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SHOP NOWClassic Firearms breaks down their top five SHOT Show 2026 standouts with a focus on optics, ammunition, and practical upgrades. The team shares early impressions, technical details, and where they still have questions.
The hosts open the segment by explaining that this is their final SHOT Show 2026 top five video, focused mostly on accessories with one firearm that did not fit earlier lists. They note that after seeing so many products, details start to blend together, but they have narrowed down five standouts. The countdown format is set, and they move directly into number five on the list, emphasizing that these picks are based on what stood out to them on the show floor rather than on long-term testing.
Number five is the new EOTech EXPS HD series, described as a heavy-duty evolution of the existing EXPS holographic sight. The major change is a redesigned housing made from 7075 aluminum, replacing the older shroud and composite elements with an all-metal exterior. The optic adds a shake-awake feature and replaces the traditional buttons with a side thumb dial for brightness control. A light pipe on the front feeds ambient light into the system, enabling an automatic brightness mode that adjusts based on reflected light. The hosts compare the concept to other optics that blend auto-adjustment with manual control and note that the EXPS HD aims to be more robust while updating ergonomics.
The discussion continues with how the EXPS HD handles brightness and night vision. The optic offers both auto and manual modes, selectable via the thumb dial. In auto mode, the sight adjusts brightness as the user moves from bright environments, such as flying into a target area, into darker structures like caves or buildings. If conditions demand a different setting, the user can override auto and dial in a specific brightness or night vision level. The dial rotates continuously rather than forcing a return to the starting point, similar to how some modern LPVOs and Aimpoint optics handle illumination. The hosts acknowledge there may be a learning curve with the new housing and controls but appreciate that the legacy EXPS models will remain available for those who prefer the older layout.
Number four is Drone Round ammunition, discovered at a booth shared with Unlimited Ammo and Freedom Munitions. The product is designed specifically for countering drones using 5.56 and .308 platforms. Drone Round offers two 5.56 variants: a K version effective to about 30 meters with eight projectiles, and an L version reaching roughly 100 meters with five projectiles. The .308 version also uses five projectiles and is where the claims become especially ambitious. The hosts mention that another channel has already tested the 5.56 version, but they are particularly interested in verifying the .308 performance for themselves.
The team focuses on the claimed performance and potential roles for Drone Round. For the .308 load, the manufacturer states it can reach 300 meters with an approximate 30 MOA group, which the hosts compare to match-grade expectations at that distance. They see clear military relevance given current conflicts and the prominence of drone threats. On the civilian side, they are intrigued by the idea of extending what an AR-15 can do, including the possibility of using shorter barrels or longer SPR-style barrels without a loss in stated accuracy. The manufacturer reportedly claims consistent performance regardless of barrel length and compatibility with suppressors such as Dead Air cans. One host jokes about using an AR-15 for a skeet-style experience, but they emphasize that they remain skeptical and want to test the ammunition themselves before drawing conclusions.
Number three is the Spa 12, a Turkish-made shotgun patterned after the classic Franchi Spas 12. The original Spas 12 is known for its ability to switch between pump-action and semi-automatic modes, but it also had a reputation for being somewhat fragile and mechanically complex. One of the crew members owns an original that picked up a dented handguard during a previous video project, underscoring how delicate the originals can be and how expensive they have become, often around $4,000 with limited availability. The Spa 12 aims to replicate the dual-mode functionality while offering a more accessible option. The manufacturer reportedly estimates a production cost around $350 before import and retail markups, but final pricing remains uncertain. The hosts note that, unlike many Turkish clones of still-produced models such as the Benelli M4, this fills a gap where originals are rare and costly.
Number two is the Shield Arms flush-fit 20-round magazine for the Glock 17. This magazine maintains the standard Glock 17 profile while increasing capacity from 17 to 20 rounds of 9mm. The design uses a metal body, which requires swapping the factory magazine release to avoid damaging the mags over time. The hosts compare it to earlier excitement around 18-round Mec-Gar Glock 17 magazines and note that Shield Arms also offers base pads that can add roughly three more rounds, bringing capacity to about 23. One host references extensive use of Shield Arms magazines for the Glock 43 and 43X, where capacity jumps from six to nine rounds or from ten to fifteen, and mentions that the current Gen 3 versions have run reliably through hundreds or thousands of rounds. They appreciate that this product is relatively affordable and readily obtainable compared to some of the more exotic items on their SHOT Show lists.
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