SHOT Show 2026 has come and gone, and Pew Pew Tactical was on the ground, checking out all the cool, new guns the industry had to offer.
Keep reading as we walk you through some of our team’s favorite pistols, rifles, and shotguns of SHOT Show!
Best Guns of SHOT
1. Palmetto State Armory AXR Series
Palmetto State Armory always brings the heat when it comes to the SHOT Show, and this year was no exception. They released so many new products, it was tough to keep track!
One of the many things we saw that caught our eye, though, was the new AXR lineup.
It operates as an ecosystem, more or less, that allows users to build and customize as they see fit, all around one platform. That means you can mix and match components to configure the gun for specific roles or just for funsies.
The lineup includes rifles, SBRs, shotguns, handguns, and PDWs.
The plan is to eventually offer stripped versions, accessories, and attachments to give shooters total control over their builds.
We’re pretty big fans of PSA (we’ve reviewed almost every gun), so we can’t wait to check these out!
2. FN SCAR
SCAR 17 S Specs
- Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor, 7.62 NATO
- Action: Semi-automatic, piston
- Capacity: 10+1, 20+1
- Barrel Length: 16.25”
- Overall Length: 36” – 38.5”
- Weight: 8.9 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
- MSRP: $3,999
After dying in the Fall, the SCAR series was resurrected for SHOT Show! The second generation of the popular series made its debut at Industry Range Day.
Though the SCAR series keeps to the iconic look, FN says the guns sport more than 24 changes.
While shooting it at the range, we noticed smoother shooting, reduced recoil, improved trigger, and a normal AR-style pistol grip. We walked away pretty impressed with the overall redesign!
In addition to some shooting upgrades, the SCAR will also get threads for direct mounting a suppressor (1/2×28 on the SCAR 16S, 5/8×24 on the SCAR 17S and SCAR 20S) — a bonus given the industry’s recent suppressor boom.
We’ll no doubt get the new SCAR in hand and have a full review on site soon! So keep checking back for updates!
3. Zev Technologies FDP
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 21+1
- Optic Footprint: Picatinny
- Barrel Length: 7”
- Overall Length: 10.75” (folded), 20.13” (unfolded)
- Weight: 3.25 lbs
- MSRP: $1,699
Few things get SHOT Show buzzing like a video game or Hollywood creation that’s come to life. That’s exactly what happened when Magpul and Zev Technologies combined forces to create the Zev Folding Deployment Platform, or FDP.
The FDP folds into a neat little box – those of you from the 1900s will recognize it as roughly VHS-sized.
Speaking of Blockbuster, you’ll feel like a big-screen action hero when you flick the release and watch the FDP spring into its full form.
The pistol grip holds a 21-round Magpul PMAG 21 GL9 with 21 rounds of 9mm (the FDP ships with two mags). Rack the slide with either of the folding, ambidextrous charging handles and send rounds on a short trip down the 7-inch barrel.
The carry handle has built-in sights, but you can also remove it to mount a red dot on the exposed Picatinny rail.
Are there more practical ways to protect yourself for $1,699? Sure, but none are cooler – or more fun.
4. OA Defense 2311 Compact Pro Elite
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, single action
- Capacity: 15+1, 17+1
- Optic Footprint: DeltaPoint Pro, RMR, RMSc (adapter plates)
- Barrel Length: 4.25”
- Overall Length: 7.75”
- Country of Origin: USA
- MSRP: $~2,500
The ultra-slick OA Defense 2311 impressed SHOT Show attendees last year. This year, they dropped a compact version – the OA Defense 2311 Compact Pro Elite – with all the bells and whistles.
Everything about this pistol screams high-end performance.
Highlights include a billet aluminum frame and grip; ported barrel; Dawson Precision sights and red dot adapter plates; and tight tolerances that make this pistol feel like a million bucks to shoot.
Speaking of precise manufacturing, OA Defense integrated carefully-placed debris clearance channels to help the 2311 Compact Pro Eite run more like a workhorse pistol than a finicky competition gun.
Several of the Pew Pew Tactical crew got to try the 2311 Compact Pro Elite at Industry Range Day, and it did not disappoint!
5. Henry SPD Predator
Specs
- Caliber: .223 Rem
- Action: Lever action
- Capacity: 10+1
- Optic Footprint: Picatinny
- Barrel Length: 18”
- Overall Length: 38”
- Weight: 6.2 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
- MSRP: $2,510
Think lever-action rifles are old-fashioned? The new Henry SPD Predator might change your mind – for a hefty price.
