SHOT Show 2026 Predictions

It's that time of the year again - SHOT Show is just around the corner and gun enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting new releases from their favorite brands. As always, the Classic Firearms team will be sharing our industry-leading coverage (including footage from Industry Day At The Range) with our viewers. 

But before we head out to Las Vegas, we thought it would be fun to speculate and share our thoughts about which products might be announced at the show this year. Continue reading for our predictions and be sure to bookmark this page to stay up to date with all of our SHOT Show 2026 coverage!

Top 10 New Products We Want To See At SHOT Show 2026

Our list will include everything from firearms and accessories to optics and suppressors. Each selection must have a reasonable chance of releasing in 2026, but otherwise, nothing is off limits. Without further ado, here are our top 10 picks for new products we hope to see at SHOT Show this year.

10. Walther PDP Micro

While Walther has been killing it with their full-size and compact offerings in the PDP lineup, the company has yet to release a true micro-compact pistol to compete with the likes of the H&K CC9, Sig Sauer P365 X Macro, or Smith & Wesson M&P Shield X and at present, there isn't a model to bridge the gap between the single-stack CCP and the double-stack PDP.

The PDP is incredibly popular with law enforcement and concealed carriers, so a stack-and-a-half EDC variant would surely become a best seller. Whether or not Walther plans to break into the micro compact game remains to be seen, but we're interested to see what they bring to the table next week.

9. Canik AR-15

Canik is renowned for manufacturing affordable yet high-quality handguns with phenomenal triggers and ergonomics. Applying those same principles to America's most popular rifle platform would almost certainly yield an AR-15 with a compelling value-to-features ratio.

There is now room in the market for an accessibly priced and well-rounded line of ARs. Given that Canik are in the prime position to take advantage of this opportunity, we're excited to see their first foray into the world of defensive carbines.

8. EOTech EXPS3 HD

When it comes to holographic rifle optics, the EOTech EXPS3 is the gold standard for a reason. The new HD model promises to further refine the EXPS3's target-focused, both-eyes-open shooting capabilities in several subtle but significant ways - the most obvious of which is the HD's slimmer design.

The removal of the protective hood will allow for enhanced peripheral awareness, while new auto brightness and shake-awake technology is a welcome addition for those concerned with extending battery life as much as possible. All of that is to say, we're eager for a closer look at the EXPS3 HD.

7. Diamondback Ventra

Diamondback's Ventra suppressor was released towards the end of 2025, but now that the NFA tax stamp for suppressors is $0, we're expecting these cans to pick up a lot more traction. The base model is available in 5.56, .30 cal, and .22 cal configurations, but we may get a sneak peek at new designs as well.

As suppressors continue to fly off the shelves, new additions are a welcome sight (particularly if they're modular). The Ventra is Diamondback's first suppressor launch, so it will be interesting to get hands on and see what else they have in the pipeline.

6. FN SCAR Killer

After FN discontinued all legacy SCAR models last year, many gun enthusiasts are speculating that a new rifle platform will be announced at SHOT Show 2026. This could be an updated SCAR platform, but it could also be a brand-new system that looks to compete with M4 / AR-15 style rifles.

We don't have much to go on besides rumor and conjecture, but as we're big fans of FN rifles, we're here for whatever new releases may be around the corner. If ever FN were to announce the gun to replace the SCAR, SHOT Show seems like the perfect place to do it.

5. Lucansky Stinger 9

First introduced at IWA 2025, the much-anticipated Lucansky Stinger 9 is long overdue to hit the American market. This PCC is the ultimate update to the iconic CZ Scorpion - it uses Scorpion mags and patented Delayed Matter Technology for recoil mitigation, all complimented by familiar AR-style controls.

This is one of the smallest, lightest PCCs we've ever handled, so the prospect of an updated model releasing in the U.S. is especially compelling. And with $0 NFA tax stamps now in effect, it would be the perfect time to use the Stinger 9 as the basis of a suppressed SBR build. 

4. FN 309 MRD

The FN 309 MRD was recently announced, so we're sure of at least one product we'll get to see on the show floor. This pistol is purpose-built for everyday carry, with a base capacity of 16+1 and an extended capacity of 20+1. Plus, the 309 MRD is optics-ready right out of the box.

We're looking forward to trying the 309 MRD at SHOT Show so we can experience how it feels in the hand and more specifically, how the trigger breaks. FN has a reputation for designing excellent handguns, so our expectations are high.

3. Holosun 507C 2.0

Holosun has teased an update to their flagship 507C reflex sight, one of the most popular entry-level pistol optics on the market. While we're not sure what changes to expect, this news has piqued our interest. In our opinion, more options with easier mounting and greater versatility is a win for consumers.

There are also a few new rifle optics coming out as well, so we'll be sure to bring you in-depth coverage of each new release. One thing is for sure, it's shaping up to be a great year for budget-oriented red dots. 

2. Sig Sauer 716 G3

Having just released the 516 G3 earlier this month, it makes sense that Sig Sauer could unveil the updated variant of the 516's stepped-up battle rifle variant, the 716. This .308 Win / 7.62 NATO stalwart deserves a few upgrades of its own and should make for a compelling offering for shooters seeking a reliable DMR platform.

Fewer companies are releasing new .308 Win / 7.62 NATO guns into the market, with the noteworthy exception of IWI's Zion-25 from last year's SHOT Show. We're hopeful that Sig will lead the charge as they so often do, introducing a new standard for other companies to strive towards.

1. Heckler & Koch SP7

Shooters have been begging H&K for a semi-auto civilian variant of the iconic MP7 for years and it seems like we may finally be getting our wish. Much like the SP5, the SP7 is expected to retain most features of its military counterpart aside from the latter's select-fire capabilities.

The MP7 is one of those highly sought-after grail guns that is forged from Unobtainium, so the prospect of owning a semi-auto variant is exciting for a lot of people. We're very much looking forward to finding out if the rumors are true and possibly getting our hands on one.

SHOT Show 2026 Is Getting Closer...

We're just under a week out from SHOT Show 2026 and the team is gearing up to bring you our industry-leading coverage from the show floor. Be sure to bookmark this page to stay up to date with all our videos as they release!

And for even more SHOT Show predictions, be sure to watch our full-length CF Podcast episode in which we discuss leaks, rumors, and our best guesses for products that will launch at the show this year.