SHOT Show 2026 delivered the usual mix of incremental improvements and genuine standouts, with Glock's Gen6 pistols stealing most of the spotlight alongside expanded suppressor options.

Why it matters: These aren't just trade show talking points—several products address real problems shooters have been dealing with for years, from Glock's brick-like grip to gas blowback from suppressors. The show also reflected two major industry shifts: manufacturers finally taking ergonomics seriously, and the suppressor market expanding rapidly following the removal of the $200 NFA tax stamp on January 1st.

• Glock's Gen6 pistols represent the Austrian company's most significant design change in years. The new grip features palm swells, dual-texture surfaces, an enlarged beavertail, and an undercut trigger guard—addressing decades of complaints about the platform's 2x4 feel.

The flat-faced trigger and deeper slide serrations round out changes that prioritize shooter comfort without abandoning Glock's reliability reputation. Initial models include the G17, G19, and G45 in 9mm, with an MSRP of $745. Holster compatibility concerns proved overblown—Safariland already has Gen6-compatible options across its duty and concealed carry lines.

"We're not chasing trends. We're moving forward thoughtfully, with the same uncompromising standards that define every Glock product."
— Carlos Guevara, Glock CEO

The big picture: The suppressor market is heating up with genuine innovation. HuxWrx introduced its first 3D-printed Flow-Through suppressor, the Flow 556K, designed to reduce sound without reliability issues that plague some suppressors. The Flow-Through technology directs toxic gases forward instead of back into the shooter's face—a significant advantage for indoor shooting or left-handed shooters.

• ATAC Defense showed off its 30 Below suppressor for .308 calibers and below, available in titanium or aluminum/stainless steel construction. OG Suppressors brought a complete lineup spanning rimfire to .30 caliber applications.

Staccato expanded its HD lineup with the HD C4X, a 4-inch barreled compact co-developed with a law enforcement special surveillance team. The pistol maintains the HD platform's 15-round capacity and Glock-pattern magazine compatibility while adding everyday carry practicality. Three configurations start at $3,499.

The company also announced the Staccato Training Group, led by competitive shooter Max Michel, focusing on professional certification for U.S.-based firearms instructors.

By the numbers: Budget options made strong showings this year.

• Under $300 — Bear Creek Arsenal's Grizzly 102 Compact price point
• 25dB noise reduction from Walker's Suppressor Earbuds
• $0 NFA tax stamp as of January 1st

Bear Creek Arsenal's Grizzly 102 offers Glock-like features—striker-fired action, optics cut, M1913 rail, Gen 3 Glock parts compatibility—at less than half the price of a Gen6 Glock. Outdoor Research introduced the Ironsight II FR glove with Nomex backing and leather palms, providing heat resistance while maintaining tactile feedback for equipment manipulation.

The bottom line: This year's show emphasized practical improvements over revolutionary changes, with manufacturers focusing on solving real shooter problems rather than chasing marketing buzzwords.

Go deeper:

• Police1 Range Day Coverage
• Staccato HD C4X Details
• Safariland Gen6 Holster Compatibility

Read the original article in The Handbook | By Steve Duskett

Join the Discussion

With the NFA tax stamp gone, are you actually considering jumping on suppressors now, or were the tax and wait times never really the hold-up for you?