If you haven’t been to SHOT Show, you’ve certainly felt its influence. The Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT) is the largest professional event of its kind in the world. Owned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) since 1979, the show is where the industry’s “new year” officially begins.
For one week in Las Vegas, over 2,500 manufacturers debut the products that will define the market for the next decade. Whether it’s the latest in ballistics, duty gear for law enforcement, or backcountry survival tools, SHOT is the global epicenter of the shooting sports industry. While it is a trade-only event, for those who qualify to attend, it is the experience of a lifetime.
Logistics: Navigating the Maze
If this is your first trip to SHOT Show, planning is key to making it smooth and enjoyable week. The show spans two massive venues: the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. Knowing where you are staying in correlation to the show’s location, how you will get back and forth, and other logistics should all be considered.
Getting Around
Before my first SHOT, I had heard how big it was, but honestly, I still didn’t have a clue. People pour in by the tens of thousands, and the multi-floor, multi-building layout is anything but intuitive.
You will want to take a bag to carry water, hand sanitizer, and snacks. Finding a place to sit down and rest can also be challenging, so wear comfortable walking shoes as well.
They organize the layout of the show by product categories. The SHOT Show App is available to help you navigate from one place to another. This is what I use most. Without the app telling me where to go, I’m guessing I would spend hours walking around endlessly, looking for my destination.
There are thousands of exhibitors that range from small, start-up companies to industry giants like Glock. Reps for each company are available at their booths for networking and discussing new products. It’s also a good idea to bring a large supply of business cards to hand out as you make your way around.
When and where
This year, SHOT Show 2026 is scheduled for January 20-23, 2026. A range day, which I’ll talk more about below, kicks it all off the day before, on the 19th. As I mentioned above, the event takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. There are hotels nearby, which make it easy to walk back and forth.
Registration and Requirements
SHOT Show is strictly a trade-only event, and because of this, it is not open to the general public. You must meet one of the requirements on the list to attend.
Who Can Attend?
These include firearms retailers and wholesalers, commercial manufacturers and suppliers, law enforcement and military, and others in the hunting or firearms industry. A full list of who can attend is available on their website.
Registration opens months before the event and must be done beforehand, as you cannot register at the show. They will ask for documentation of your industry affiliation during the registration process. This might include business licenses or tax IDs. If you plan to attend, early registration saves money and time.
Industry Day at the Range
While the floor opens on Tuesday, “Industry Day at the Range” is held on Monday. Media and invited buyers can test new products during this event. But “invited” is the keyword here. You must receive an invitation to attend this event.
The point of this event is for manufacturers to set up live fire shooting ranges and allow attendees to get hands-on experience with their firearms, optics, and gear. If you have the opportunity to attend range day, you definitely don’t want to skip it.
Even though the range is “out in the desert,” I’ve found rain and cold wind are a common occurrence during this event. A warm coat, hat, gloves, and even a good pair of boots are advisable here.
2026 Trend Watch: What To Look For
As I said before, there are thousands of vendors at SHOT, which means you will see a little bit of everything. But I’ve found there are always some trends that seem to take shape at SHOT. These trends grow for a few years before peaking, and then other trends take over.
Based on what I saw last year, I’m guessing there will be some obvious trends at SHOT this year that include these areas of firearms and accessories.
New models of firearms, lights, and optics
The biggest “buzz” you will find at SHOT is the newest models that companies have released. Some of these models are released just before SHOT (to help create anticipation over the new item). Other companies prefer to “reveal” a new firearm or piece of equipment with an “expected” release date sometime in the future.
There are rumors of a new CZ P-10 lineup that comes optics-ready, and possibly a Bren 3 US commercial release. CZ is among the companies that like to keep their new products under wraps until Industry Day at the Range, the day before SHOT kicks off.
You can also expect a slew of new optics, lights, and other gear from the world’s largest and smallest manufacturers.
The Glock Gen 6 Revolution
Perhaps the biggest “gravity well” at the show will be the Glock booth. Glock has already officially rolled out the Gen 6 models, and the changes are significant. The new RTF6 grip texture, the integrated thumb rest (or “gas pedal”), and the shift to the ORS (Optic Ready System)—which allows optics to sit deeper in the slide without bulky plates—are game-changers for the platform.
The Silencer “Gold Rush”
With the January 1, 2026, elimination of the $200 NFA tax stamp, the suppressor market is in a frenzy. Expect to see a record number of new silencer manufacturers and “entry-level” cans priced under $500. The barrier to entry has lowered, and the industry is racing to meet the demand.
Integrally Compensated Pistols
“The Year of the Comp” continues. We are moving away from threaded-on compensators toward integral slide/barrel compensation, which creates a cleaner, more compact profile. The benefits are reduced recoil and muzzle flip.
Companies like Wilson Combat, Shadow Systems, and Sig Sauer are leading the charge, offering flat-shooting carry guns that maintain a compact, holster-friendly profile. I’m expecting that even more manufacturers will have this feature on their handguns this year.
Modular Chassis Systems
Modularity is no longer just for the AR-15. From the Ruger RXM (their collaboration with Magpul) to the Zev Technologies FDP, the industry is obsessed with “Fire Control Units” and swappable grip frames. This allows users to change the size, color, and ergonomics of their firearm without buying a new serialized gun. So far, Ruger’s RXM pistol has been a huge hit. They partnered with MagPul to offer a Glock clone that can swap the grip frame out for other colors and sizes.
Over the years, we have also seen rifles that fold or have interchangeable parts for different calibers. Last year, ZEVTechnologies introduced the FDP (folding defensive platform), which turned a lot of heads.
We will no doubt see more of this at SHOT this year from even more manufacturers.
Cross-Caliber Revolvers
Revolvers have never really been unpopular, but I feel like they have gained ground over the past few years. Last year, multiple companies introduced 9mm revolvers, which are typically used in semi-auto handguns.
Diamondback introduced the SDR in 9mm last year, and it garnered a lot of attention. Popularity in the 9mm cartridge is part of what has fueled this trend. I’m guessing we will see more 9mm pistols and maybe even some other unconventional revolver calibers this year as well.
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
Another trend that, while not as popular, has been slowly growing is material advancements. Companies have quietly been experimenting with new materials to make their products. And I’m guessing this year we will find traces of this trend all over SHOT Show.
Companies want something stronger, lighter, and cheaper to make new firearms and accessories from. Aerospace-grade aluminum is common in rifles, and polymer is common in handguns. But we are starting to see more and more carbon fiber and other materials being used.
Last year, carbon printed silencers saw a huge uptick. With the development of materials that can be 3D printed or made with CNC machines, we will continue to see new products.
Are you ready for SHOT show 2026?
SHOT Show 2026 is shaping up to be a historic event. Between the technical leap of the Glock Gen 6 and the legal shift in the suppressor market, the energy in Las Vegas will be electric. If you’re heading out, stay hydrated, keep your business cards ready, and prepare for the most exhausting, exciting week in the industry.
