New at SHOT Show 2026
The shooting world’s biggest trade event is right around the corner. SHOT Show 2026 (January 20–23 in Las Vegas) promises a huge slate of new firearm releases and innovations. From cutting-edge handguns to next-gen rifles and tactical shotguns, manufacturers are rolling out products to make shooters buzz.
Below, we highlight some of the most exciting new guns and gear in each category – all from companies with a strong U.S. presence – that you’ll want to keep an eye on at the show. Grab your range bag, because there’s a lot to cover!
Handguns to Watch
Handgun innovation is in full swing for 2026. Major pistol makers are debuting updates and entirely new sidearms aimed at personal defense, duty use, and competition. Here are a few standout handguns making headlines:
Glock Gen6 Pistols
Glock’s 6th Generation of pistols is officially launching, coinciding with Glock’s 40th anniversary in the U.S. The Gen6 G17, G19, G45 – and a newly revealed G49 – all in 9×19, bring long-awaited ergonomic upgrades.
These include a contoured palm swell, deeper slide serrations, an extended beavertail, and even a built-in “gas pedal” style thumb rest on the frame for better recoil control. Glock also finally added a factory flat-faced trigger and an improved optics mounting system (doing away with the old MOS plates).
The new slide cut allows red dots to mount lower and more securely. In short, the Gen6 models are the most user-friendly Glocks to date, and fans of the brand are thrilled to see Glock listening to shooter feedback. Expect Glock’s booth to be packed with eager visitors wanting to handle “Perfection” evolved.
SIG Sauer P211 GTO
SIG Sauer is making waves by entering the double-stack 1911 arena. The P211 GTO is a high-performance 9mm 2011-style pistol that merges classic single-action DNA with SIG’s modern touches.
It’s a full-size steel-frame pistol with a 4.4″ barrel, and notably it features a factory 3D-printed compensator (the “Mach3D” comp) attached to the barrel for flat shooting performance. With 17-round capacity and an optics-ready slide (SIG’s Romeo-ready footprint), the P211 GTO is competition-ready out of the box.
It has all the custom accoutrements – ambidextrous safety, tuned single-action trigger, flared magwell – and is clearly aimed at the upscale market currently dominated by Staccato and other 2011 makers. For shooters who love the 1911 feel but want double-stack firepower, the P211 GTO will be a must-see handgun at SHOT 2026.
High-Capacity Micro Compacts
The trend of micro 9mm carry pistols with ever-higher capacity isn’t slowing down. Rumors suggest CZ-USA may unveil an updated P-10 M micro-compact that holds 10+ rounds to better compete with the SIG P365 and Springfield Hellcat.
Other manufacturers like Springfield Armory are expanding their compact offerings too – for example, Springfield’s striker-fired Echelon line now has a new 4″-barrel compact model and even an integrally compensated version for reduced recoil.
All these little guns bring big performance, usually coming optics-ready and holding 13–15 rounds while remaining easily concealable. SHOT Show 2026 will have plenty of these slim, high-capacity carry pistols on display.
Rifles to Watch
The rifle category in 2026 is a showcase of extremes – from nostalgic lever actions to futuristic military-inspired arms. There’s no hunting rifle focus here, but plenty for target shooters, tactical users, and general firearm lovers.
Marlin 1894 Trapper in 10mm Auto (Ruger)
Classic lever guns are still surging in popularity, and Ruger’s resurrected Marlin brand is leading the charge. Brand new for 2026, Marlin is introducing the Model 1894 Trapper chambered in 10mm Auto, which is the first-ever lever-action rifle in 10mm.
This carbine carries 10+1 rounds of the powerful semi-auto pistol cartridge in a quick-handling package. It sports a 16.1″ cold-hammer-forged barrel (threaded for a suppressor or muzzle brake) and rugged laminate furniture in a grey/black finish.
Ruger has added modern touches like a Skinner peep sight system for fast targeting and an improved trigger/sear design for a smoother pull (eliminating the old lever gun “trigger flop”). With its stainless-steel construction and weather-resistant finish, the 10mm Trapper lever gun is as at home on the ranch or for wilderness defense as it is on the range.
Next-Gen Military-Inspired Rifles
Ever since the U.S. Army selected SIG Sauer’s new rifle and cartridge for its Next Generation Squad Weapons program, interest has grown in military-grade tech crossing into the civilian market.
At SHOT 2026, expect SIG Sauer to showcase their MCX-Spear line – the civilian variant of the Army’s XM7 rifle – which is chambered in the high-performance .277 Fury (6.8×51). This rifle brings battle-proven features like a one-piece optic rail, folding stock, and suppressor-ready barrel.
Other manufacturers are responding in kind. Don’t be surprised to see rival AR-platform rifles touting new calibers and enhanced ergonomics. Knight’s Armament, FN America, and Daniel Defense are all rumored to have something special in store – be it ultra-lightweight AR-15s or revamped battle rifles.