This rifle comes to us from Henry’s Special Products Division. It feeds .223 Rem from a 10-round detachable magazine and comes with a sub-MOA guarantee. Henry calls it the most accurate lever action ever built.
Highlights include an 18-inch, free-floating, carbon-wrapped barrel; forged carbon fiber Picatinny rail; adjustable laminate stock; adjustable trigger; and a Harris bipod.
Long story short, it’s a prairie dog’s worst nightmare.
What do you think, are lever guns at their best when they harken back to the wild west, or is it high time for something like this?
6. Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol 20ga
- Gauge: 20ga
- Chamber: 3″
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 7+1
- Optic Footprint: Picatinny
- Barrel Length: 19.1″
- Overall Length: 38″
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
- MSRP: $1,299
Despite it being 500 years of Beretta, there was really only one gun that caught our eye at range day — the A300 Ultima Patrol in 20 gauge.
We previously reviewed the A300 Ultima in 12-gauge, but also really liked the new 20-gauge configuration when we got our hands on it at SHOT.
The 20-gauge version is pretty much the same as the 12-gauge, but with a slightly larger bolt handle and bolt release. This modification makes using it a little easier, especially if you’re gloved up.
The A300 Ultima also uses Beretta’s Kick-Off recoil system. This system looks to bring shooters more stability, comfort, and control while shooting.
It was a smooth shooter at range, and the lightweight build made it fast for target acquisition.
7. CZ 75 Legend
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-auto, hammer
- Capacity: 16+1
- Optic Footprint: None
- Barrel Length: 4.5″
- Overall Length: 8.1″
- Weight: 41 oz
- Country of Origin: Czech Republic
CZ kicked it old school with the CZ 75 Legend — a reintroduction of the iconic, original CZ 75.
Unlike other companies that bring back their retro designs with new updates, CZ is giving consumers a replica — not a modern approach. That means, no optics plates, internal safeties, or any other fancy features modern shooters are used to.
What you get in return is a classic look and feel and a smooth trigger unimpeded by a firing pin block system.
The grip shape is what you expect from the classic — offering a nice grip angle that gets you right on target.
This is for shooters who want that retro style paired with classic CZ performance.
CZ purists, rejoice!
8. Mossberg Maverick SA
Specs
- Gauge: 12ga
- Action: Semi-automatic, gas
- Capacity: 5+1
- Barrel Length: 28”
- Overall Length: 48.75”
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- MSRP: $693
For 2026, the Mossberg Maverick SA is bringing semi-automatic fun to the classic budget scattergun.
By the numbers, it’s a gas-operated 12-gauge with a 3-inch chamber, 28-inch barrel, and 5+1 capacity.
A vent rib barrel topped with a fiber optic front sight should be good for clays and birds alike, and the receiver is drilled and tapped for those of you who want to add a red dot, like the Vortex Viper shotgun enclosed micro red dot.
Save some cash with the black synthetic stock, or step up to satin walnut for $70 more. Both feature removable spacers so you can fine-tune length of pull.
9. Staccato HD C4X
- Caliber: 9×19
- Action: Semi-auto, hammer
- Capacity: 15+1
- Optic Footprint: HOST mounting system
- Barrel Length: 4″
- Overall Length: 7.6″
- Weight: 24.5oz
- MSRP: $3,499+
Staccato’s HD series got a new sibling in the HD C4X. The HD C4X adheres to the high-performance abilities of the HD lineup, but brings a comped version for those that want it.
The HD C4X is a compact carry size with a 4-inch barrel and 15-round capacity. It’s compatible with Glock-patterned magazines and also opts for the company’s HD HOST optic-mounting system to keep things modern.
The integral compensator is designed to reduce recoil and muzzle flip, bringing a smoother shooting experience.
It’s fully ambidextrous, so righty or lefty, you can use it, and the grip has been updated to improve overall ergonomics.
Now, we know a lot of you have been asking for an “affordable” Staccato….this isn’t it. MSRP starts at $3,499, but with more custom options, your bill can easily top $3,899.
It will be available for purchase starting February 16.
10. CVA Cascade Rimfire
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Bolt action
- Capacity: 10+1
- Optic Footprint: Picatinny
- Barrel Length: 18”
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: 4.75 (synthetic) 5 lbs (wood)
- MSRP: $399 – $499
CVA, known for its muzzleloaders, recently got into the centerfire rifle game. Now, the brand is expanding into .22 LR rifles with the CVA Cascade Rimfire.
