Top Highlights From SHOT Show 2026
Sanjay Soni
Last month was the annual SHOT Show – an industry-only convention held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Walking into the show, we were confronted with a giant,ominous drone – the IAI APUS-60, with a SIG M250 belt-fed machine gun mounted to it.
The system can detect targets out to 25km (15.5 miles) with an electro-optical sensor that has 10x zoom, while its infrared sensor has 5x zoom for night missions. This drone, which again is massive, can carry 77 lbs – or 200 rounds of 7.62x51mm with the M250. Fortunately, being a SIG, it did not negligently fire itself! – All firing pins were removed from all guns at the show.
SIG told usthat the drone is designed to provide loitering air support to forward operating bases, moving convoys, and other properties.
Colt, meanwhile, stuck a grenade launcher on a drone.
Photo via Soldier Systems Website
Below are some of the interesting products we came across.
Glock Gen6
Next up is the Glock Gen6, which was introduced at SHOT. Initially offered in 9mm G17 (full size), G19 (compact) and G45 (G19 slide on a G17 frame), the new Glocks have improved ergonomics, a rough-texture frame pattern and deeper slide serrations, which translates to a less boxy design, more comfort, and easier racking.
The trigger reach geometry has also been reduced, which will hopefully eliminate the dreaded “Glock finger”.
Bizon Anyone?
Got a 9mm AK-V or KP9? Always wanted a Russian PP-19 Bizon – one of the most difficult and expensive Russian firearms to procure? Do you like 55-round helical magazines? Say no more… The folks at Stuff and Things, Inc. have come out with a conversion kit! Or PSA sells the whole gun.
PP-19 Bizon
Station Six
Here’s a cute little number – the Station Six 9mm suppressed ‘covert’ luger. Not only is it silenced, but it’s also a bolt action (single shots) that’s engineered for maximum silence.
Tracing its roots back to the covert World War II-era Welrod pistol and more modernized contract B&T VP9, the B&T Station SIX (Silenced Project caliber 9) harkens back to the famed SOE Station IX, where the original concept was conceived by the then Inter-Services Research Bureau. This updated, integrally suppressed pistol features a new grip and updated magazines, yet maintains its non-descript appearance, whisper-quiet sound signature and unique rotating bolt operation.
Station Six
30MM Grenade Rifle
Barret Firearms, perhaps more famous for their 50 caliber sniper rifles, brought a few of their new 30mm grenade rifles to SHOT. Developed in partnership with MARS Inc., this little number won the US Army’s XTECH Soldier Lethality competition’s Precision Grenadier System (PGS) requirement.
30mm grenade rifle
From Barrett: “PGS is a soldier-portable, shoulder-fired, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, integrated armament system (weapon, ammunition, and fire control) that enables rapid, precision engagements to destroy personnel targets in defilade and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) targets at close range.”
FN PS90 bullpup
Not a new gun, but Stargate nerds were able to hold and caress an FN PS90 bullpup.
FN PS90 Bullpup
Chiappa Rhino
The Chiappa Rhino stands as one of the most distinctive and modern revolvers on the market. A pop-culture icon seen in anime, film, and television, it’s long been favored by characters who command attention. Until recently, however, it lacked a .44 Magnum option, the benchmark caliber for shooters who mean business.
That changes now. Debuted at SHOT Show, the Rhino in .44 Magnum joins the lineup after the successful 10mm release in mid-2025.
RARE SIGHTING
A representative of the Kingdom of Wakanda was in town, though we must have missed their booth at the show.
Guns
X-Bolt 2 Rifle
Image courtesy of Browning
Browning continues its bolt-action dominance by adding to its lineup of X-Bolt 2 rifles. Designed to ensure a perfect fit for every shooter, Browning has introduced a new series of six X-Bolt 2 Left-Hand models tailored specifically for southpaws.
Now, left-handed shooters can experience the same jaw-dropping accuracy, undeniable durability, and rapid cycling in X-Bolt models built specifically for them. The 2026 X-Bolt 2 Left-Hand series includes Browning’s X-Bolt 2 Hunter Composite, Speed, Speed SPR, Speed LR, Hunter, and Medallion.
