SHOT Show 2026 Day 3 opens with the Class of Arms crew outlining which booths they will hit, setting up a fast-paced tour of new rifles, pistols, suppressors, and shotguns. At Magpul, Dwayne explains the latest magazine color options, including a tweaked modified coyote brown and the return of OD green. All new colors now pass military-grade drop and durability standards thanks to updated colorant technology, so users no longer trade toughness for aesthetics. Attention then turns to the Magpul Brelau folding knife. It uses metal injection molding (MIM) to achieve a complex blade grind and improved grain structure that rivals premium steels. The knife is designed for easy disassembly with captive springs, simplifying maintenance. Magpul compares its MDA Mark1 steel performance to S35VN, positioning the Brelau as a hard-use, enthusiast-grade folder rather than a simple branded accessory.
Magpul expands on its AAG alloy magazine line for the SIG P365 platform, detailing 17- and 15-round models already shipping, with 12- and 10-round versions coming soon. These mags use polished stainless bodies and CNC laser welding, and ship with adapters and floor plates to fit different P365 frame sizes. The discussion shifts to the RXM collaboration with Ruger, where a new subcompact frame roughly Glock 26-sized is optimized around Magpul’s 12-round GL magazine with pinky extension. This frame is in final production and heading to dealers. The long-awaited Magpul/ZEV folding carbine and pistol finally get concrete shipping news. The carbine variant is confirmed at a $1,699 MSRP, with a $749 threaded barrel option. Production challenges delayed launch, but demand is clear: the first run sold out in about eight minutes, underscoring strong interest in the compact folding platform.
At Alpha Foxtrot, the Romulus line grows beyond 9mm into double-stack .45 ACP and 10mm variants. A standout is a compensated .45 model with a 4.25-inch bull barrel, 13+1 capacity, and an added Acro optic adapter plate alongside existing RMR and RMSC options. The Ramenus Gen 2 is updated to a 13+1 configuration, with new DLC finish options and an aluminum grip module that existing owners can retrofit. For the 10mm version, 15- and 18-round magazines are shown, with MSRP targeted around $1,800 and availability projected for late February. Alpha Foxtrot also showcases the S15, formerly called the Autella, a 1911-style pistol that runs Glock 43X and 48 magazines. It now features a block compensator and a 20+1 extended magazine option, with release expected toward late Q1, blending 1911 ergonomics with Glock-mag practicality.
Coverage moves to ModTac at the Sons of Liberty booth, where Dave introduces the MRA Max suppressor shield built for the Mark 1 SOCOM contract. This system uses an M-LOK-mounted MRAC shield paired with a Max series quick-disconnect coupler, currently limited to government and DoD users but slated for future civilian release. ModTac contrasts its free-floating, rail-mounted shields with traditional suppressor wraps that trap heat and can damage cans. The URAXL single-wall shield mounts to top Picatinny rails and accommodates suppressors up to 1.9 inches in diameter. Dave explains that the single-wall design yields about 60% heat reduction, keeping things safe for roughly three magazines of fire. In comparison, the Max series double-wall construction with advanced composites delivers around 85% heat reduction and remains safe to touch even after seven magazines, dramatically improving handling and mirage control.
ModTac explains the difference between its standard vented suppressor shield and the SOCOM-selected multi-layer version. The civilian shield uses bottom-facing vent cuts to promote airflow, cooling, and mirage reduction, while the SOCOM model is fully sealed to minimize IR and thermal signature, avoiding glowing vent slots under night vision. To address light-shadow issues from long shields, ModTac unveils the Shadow Eliminator light bar, which offsets and pushes weapon lights about 2.5 inches forward. Using spacers and SureFire Swivel Pro or two-bolt scout mounts, it nearly eliminates the large suppressor-induced shadow. The URA top mount includes a machined slot compatible with the Unity Fusion flip-up sight and can accept a four-slot Picatinny extension that bolts into the top screw holes, enabling PEQ or Endall units on short guns without sacrificing receiver rail space. The scene then shifts to Rock Island Armory’s RIA USA Pack Out folding, spring-assisted 12-gauge. It features a 3-inch chamber, 4+1 capacity, the ability to be stored loaded, interchangeable chokes on longer models, and a fixed choke on the short bird’s-head variant with roughly a 14.25-inch barrel. Built on a generally Remington 870-compatible pattern, it accepts common stocks and hardware, making it a compact truck or backpack shotgun.
