Brandon speaks with Ahmad from Lead & Steel and CORD at SHOT Show 2026 about how the companies have evolved. Lead & Steel began as an online retailer, then moved into weapons manufacturing, and later into electro-optics. As the optics side grew, they created CORD Instruments as a dedicated engineering entity focused on defense electronics and hardware. Optics are now under the CORD name, while Lead & Steel remains a domestic U.S. commercial weapons contractor and retailer. Ahmad notes that inventory control has been challenging with blended sourcing, which pushed them toward more domestic manufacturing. This shift includes new Pandora models and their first optic assembled and machined in Ohio, signaling a stronger emphasis on U.S.-based production while still balancing realistic sourcing constraints.
Ahmad introduces the Pandora PV1, a 1 MOA variant of the second-generation Pandora PB3. It uses a small 10-micron RCD emitter tied to American electronics inside an American-machined 7075-T6 aluminum housing. The optic is assembled in a clean room in Milford Center, Ohio. The PV1 retains the same footprint architecture as previous models, using an Acro footprint with optional RMR capability via a ghost adapter plate that maintains a direct-mill height. Ahmad explains that most components are domestically produced, but glass sourcing is still under review. Current glass uses raw material imported from Germany that is processed in the United States, and they may continue to use Japanese glass as well. A prototype launch is planned for next month, with an expected MSRP around the $800 range and a lower street price, in exchange for user feedback to refine the design before full production.
The Pandora PBK is presented as CORD’s concealed carry-oriented optic for subcompact pistols. It is shown mounted on a customized SIG P365 featuring a trigger from Ram Tactical. The PBK is about 20% smaller in overall dimensions than the PB3, while the usable window is only about 10% smaller, aiming to preserve a generous viewing window in a compact package. It maintains native Acro compatibility and includes an RMSC ghost plate, similar in concept to the RMR ghost adapter plate used on the PB3. The PBK uses a full body-width clamp fastener to increase mounting rigidity compared to the PB3. It ships with two battery caps and two cell options: a low-profile CR1620 that sits flush, and a CR1632 configuration that creates a small “belly bump” on top of the optic. Different cells provide different runtimes, and the design continues CORD’s use of traditional RCD technology with efficient circuitry to extend battery life. The PBK is scheduled to launch on Valentine’s Day.
Ahmad revisits a project the community has been requesting: a modern optic inspired by the Russian OKP7 and OKP77 designs. The prototype, referred to as the OKP, is intended as a spiritual successor rather than a direct copy, built from the ground up using CORD’s engineering resources. It is described as less durable than the LP1 due to its inherent architecture but is positioned as a distinctive, steampunk-style optic. Mounted on a Vityaz-style platform with Russian parts, it uses a standard AAA battery and an internal capacitor, with dedicated night vision and daytime settings. The optic features a large objective lens, nicknamed the Edison lens because of its light bulb-like shape, designed so the fixed, collimated lenses avoid occluding the sight picture. Ahmad notes that this optic may ultimately be released under another brand through a white-label OEM arrangement, but it would still be assembled to CORD’s specifications and technical drawings, with CORD standing behind its quality if it launches around 2026.
The discussion shifts from optics to CORD’s broader defense electronics work, focusing on operational awareness technology planned for 2026. Ahmad demonstrates the High Alert system mounted on a ballistic helmet. The setup uses small modules, roughly the size of an Apple AirTag, placed around an operator. Each module has about a 130-degree receiving angle for infrared energy. During the show, a speaker is attached for demonstration, but the production unit is intended to be silent. When an IR laser or illuminator is directed at the wearer, the system vibrates to indicate the general direction of the source, providing awareness for professionals operating at night. Ahmad notes that ambient infrared from devices like iPhone Face ID can trigger the system in a trade show environment, so it is intended for night operations rather than daytime use. The High Alert concept illustrates CORD’s expansion beyond optics into helmet-mounted situational awareness tools for institutional users.
To close the conversation, Ahmad emphasizes that CORD will continue developing both optics and broader defense hardware, including more operational awareness technology. The Pandora PV1 and PBK represent the current focus on enclosed emitter pistol optics and concealed carry applications, while the OKP-inspired sight and High Alert helmet system preview future directions. Brandon notes that these projects were not previously discussed and expresses interest in seeing how they develop. Ahmad mentions that additional OAT concepts are in the works for upcoming releases. The segment ends with appreciation for the audience’s support and an indication that Classic Firearms will keep following CORD and Lead & Steel as they expand their product lines within the U.S. defense and commercial firearms space.
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