will feature the Defender ST closed emitter model.
“All Vortex Defender models used on HK OE pistols are waterproof and shockproof and feature motion activation/auto shut-off. Additionally, the closed emitter models feature solar and battery power with a multi-reticle function.”
As always, there is significant discussion around several expected products from South Carolina firearms manufacturer Palmetto State Armory, however, most crucially, the company already announced that it will release a Sabre-11 double-stack magazine 9mm 1911 pistol in Q1 of this year. The Sabre-11 was previously shown at last year’s SHOT Show. As part of a wider industry shift, we could see shorter AR style rifles across the board, including examples such as the PSA JAKL 2.0 from the company.
Optics manufacturer EOTECH has already announced a high-performance, lightweight aluminium OGLC aiming device with green visible, infrared lasers and an adjustable IR illuminator for military, law enforcement and civilian use. The OGLC is expected to offer day and night functionality for precision aiming with night vision, for the commercial market.
The same company has also announced a new 7.1-inch long Super Short Vudu 4-12x36 scope incorporating first focal plane design. The scope reportedly contains an illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings and a machined interface for use with an EOTECH mount onto mil-spec rail.
In addition, EOTECH also announced a next-generation EXPS3 HD heavy-duty holographic weapon sight for a number of platforms, including rifles, machineguns, grenade launchers and the iconic .50-calibre M2 Browning heavy machinegun.
Firearms accessories and tactical gear Magpul also announced it will be expanding the colours for many of its products, including polymer magazines, with “medium coyote tan”, “modified coyote brown” and “olive drab green”.
A sixth-generation series of Glock pistols has already been announced by international firearms manufacturer Glock late last year. The new Glock Gen6 pistols reportedly bring new features such as a flat-faced trigger design, Gen6 optic ready system, extended thumb rest, enlarged beavertail, deeper slide serrations, flared magazine-well and new grip texture.
The 9mm chambered models include the G17 Gen6, G19 Gen6 and G45 Gen6.
“For nearly four decades, the pursuit of perfection has guided Glock in focusing on what truly matters: safety, reliability and our commitment to our customers,” Glock chief executive officer Carlos Guevara said.
“The Gen6 pistol line continues that commitment. We’re not chasing trends … We’re moving forward thoughtfully, with the same uncompromising standards that define every Glock product.”
Greater artificial intelligence integration and 3D printing
We can expect to see evolving manufacturing and materials across the firearms and defence industries, similar to the changes that have heavily impacted tech sectors. These could include increased carbon fibre use, more widespread use of 3D printing and greater integration of artificial intelligence into manufacturing.
The greater uptake of 3D printing technology could be further spurred by increased demand for cost-effective suppressor products. I’d expect to see more AI-focused and integrated strategy from the firearms manufacturing industry to potentially improve supply chain, achieve greater anomaly detection and smart automation.
Pandora’s box of anti-drone and hybrid ammunition
It seems increasingly likely that there will be numerous changes across ammunition components, manufacturing and materials. The ammunition market (though still quite pricey) has been blown open over the last decade with companies innovating polymer casings and hybrid-cartridge casings.
Firearms manufacturer SIG Sauer has been a key driver with considerable momentum for the new US military’s 6.8mm M7 rifle and hybrid ammunition (brass cartridge with a steel case head). Those cartridges reportedly achieve higher operating pressures and deliver greater kinetic energy to defeat body armour, penetrate lightly-armoured vehicles and reduce infantry cover.
The Ukraine–Russian conflict in Europe also opened the door for significant changes and even new products across the emerging anti-drone ammunition market. Ammunition changes continue to evolve with new rounds increasingly designed to act as counter-unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). These include new counter-uncrewed aerial system “Rooster” ammunition from Australian manufacturer Ares Armaments Australia (not attending the show due to current testing) and, in the US, tactical series anti-drone cartridges from Stirling Ammo.
Industry wildcards
There’s lots to like in the industry wildcard section – manufacturers are looking at more diverse offerings to stand out from the crowd. A classic example would be last year’s announced “President Trump Mighty MAGA Magnum” from US firearms manufacturer Magnum Research (MR).
At last year’s show, MR, in partnership with Sinner Mass Fabrications, announced the decorated Desert Eagle .50 AE pistol, honouring the election of US President Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States; because who doesn’t love a blinged up firearm that’s designed around the current political environment?
An early standout for 2026 could be the DSKL8R non-lethal disruption device announced by tactical solutions provider Phalanx Industries earlier this month. The device, which emits light and sound to disorient hostile or combative threats, is designed for law enforcement, military operators, security professionals and first responders.
The rechargeable electric DSKL8R uses a non-lethal combination of a 2,400-lumen blinding light and 105dB audio sequences, overpowering senses and creating immediate disruption or disorientation.
“Every piece of gear you carry should give you an unfair advantage and confidence. Otherwise, what’s the point,” according to Phalanx Industries chief executive and DSKL8R creator Scott Southworth.
“DSKL8R is precision-built, field-tested and mission-ready. It doesn’t just illuminate a threat; it disrupts their behaviour and breaks the cycle.”
Another SHOT Show 2026 standout could be the very public spectacle of the OPOS Venator smart handgun, building on its hype train of media coverage last year. The Austrian-9mm semi-automatic competition pistol has already turned heads with a remarkable “Halo-like” digital HUD that provides an ammo count, battery life, safety status and weapon temperature display.
Robert Dougherty
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