The video focuses on selecting the top five rifles of SHOT Show 2026 based on first impressions from the Classic Firearms crew. Filmed on day two of the show, the host explains that no one has seen everything on the floor yet, so each team member is asked to pick a single favorite rifle encountered so far. Those individual choices together form the “top five” list. The plan is to track down different staff members, including on-camera and behind-the-camera crew, and capture their quick reactions and reasoning. The emphasis is on what stands out immediately in terms of design, features, and shooting experience rather than a full technical deep dive.
Matt names the LWRCI IC9 as his favorite rifle so far at SHOT Show 2026. He explains that most 9mm pistol-caliber carbines use a simple straight blowback system, but the IC9 incorporates a delaying system he has not seen before. The chamber has shallow rings cut into it, and when the round is fired, the brass fire-forms into those rings. This fire-forming effect slightly delays extraction of the casing, which in turn smooths out the recoil impulse while still operating essentially as a blowback gun. After shooting it, he describes the recoil as noticeably improved compared to typical 9mm PCCs, making the IC9 stand out on the range.
John highlights a rifle from Shark Code Tactical as his pick. He notes that the maker had previously argued online with Q about building something similar to a Honey Badger and ultimately produced his own version. The rifle, referred to as the Sneaky Pete, is offered with multiple barrel length options and an SD-style handguard. It is sold as a complete package, coming already equipped with an optic, weapon light, pressure pad, angled forward grip, and suppressor. The platform is available in .300 Blackout, 5.56, or 9mm, with different barrel length configurations depending on the chosen setup. John is impressed that it arrives fully kitted from the factory with these accessories installed.
Grant discusses his favorite rifle from the show, a new variant of the Barrett MRAD. While the MRAD itself is already familiar, this version is designed to break down into a compact, backpack-friendly package. The barrel can be removed, and the stock can be collapsed and folded so the rifle becomes extremely compact for transport. Grant emphasizes that despite the reduced size when stowed, it remains a full MRAD system once assembled. He describes it as a true backpack gun, small enough to fit into a typical backpack while retaining the MRAD’s core characteristics. For him, this collapsible configuration is the standout feature at SHOT Show 2026.
Eliza, attending her first SHOT Show, struggles to narrow her choice to a single rifle and instead mentions three standouts. One is a Griffin Armament 11.5-inch rifle chambered in 5.56, which she clearly likes but does not elaborate on in detail. She also mentions the Q Megaix in larger calibers, noting its unusually large butt pad and describing it as a bolt-action rifle that she finds appealing. Her third pick is the Geissele GFW in .300 Blackout, equipped with a collapsible stock. She describes the Geissele as sleek and visually striking. Overall, she conveys that these rifles differ from one another but each offers something distinctive that caught her attention.
To round out the list, the host selects the Daniel Defense X1 as a personal favorite. He notes that there is a dedicated video on the main channel covering it in more depth, but summarizes the key features here. The rifle uses a stainless steel barrel that is wrapped in carbon fiber to help manage heat. It also includes a shroud around a HuxWrx 5.56K suppressor, integrating the suppressor into the overall profile of the rifle. Inside, it features a DLC-coated bolt carrier group that he describes as visually impressive. He mentions that availability may be limited and that the model might be intended for the British market, encouraging viewers to check the separate video for more details.
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