The discussion clarifies that a compact pistol-grip shotgun with an overall length exceeding 26 inches is classified simply as a firearm, not an NFA “any other weapon,” so it can be purchased with a standard background check. At Fletcher Rifle Works, the Texas Flood suppressor is introduced as a 3D-printed titanium can derived from the Otter Creek Infinity design. It offers swappable 5.56 and .30-caliber endcaps in vented or solid configurations, with MSRP around $1,300 but often seen closer to $1,150–$1,200. The open-hub mounting system supports popular interfaces like Dead Air, SureFire, and Plan B. It is full-auto rated, with barrel restrictions of roughly 10.5–12 inches for 5.56, 16 inches for .308, and 24 inches for magnums such as .300 Win Mag, acknowledging that shorter barrels accelerate baffle erosion. At GeForce Arms, Travis highlights the 9mm Jawbone PCC featuring mil-spec internals, a stick magazine plus grip mag storage, brace, forward charging handle, and dual bolt release at about $399 retail. A .45 PCC variant with an aluminum billet lower, but no dual-mag storage, is shown at roughly $499 MSRP, alongside new finishes for the popular Blade 6 line.
Attention turns to Olympus Arms, where Michael explains that the Vulcan rifle has been streamlined and tuned for better accuracy, now carrying a 1.7 MOA guarantee while its MSRP drops to $5,400. Originally a small-player submission for the NGSW program, the Vulcan reflects lessons from that competition. Olympus then unveils the 30 Epic cartridge, designed as the most powerful round that still fits true double-stack in an AR-15 magwell using 6.8 SPC magazines. It pushes a 110-grain projectile at about 2,800 fps from a 13-inch barrel, delivering nearly twice the power of 5.56 NATO. The round is optimized for short-barreled, suppressed carbines with low flash and signature. To support it, Olympus developed a new short-stroke gas piston weapon system with a fixed barrel and roughly one inch of barrel reciprocation in some versions. The resulting recoil is described as a soft, clunk-like impulse reminiscent of subsonic .86 Blackout, yet with full supersonic performance, offering a unique blend of power and controllability.
At Maxim Defense, Logan introduces the MD-15 A3, the civilian counterpart to the XDR tender rifle. It features a 16-inch cold hammer-forged Styrian barrel, a full billet, fully ambidextrous lower, and oversized ambidextrous magazine paddles with enhanced texturing driven by end-user feedback. The rifle ships with Maxim’s MCO bolt carrier group, now standard in ND15 A3 and Reflex models. The MCO BCG is engineered for high-temperature resistance and low-lube operation, with testing showing about 2,700 rounds before the first malfunction and 6,000 rounds before cleaning. Maritime durability tests include submersion, extreme cold, and immediate firing. Corrosion-resistant construction extends to melonited gas tubes, nitride stainless lower parts, and numerous ergonomic touches like a folding trigger guard optimized for gloved use. An internal handguard indexing system and long wedge-style barrel nut create near-monolithic rail alignment. MSRP is stated at $2,695. The segment also introduces the SDX Reflex in 300 Blackout, an 8- or 12-inch barreled upper with a back-of-the-bore reflex suppressor that adds significant internal volume for gas expansion, optimized around subsonic 300 BLK performance and offered in black, Maxim’s AID FDE-like color, and multicolor Cerakote.
Maxim Defense details its integrated suppressed weapon system for .300 Blackout, featuring an LVAW-style handguard that fully encloses the suppressor. The non-adjustable gas system is tuned specifically to the barrel length, caliber, and Maxim can to achieve ideal 3:30 ejection and minimal gas to the shooter’s face. The gun is intentionally combat-gassed yet will not cycle without the suppressor installed, ensuring the system stays in its optimal envelope. It reliably runs both super and subsonic .300 BLK, even with mixed “rainbow mags.” The report is so mild that the ALG hammer reset can sound louder than the shot. Sold as a suppressed upper receiver, it is effectively a two-stamp gun, with serviceable Maxim suppressors and two-piece handguards. Configurations include pistol and rifle, CQB and carbine, with SBA5 braces, Radian SD-SL gas-busting charging handles, ALG triggers, and standard Maxim furniture. Pricing is about $3,695 for the complete gun and roughly $2,200 for the upper. The video notes current no-tax suppressor rules, faster stamp turnaround, and new dual serial number engravings on the upper for the suppressor, plus updated lower engravings to match Radian 90/45-degree selector levers.
