SHOT Show 2026 wrapped up with several major product launches that signal where the firearms industry is headed. Glock's sixth-generation pistols grabbed headlines, but suppressors, training programs, and compact duty guns also made waves at this year's event.

Glock finally addressed the biggest complaint about their pistols—ergonomics. The new Gen6 lineup features palm swells, an enlarged beavertail, and dual-texture grip surfaces that make the guns actually comfortable to hold. Gone is the "2x4 board" feel that shooters have complained about for decades.

Why it matters: Glock owns roughly 65% of the law enforcement market. When they make changes, every holster manufacturer, parts supplier, and training program has to adapt.

• The Gen6 represents the biggest ergonomic overhaul in Glock history
• New flat-faced trigger, deeper slide serrations, and improved optics mounting
• Glock promises continued parts support for older generations
• Most existing holsters will still work—Safariland confirmed fits across their entire lineup
• MSRP: $745, available January 20th

"The industry is clearly betting that 2026 will be a growth year."
— NSSF Trade Show Analysis

The removal of the $200 NFA tax stamp on January 1st is already reshaping product development. Companies are rushing entry-level suppressors to market, more manufacturers are threading barrels at the factory, and HuxWrx showcased their first 3D-printed suppressor using Flow-Through technology. Even budget manufacturer Bear Creek Arsenal is threading barrels on their $295 Grizzly 102.

Standout launches: Beyond Glock, several companies brought serious hardware to Las Vegas.

• Staccato HD C4X: Compact 4-inch 2011-style pistol co-developed with law enforcement surveillance team
• EOTECH OGLC: Aiming device with infrared capability
• ATAC Defense 30 Below: Suppressor for .308 and smaller in titanium and steel
• Chiappa Rhino Elite 60DS-L: Premium revolver at $5,775 in machined aluminum display case
• Finks Gunsmithing: Double-stack 9mm performance pistol at $3,200

Training is becoming a bigger focus across the industry. Staccato announced Staccato Training Group led by competitive shooter Max Michel, with a professional certification system launching this spring. Manufacturers are taking more responsibility for end-user education.

The industry is betting heavily on growth. Suppressor tax elimination removes a major barrier for new shooters, established manufacturers are investing in training programs and premium products, and companies are paying more attention to ergonomics and actual user feedback.

The bottom line: SHOT Show 2026 revealed an industry preparing for significant growth driven by suppressor accessibility and training focus. Improved ergonomics, suppressor-ready platforms, and comprehensive training programs suggest manufacturers expect both new shooters and existing users to invest heavily in 2026.

Go deeper:

• Police1: What Stood Out at SHOT Show 2026
• Shooting Illustrated: Safariland Holster Fits for Glock Gen6

Read the original article in The Handbook | By Steve Duskett

Join the Discussion

With all these new suppressor-ready platforms hitting the market, are you planning to finally take the plunge on a can, or does the cost still feel like a barrier even with the NFA tax gone?