Bergara Premier Cima Pro
Image courtesy of Bergara
The Premier Cima Pro is the embodiment of Bergara’s highest standards of performance, innovation, and craftsmanship. Built entirely with carbon technology through an advanced autoclave curing process that extends from the stock to the barrel. It achieves an exceptional balance between strength and weight, ensuring rigidity, consistency, and lasting reliability. Combined with premier stainless-steel action and premium components such as the TriggerTech® trigger and the newly designed side-port ST2 Muzzle Brake, the Cima Pro delivers precision and control with every shot.
It’s carefully engineered weight reduction guarantees precision and reliability, giving hunters the confidence of repeatable performance in the most demanding conditions. Paired with Bergara’s CURE carbon barrel, every element of the Cima Pro is engineered for maximum weight reduction without sacrificing performance.
CVA Cascade Rimfire Family
Image courtesy of CVA
The CVA Cascade Rimfire is the little brother to their popular Cascade centerfire rifle. Available in three distinct models to fit your style. The CVA Cascade Rimfire brings the same Cascade performance to the rimfire world – out-of-the-box accuracy, durability, and ready for the hunt.
Built for precision, reliability, and fun at the range or in the field. The Cascade Rimfire delivers the same attention to detail and performance you’ve come to expect from CVA, now in .22 Long Rifle. This Spanish-designed bolt-action rimfire features an 18-inch threaded barrel (1/2-28) ready for your favorite suppressor or muzzle device. Each rifle ships with an installed two-piece Picatinny rail and feeds from a CVA 10-round rotary magazine, compatible with standard 10/22®magazines for added versatility.
Stoeger M3000 Sporting Model Shotgun
The new M3000 Sporting model’s design enhancements include a satin walnut stock and forend, catering to shooters who prefer a more traditional look and feel. The walnut furniture pairs with a nickel receiver and a gloss blue 30-inch ported barrel to further enhance the classical aesthetics.
The broadway-style rib is engineered to cut barrel heat and mirage while providing a bold, easy-to-track sight picture—promoting a natural, heads-up shooting posture that delivers consistent comfort and confident target acquisition shot after shot. These are complemented by the matte blue trigger, bolt release, and bolt handle.
Savage’s New Era of its Legacy Model 110
Image courtesy of Savage
The upgraded platform features the all-new AccuFit V2™, powered by the Quick Set Dial QSD system, which makes quick adjustments effortless. The integrated, toolless design lets you fine-tune your length of pull and comb height at any time. No hassle, no tools – giving you confidence in every shot.
Some models will also allow users to change their pistol grip size. Options in small, medium and large grip modules make this stock truly fit for anyone. The redesigned stock, inspired by the modern shape popularized on the Axis line-up, features a high cheek piece and steep grip angle, enhancing both aesthetics and ergonomics. Manufacturing advancements include a “vertical cut” process in the receiver’s bolt travel, resulting in a smoother and more precise bolt action.
The bolt head now features an improved extractor claw for improved case contact, complemented by a dual-ejector system to ensure reliable ejection. A new synthetic magazine, compatible with older 110 models, offers improved feeding and handling. The second-generation AccuTrigger™ has been refined to prevent lock-up on the AccuRelease™ blade if the trigger weight is set too light, while retaining its ease of adjustment and crisp break.
Optics
Leupold BX-6 Range HD Binocular
Leupold BX-6 Range HD Binocular
The clarity of Leupold’s BX-6 Range HD’s glass is noticeably crisper than its previous iteration – not that those were a slouch in that department. Moving the bounds of innovation, Leupold’s new flagship binocular integrates map-pinning, which pairs with numerous well-known platforms such as onX, HuntStand, and Google Maps, and ballistic calculations using Hornady’s 4DOF system.
They feel sturdy in hand and come with the best warranty you will probably never have to use. We look forward to putting this product to the test on hunting adventures soon.
NightForce NX6 Riflescope
Image courtesy of NightForce
NightForce has an all-new family of lightweight, easy-to-use riflescopes, engineered for hunters, tactical shooters, and competitors. Featuring an extensive lineup of versatile magnification ranges and the all-new FieldSet™ turret system. NX6™ was developed through years of testing to deliver the Rugged, Reliable, and Repeatable performance you expect from Nightforce.
Garmin Xero L60i Rangefinding Monocular
Garmin is taking laser rangefinding capabilities to new horizons with the Xero® L60i. This GNSS-enabled rangefinding monocular combines premium optics with advanced technology and state-of-the-art sensors for an unparalleled rangefinding experience.