The biggest selling point is the Bergara-designed barrel. If past experience with the Bergara B-14R is any indicator, this should be a very accurate platform.
CVA also gave the Cascade Rimfire a 3-pound trigger, a two-piece Picatinny rail, and a threaded 18-inch barrel.
The 10-round rotary magazines use the Ruger 10/22 magazine design, so you have lots of aftermarket options.
Stock options include gray synthetic, green synthetic, and walnut.
Pricing starts at $399 for the base model and goes up to $499 for the classic version with the walnut stock.
11. Springfield Echelon 4.0FC
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 17+1, 20+1
- Optic Ready: Yes, Variable Interface System
- Barrel Length: 4”
- Overall Length: 7.25”
- Weight: 24 oz (flush magazine), 25 oz (extended magazine)
- Country of Origin: Croatia
- MSRP: $710
Springfield expanded the Echelon lineup, announcing the 4.0FC. This model features a compact slide resting on top of a full-size frame.
The goal? Offer more agility and concealability than a standard full-size, but also more grip area and capacity than your typical compact carry gun.
Ergonomically, it felt great — the adaptive grip texture helps you get a solid grip, and the gas-pedal takedown lever paired with ambi controls and multiple backstrap inserts is a winning package.
We’ve reviewed the Echelon series in the past and liked it, so the full-size frame + compact slide seems like it will likely be a winner too.
Final Thoughts
The Pew Pew crew always has a blast at SHOT Show, and we can’t wait to see these models (and test them out)! Stay tuned for reviews of these guns and more later this year!
What are you most excited to see in 2026? Let us know in the comments below. Want to learn about SHOT Show guns that never made it to market? Check out our article on the Best SHOT Show Vaporware.
Latest Updates
- January 2026: Rewritten with all new products after attending SHOT Show 2026.
- January 2025: Rewritten with all new products after attending SHOT Show 2025.
- January 2024: Rewritten with all new products after attending SHOT Show 2024.
64 Leave a Reply
New is not necessarily better; nor is more expensive.
Many firearms displayed at SHOT Show have significant bugs to work out: manufacturer reps bring several copies of each firearm they’re showing in case one mechanically malfunctions.
I recall one shotgun manufacturer, a new company, who had a writer for the NRA do an article about their new firearm, praising the shotgun for its smooth operation, etc, etc. The manufacturer had a booth at the SHOT Show, but every copy they brought failed to work properly. Their first production run had so many problems, the company closed its doors — leaving the writer of the article, who’d never touched one of the new shotguns, with egg on his face.
Granted, quality control is very important — but even Staccato has its problems (particularly with their 2011 CS).
A venue like SHOT Show will have more hyperbola than substance. Caveat emptor.
All fair points, Edward. That's exactly why we do thorough hands-on reviews, but it's still fun to get excited about what's around the corner!
Thanks for the highlights. Did you happen to see any cool new suppressors?
Bob, 2026 is going to be the year of new suppressors. Without the $200 tax stamp, demand is through the roof and the ATF is having trouble keeping up. Manufacturers are churning out new suppressors as fast as they can to satisfy the market. You and I can cross our fingers that this might push prices in a more consumer-friendly direction. Is there anything particular you'd like to see?
I can’t think of a single example where R&D costs aren’t amortized across every item or service sold.
You believe that Boeing’s aircraft research and development costs aren’t amortized for every aircraft built? That Ford and other car makers don’t recoup their R&D expenses? According to every government contract regulation I’ve ever read, R&D amortization is an allowable cost to the consumer.
CZ bring back the RAMI. the perfect EDC
More hype than substance in a lot of untried weaponry.
To be honest, we need a revolution in new propellants and materials.
Today’s firearm might be replaced by energy weapons if we have a revolution in battery storage allowing for quick recovery times. Hitting a target at 2500 meters might be supplanted by weapons able to effectively shoot out to 25,000 meters and beyond. THAT will be a SHOT Show worth attending.
Meh.
A gimmick or two and a lot of warmed-over designs. To be honest, it’s tiresome.
Know how to milk sheep? Build a new-and-improved pistol or rifle, and watch ‘em line up.
Yall have become so predictable. Same small group.of manufacturers, same tiny group.of calibers. 12 months, year after year after year.
