SHOT Show 2026 Highlights New Firearms

SHOT Show 2026 wrapped up in Las Vegas with several standout firearm and ammunition debuts that caught industry attention.

Palmetto State Armory unveiled their AXR ecosystem, designed as a modular platform where users can mix and match components across rifles, SBRs, shotguns, handguns, and PDWs. The company plans to offer stripped versions and accessories for complete customization control.

Why it matters: These introductions signal industry shifts toward modularity, suppressor integration, and premium manufacturing as manufacturers respond to changing consumer demands.

• Modularity is becoming the standard expectation, not a premium feature
• Suppressor integration appears across multiple product lines as NFA items gain mainstream acceptance
• Premium pricing suggests manufacturers are betting on quality over volume

The big picture: FN resurrected the SCAR series after discontinuing it last fall, debuting a second-generation lineup with over 24 changes from the original.

• The new SCAR 16S, 17S, and 20S feature smoother shooting, reduced recoil, improved triggers, and AR-style pistol grips
• Direct suppressor mounting comes standard with threaded barrels (1/2×28 on SCAR 16S, 5/8×24 on 17S and 20S)
• Pricing starts at $3,999 for the SCAR 17S in 6.5 Creedmoor or 7.62 NATO

Zev Technologies and Magpul collaborated on the Folding Deployment Platform (FDP), a 9mm pistol that folds into a VHS-sized package. The $1,699 FDP features a 7-inch barrel, 21-round Magpul magazines, ambidextrous charging handles, and springs into action with a single release.

OA Defense introduced the 2311 Compact Pro Elite, a $2,500 pistol with billet aluminum frame, ported barrel, and precision manufacturing. The company integrated debris clearance channels to maintain reliability despite tight tolerances.

Between the lines: Henry's Special Products Division launched the SPD Predator lever-action rifle chambered in .223 Remington with modern features that challenge traditional lever-gun expectations.

• Sub-MOA guarantee comes with the $2,510 rifle featuring an 18-inch carbon-wrapped barrel
• Detachable 10-round magazines and Picatinny rails modernize the platform
• Target market appears to be precision prairie dog hunters willing to pay premium prices

Beretta's A300 Ultima Patrol gained a 20-gauge variant with larger bolt handle and release for easier manipulation with gloves. The $1,299 shotgun incorporates Beretta's Kick-Off recoil system for improved control.

Ammunition manufacturers focused heavily on suppressor-optimized loads and line extensions. Federal introduced subsonic hunting ammunition designed for actual expansion at low velocities in .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Blackout, .30-30 Winchester, and .45-70 Government.

Remington expanded into the 7mm Backcountry cartridge with three loads: 175-grain Core-Lokt, Core-Lokt Tipped, and Premier Long Range Speer Impact. The 7BC was developed by Federal to outperform other magnum 7mm cartridges with heavy bullets.

By the numbers: Olympus Arms debuted the 30 Epic carbine cartridge, pushing 110-grain bullets at nearly 2,800 fps with pistol powder for maximum power in short barrels.

• Barnes launched subsonic hunting loads in .308 Winchester and .300 Blackout with 205-grain bullets
• Winchester introduced Supreme Long Range ammunition with BC Max bullets in five popular calibers
• Nosler expanded Whitetail Country offerings to include .400 Legend alongside existing straight-wall options

Action Target used the show to celebrate 40 years in business, introducing an indoor shotgun simulation system called TopShot and enhanced SmartRange AXIS integration capabilities. The company demonstrated new point-of-sale integrations and range management systems.

What this means for you: Several trends emerged that will affect gun owners in 2026 and beyond.

• Suppressor-ready designs are becoming standard rather than aftermarket modifications
• Premium pricing reflects manufacturing quality improvements but may limit accessibility
• Modular platforms offer customization flexibility but require learning new systems

The bottom line: SHOT Show 2026 emphasized evolution over revolution, with manufacturers refining existing concepts rather than introducing entirely new categories.

Go deeper:

• Pew Pew Tactical's SHOT Show 2026 coverage
• Outdoor Life's ammunition roundup
• Action Target's SHOT Show announcement

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Read the original article in The Handbook | By Steve Duskett

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Join the Discussion

If you're in the market for a new platform, are you leaning toward going full modular like PSA's ecosystem, or do you prefer mastering one proven design?