Pistol-Caliber Carbines & Bullpups
The PCC trend continues strong into 2026, offering fun and practical rifles that shoot handgun ammo. Ruger is doubling down on 10mm by also unveiling an LC Carbine in 10mm Auto, which accepts common Glock-compatible 10mm magazines.
With a 16″ barrel, the 10mm LC Carbine should make a potent home-defense or trail gun. Beyond that, fans of compact designs will find several bullpup rifles and carbines to examine. Desert Tech and others have been refining bullpup .308 and 5.56 rifles that keep overall length very short without sacrificing barrel length.
Shotguns to Watch
Shotguns at SHOT Show 2026 are skewing tactical and defensive – you won’t see new duck guns here, but you will see the latest hardware for home security, law enforcement, and competitive 3-Gun shooting.
Mossberg 590® RM Mag-Fed Pump
Legendary shotgun maker Mossberg has a new iteration of its 590 series that’s sure to draw interest. The 590RM is a pump-action 12-gauge that feeds from double-stack removable magazines – a rare feature in shotguns.
It comes with a 10-round magazine (and even larger 15 or 20-round mags available) that inserts into the magwell in front of the trigger guard. This means very fast reloads compared to tube-fed pumps, and serious capacity for a shotgun.
The 590RM is also decked out for modern tactical use: it features a rotary ambidextrous safety selector, Magpul adjustable stock and M-LOK forend, and an integrated low-profile heat shield over the 18.5″ barrel. Law enforcement and security professionals will be particularly keen to handle the 590RM.
Bullpups and Semi-Auto Tactical Shotguns
For those who like maximum firepower in a small package, several companies are offering bullpup shotguns. Models like the IWI Tavor TS12 (which has a rotating tri-tube magazine) have already proven popular, and we anticipate more competitors or updates in this space.
On the high-end, Beretta and Benelli may not have brand-new models this year, but their well-regarded defensive semi-autos (the 1301 Tactical, M4, etc.) are likely to be shown in new configurations or finishes.
Optics & Accessories to Watch
Firearms aren’t the only stars of SHOT Show. A host of new optics and accessories will debut, many designed to complement the guns above.
EOTech EXPS3 HD Holographic Sight
In the realm of optics, one standout is EOTech’s latest evolution of its famous holographic red dot. The EXPS3 HD is an upgrade to the battle-proven EXPS3.
EOTech has removed the bulky hood and built the sight into a robust all-aluminum body with a more streamlined profile. It now features shake-awake technology (finally bringing auto-on convenience to EOTech) and an adaptive auto-brightness mode that adjusts the reticle based on ambient light.
Essentially, the EXPS3 HD keeps that ultra-fast holographic circle-dot reticle EOTech is known for, but makes the sight tougher and smarter. It’s night-vision compatible and offers a lower 1/3 co-witness height out of the box.
Thermal & Night Vision Tech
Another exciting trend is the proliferation of thermal optics and affordable night vision for civilian shooters. Companies like ATN, FLIR, Pulsar, and AGM Global Vision are all bringing out new or improved thermal scopes, clip-on imagers, and NV goggles.
We’re talking units with better resolution, longer battery life, and lower prices than just a few years ago. Expect to see more handheld thermal monoculars under $2,000 that can detect heat out to a few hundred yards – perfect for spotting game or intruders in darkness.
Enclosed Red Dots & Accessories
In response to the demand for rugged micro red dots on pistols and carbines, many manufacturers are rolling out enclosed-emitter reflex sights. An enclosed red dot (where the LED is sealed behind glass, e.g. Aimpoint ACRO or Holosun 509T) prevents dirt, rain, or mud from blocking the emitter.
This year, Trijicon, Leupold, Holosun, and others all have something in the pipeline. Trijicon has hinted at an updated RMR that’s fully enclosed, and Holosun’s popular EPS and 509 series will face new competitors.
Beyond sights, expect new accessories like ultra-bright weapon lights from SureFire and Streamlight, improved suppressor designs from SilencerCo, and even smart trigger systems or training gadgets.
The Bottom Line
SHOT Show 2026 is set to deliver an exciting mix of innovation and refinement across the firearms industry. Whether you’re into sleek new handguns, high-tech rifles, tactical shotguns, or the latest optics and accessories, there will be plenty of “ones to watch” on the show floor.
The common thread is that manufacturers are listening to feedback from American shooters: ergonomics are improving, capacities are increasing, and technology is being embraced in every category. It’s an amazing time to be part of the firearms community.
Stay tuned as these products hit the market, and if you’re attending the show, wear comfortable shoes – you’ll need them to see all the must-see gear that SHOT 2026 has to offer. Here’s to a fun and groundbreaking week in Vegas!