The focus shifts to SIG Sauer’s booth, where new P320-based, 2011-style P226 GT pistols are showcased. Colorways include the gray and blue PVD “Night Shift,” an all-silver-and-black model, and a brass-gripped Spectre variant, with MSRPs ranging from about $2,500 to $2,900. SIG also introduces the GT5, a non-compensated 5-inch bull-barrel model, and the GT4, a more carry-oriented 4.25-inch version. Both use steel frames with aluminum grips, accept P320 magazines, and are priced around $2,200, with availability rolling out through Q1. A new P365 DH3, developed with Dan Horner, appears as a fuse-length-slide 365 with an integrated compensator, offered in both AXG aluminum-frame and polymer variants for different carry preferences. The coverage then moves to Mitchell Defense, where Nathan explains their dual-cool handguard design. It uses a two-layer structure to create an air gap around the gas block area, slowing heat transfer to the shooter’s hand while allowing the handguard to cool more quickly between strings of fire.
Mitchell Defense expands on its heat-management technology with the 3D-printed CP1 alloy handguard. The internal structure differs from the outer layer, creating an engineered air gap that slows heat transfer, speeds cooling, and builds in metal texturing for grip, all while remaining lightweight and strong. They highlight a $299 Carbon Cutter bolt carrier group featuring debris-clearing slots, Armalube mil-spec coating, and a Carpenter 158 high-pressure NPI bolt. Their uppers use an extremely low-friction, carbon-wicking internal coating and thermally fitted barrels to enhance accuracy. Additive manufacturing allows Mitchell to customize handguards for suppressor tuck setups, varying thickness and geometry for specific suppressor diameters in collaboration with multiple can makers. At Colt, new M4 and M5 pistol-braced ARs are introduced. The M4-based pistol includes an ambidextrous selector, improved M-LOK rail with seven accessory positions, an 11.5-inch chrome-lined barrel, and mil-spec chrome-lined bolt and carrier, delivering classic Colt reliability in a compact pistol format.
Colt’s M4 and M5 pistol-braced AR pistols are discussed in more depth, emphasizing chrome-lined barrels, mil-spec bolts, and carriers to replicate service M4 feel in a handgun-legal package. The M5 stands out with a fully ambidextrous lower, including ambi bolt and mag releases positioned so shooters can drop the bolt, drop the magazine, and run the selector without breaking their firing grip. A conical barrel extension self-centers the rail and provides multiple M-LOK attachment points. The Colt 6920 EPR (Enhanced Patrol Rifle) features a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel, new rail with steel-lined QD mounts, Magpul polymer flip-up sights, ambi selector, standard M4 mag release, Colt grip, and Magpul stock. The EPR 2 Pro keeps the same barrel and bolt but upgrades to Magpul Pro metal sights with finer posts, an ambi charging handle, full ambi controls, and premium furniture, with MSRPs around $1,449 for the EPR and $1,689 for the Pro. The video then spotlights Panzer’s new shotgun lineup. A variant with titanium-coated bolt carrier group, lifter, trigger, and door breacher gains a redesigned aluminum handguard that fully covers the top, acts as a heat shield, and integrates RMR plates plus Picatinny rail for co-witnessed red dots, with an optional polymer grip. The Panzer F1 semi-auto folding shotgun features a wood stock and grip, Glock rear sights, and a mechanism that allows loading or unloading while folded via a button, with a smooth, spring-assisted action and near-term availability. A bullpup 12-gauge inspired by Steyr ergonomics balances weight rearward and runs 5-, 10-, and 20-round magazines. Finally, a lever-action, magazine-fed “space cowboy” shotgun is shown with polymer or Turkish walnut stocks, M-LOK slots, QD points, and an adjustable cheek riser for optics. The segment closes with enthusiastic praise for Panzer’s consistently innovative booth and encouragement to follow ongoing SHOT Show coverage from Las Vegas.
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