With Xero L60i, users get a sharp, bright view through augmented reality technology that overlays graphics in full color, including distance, maps, navigation and more—all while ranging targets out to 3600 meters through 7X magnification. Mark targets with Laser Locate and maneuvers to them using high-resolution digital mapping, augmented reality, and advanced navigation features, for an immersive visual experience.
Swarovski AT Balance Image-Stabilized Spotter
Image courtesy of Swarovski
With the AT Balance from SWAROVSKI OPTIK, you don’t have to choose between speed and precision. Their cutting-edge image stabilization delivers razor-sharp views— instantly and effortlessly. The AT Balance gives you handheld clarity, without the shake. No setup. No hesitation. Just steady, sharp, unshakeable vision—every time.
When the button is pressed and the gyro starts to work, it feels like time stands still. Find that next deer ear flicker without hassle.
Pulsar Trail 3 Family
Image courtesy of Pulsar
The Trail 3 family of thermal riflescopes builds upon the proven success of its Trail series with enhanced optical performance and advanced features designed for serious hunters.
The Trail 3 family consists of two premium models—the LRF XQ50 and LRF XR50—engineered to deliver superior target detection and identification in the most demanding hunting conditions.
Designed for use both day and night, these thermal imaging devices cut through challenging environmental conditions, including fog, smog, and rain, while detecting heat signatures through obstacles such as branches, tall grass, and dense cover that would obscure traditional optical views.
Ammunition
Remington’s New 7mm Backcountry Offerings and Subsonic Rifle
Image courtesy of Remington
The 7mm Backcountry high-performance cartridge utilizes proprietary Peak Alloy case technology to deliver high velocities from shorter barrels, making it ideal for hunting with suppressors. Three new loads include Core-Lokt 175-grain, Core-Lokt Tipped 175-grain, and Premier Long Range Speer Impact 175-grain.
The new Subsonic Rifle Boat-tail Hollow Point (BHP) loads include 360 Buckhammer 250-grain, 308 Win. 190-grain, and 45-70 Govt. 300-grain. The three rifle cartridges loaded to subsonic muzzle velocities deliver consistent, dependable performance when shot through suppressors.
Hornady American Whitetail Tipped Ammo
Image courtesy of Hornady
American Whitetail® TIPPED ammunition delivers buck-stopping shock on impact by expanding quickly and delivering controlled, reliable expansion for unparalleled performance in the field.
Loaded with legendary Hornady SST® and FTX® bullets in weights that have been deer hunting favorites for years, American Whitetail® TIPPED ammunition combines generations of ballistics know-how with modern components and the technology you need to take the buck of a lifetime!
Winchester Supreme Long Range Ammo
Image courtesy of Winchester
Built for hunters who demand performance at extreme distances, Winchester® Supreme® Long Range ammunition leverages BC MAX™ bullet technology to deliver exceptional accuracy and downrange efficiency.
Featuring precision-drawn, thick-walled jackets, BC MAX bullets are engineered for reliable long-range terminal performance while maintaining match-grade accuracy. Precision Rifle Perfected, this ammunition is designed to perform whether you’re pushing your cartridge to extended ranges or taking a close-range shot — ensuring Supreme Long Range is ready for any hunting scenario.
CCi Hunter Series Rimfire Ammo
Image courtesy of CCi
The all-new Hunter Series rimfire ammunition is a product line designed specifically for small game hunters. Hunter Series rimfire loads feature flat-nose bullets and are offered in both standard and subsonic velocities. The Hunter Series delivers the power, precision, and reliability hunters need to make clean harvests without excessive meat damage. The all-new products will be shipping to dealers soon.
Designed for a wide range of small-game hunting, CCI Hunter Series ammunition is ideal for squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, and more. Each load is assembled using CCI’s high-quality primers, propellants, and brass to ensure consistent ignition and dependable field performance.
The blaze orange plastic 100-count packs are easy to spot and perfectly suited for dropping into a game vest and taking afield.
Federal Premium New Handgun Hunting Product Line Options
And There’s More!
Sanjay Soni is the Managing Director of Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd., India’s first small caliber manufacturer in the private sector. An MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, he has been involved with the ammunition industry in India and abroad for the last decade.