If it don't float your reviewers' boat, yall don't step out and review anything outside of your regimented group think.
It's become boring and repetitive. Considering unsubscribing,..
Dude, there wasn't a lot there this year. Industry is in a slump. We cover what we saw.
Looks like a year old comment.
Check out the patented Texas Ordnance AR Hot swap. Use the same trigger group and swap out the rest of the lower to configure an AR9, AR10 or AR15 Lower. One group, three options, nothing else like it on the market. Saw it on the last day by accident. tocfirearms dot com
Well, now firearm manufacturers have made the 2nd amendment a rich man's game like everything else. Congratulations companies for pricing people out of gun ownership. You did the governments job for them.
Love Pew Pew for great honest advice and reviews but as others have said I would have liked to see more working man type wepons from Shot Show since most of us can not attend.That said hopefully you have some reviews of afforable items in the works! Thanks !
To be honest, there wasn't a ton in terms of new and affordable. Taurus' GX2 is about the best option we saw and we put that in our Best Home Defense & CCW from SHOT article. Most of the newness was relegated to high-priced items and same guns, new colors categories. It was underwhelming to say the least. But hopefully, we'll see some budget guns trickle out in 2025.
See thats another great feature of Pew Pew ...... the way they respond to our questions or comments! Thank you Jacki for your response and the great articles and advice!
How about guns for the working people, you know $700 and under. All these fancy guns are cool but lets get real!!
I hear you! To be honest, there wasn't a ton in terms of new and affordable. Most of the the stuff we saw was high-priced items or same guns, new colors. Taurus' GX2 is the only one that stuck out in my mind from SHOT and we included that in our Best Home Defense & CCW Guns from SHOT list.
The pic says "The X.57….think fo this but like for 9mm".
It’s nice to know that the wealthy people have such a nice choice of weapons to choose from from. However nothing was reviewed for the middle or lower class working man.
Unfortunately there wasn't a ton released this year. A lot of what we saw was same guns, new colors or high-priced items. That said we do have a couple of budget priced items in our Best Home Defense & CCW Guns from SHOT article. (Like the Taurus GX2).
I see several guns from Turkey from different companies that look the same. Thinking they are made in the same factory but sold by different companies.
Anyone make a HiPower with a threaded barrel? Or a compact HiPower, with reduced grips and barrel? I think FM of Argentina used to.
Did anyone ask H&K about a civilian MP7?
Yeah, 4K for a "standard " AR? Uhh nope. That PSA pic is an X5.7 not the 9. The grip angle is much more straight on the 9. Thanks for going and showing.
For a company that has manufacturing plants in the USA, H&K prices should be half what they are.
Economies of scale should always see lower prices - not higher.
Trump needs to get the Machine Gun ban reversed as well while I think about it.
Maybe it's just me but the PSA vote page is a dead link. 404. The only reason I'm even posting here is because I generally see this more and more from this site. How hard is it to post legitimate links?? You're clearly trying to promote/recommend certain things, then the links don't work. Do better.
Thanks for the heads up. It's been fixed. Good news, no AI here! We're human over here and we had a loooong week at SHOT. Mistakes happen. Thanks for reading!
Great reporting , but wow looks like one have to have deep pockets except for the HK CCS .. everything else I’ll have to be giving up my maid , mistress and Porsche ..
So a bunch of over priced 2011s and over priced ars cool
Basically. We were a tad underwhelmed with the offerings this year.
Boring. Same old same old with tweets.
HEY BIG SARGE, BEAR CREEK ARSENAL HAS THERE BC-8 AR IN 300 WIN.
All the Smith & Wesson no lock Classics look great. I believe what is pictured in the article is the Model 19, not the Model 10.
Maybe it's just me but from what I've seen of this year's Shot Show I'm feeling underwhelmed.
I show interest in the RIA 5.0E, but I cannot. Why? Well, the RIA 5.0 was introduced in early 2023 in two flavors, one with iron sights for $999, and a second with a C more optic for $1,299. They were available for several weeks and were never seen again until a month or two ago. However, the price doubled from the base model. Yes, I have seen reviews from GunTubers stating that this is a handmade pistol and a handmade pistol that sells for $2,000 is a bargain. However, I don't think Armscor should force us to pay all of their R&D and other costs by doubling the price. Perhaps, if the original RIA 5.0s were vaporware and they only lifted the curtain an inch or two then may be the resulting 5.0E would not be such a bitter pill to swallow. I even penned them letter, but decided not to send it.
Maybe I’m a little bias because I own a couple of Caniks (and have been very impressed with them), but I’m a little shocked the upcoming TTI Combat didn’t make this list.
I completely agree. The Canik TTI Combat was the only one that caught my eye and is on my wish list with my FFL.
It was awesome to see the Rose Sig developed with Lena driving the marketing and educational/training aspects. Above and beyond, and for an often-underserved group that deserves to be armed, confident and proficient. Great job to Sig and Lena and Pewpew tactical for picking this one in the top ten.
I’m fond of 300 win mag. I’d love to have an AR type. Can’t wait for your review.
Us too Sarge, how the rifle handles recoil and cycling will be key. Stay tuned!
There are already a few 300WM AR rifles on the market. They don't sell very well though. Duck,Duck Go
Can you tell me who makes 300 Mag ARs?
Wow! Great job guys. The STG is exceptional and the rifle from Bear Creek Arsenal will be interestingly affordable. I was surprised that there were no new designs or guns from Daniel Defense. Did you see any AR-12's?
Thanks again for sharing all the great knowledge and advice! Pew Pew is my definitive resource for firearms and firearm technology.
Hey David,
DD revealed a folding stock option for their Delta 5 Pro based on customer requests. I'm keen to check out the Genesis Arms shotgun, but it wasn't new to this show. Thank you for your support! We'll track these topics and follow up on them when they become available from the manufacturers.
The Sig Rose accents are not pink.
Indeed! How would you characterize them?
Rose gold. It's right there in the name. LOL
Rose gold is pink gold, so that's why I said pink accents in the article.
Men vs women and colors. To a guy it is pink. To a lady it is pink gold. First of all it is common for guys to be colorblind. I used to teach color printing.
If, 20 guys thought it was too cyan and one lady thought it was too red I am slightly color blind in the red and I would bet and win that she was right. Picking the proper wall paint-you pick it. I do not care.
Great article great choices but personally like what BCA brings to the table especially if they sat at those prices but hopefully lower. Now me personally I like what Olympus Arms was bringing to the table at Shot Show with an AR platform with a reciprocating barrel now that thing was cool. There was also the EAA Girsan 2311 at a more affordable price point than the Oracle 2311. Also, we stopped by the EA booth and will likely have more on that later.
You hit the nail on the head! Price point of a long action being between $1,000 and $1,500 is impressive! We're really looking forward to testing this one out.
Thanks for mentioning the EAA Girsan Witness2311. Although, these were announced in December 2022, several weeks before Shot 2023, they are very scarce. My FFL was able to pick up a 9mm, 5 in barrel, but for some reason the 10mm are nowhere to be found. I know true 1911 purists are also concerned over JMB's favorite caliber, the .45 ACP, which is still a no-show.
Do you have any news on who is actually making the Inglis Hi Powers for Military Armament Corporation of SDS? Is Military Armament Corporation, an actual firearms manufacturer, or a marketing name for SDS? Could it be Tisas? As you may know, Tisas manufactured a Hi Power clone called the Regent BR9 which was imported to the U.S. for a couple of years. Your write-up did not state whether we would have to endure the dreaded magazine-trigger disconnect.
I've always thought a long action AR would be cool, probably unnecessary, but cool so im looking forward to see how that performs.
Ditto Cain! 300 Win would make a a formidable firearm.
Wyatt needs a haircut
Nope, but thanks for stopping by David. Our little community needs all the support we can muster.
Thanks for having me.
As I watch more and more pistols come with a screw-on adaptor for a silencer, and silencers become easier to buy... they get more and more attractive.
It's a great combination! When you get something in your price range, pull the trigger and you won't e disappointed. Be sure to check out our articles on the tax stamp process and different suppressors for more info!
Law is truly confusing. Where I live, Florida, you no longer need a concealed carry permit. I'm not giving legal advice. As I understand it you cannot carry a pistol with a suppressor. Surprise for most, including me, shooting did not increase. There is a new bill making open carry legal for normal citizens. It has not YET passed.
Not that I've the funds to buy anything right now in this economy, but PSA's Stg-44 Reproduction made my trigger finger start itching.
We feel the same Chuck, really looking forward to getting that one out to the range for a full review.
The art of negotiation. To the wife. Look at the great gun I bought you. Out to diner?
I'm making. Candle light? Where is the pack of birthday candles.