SHOT Show 2026 Recap
Our First SHOT Show and What Actually Stood Out

SHOT Show is always described as overwhelming. After attending SHOT Show 2026 for the first time, we can confirm that description is spot on. Thousands of booths, nonstop conversations, and more firearms and gear than any one person can realistically process in a few days.

This was our first year at SHOT Show, and it felt like getting dropped straight into the deep end of the firearms industry. We handled literally hundreds of guns, talked directly with manufacturers, met people we’ve followed online for years, and ended each day exhausted in the best possible way.

A few things became very clear very quickly.

2011s and Suppressors Were Everywhere

If there were two things you could not escape at SHOT Show 2026, it was 2011s and suppressors.

The 2011 platform is absolutely exploding. Every aisle seemed to have another manufacturer showing off their version. Entry level options, mid tier builds, competition focused guns, and ultra premium setups were everywhere. The variety was impressive and honestly a little overwhelming.

Suppressors were just as dominant. With the tax stamp officially at $0 starting January 1, 2026, suppressors were front and center across the show. Manufacturers clearly know that a wave of first time suppressor buyers is coming, and they’re positioning themselves accordingly with lighter designs, simpler mounting systems, and more approachable pricing.

First Time SHOT Show Perspective

Being at SHOT Show for the first time really changes how you look at firearms.

Spec sheets and YouTube reviews only tell part of the story. When you handle hundreds of guns back to back, you start noticing things that don’t show up on camera. Balance. Texture. Trigger feel. Small details that separate good from great.

One big realization stood out.

The difference between a $500 gun and a $1000 gun is not that big.

There are definitely improvements in materials, triggers, and refinement, but the gap is smaller than most people expect. Many $500 guns today are incredibly capable, reliable, and well built.

Now the jump to a $5000 gun is different.

A $5000 gun is amazing. The fit, finish, trigger, and overall feel are on another level. But it should be. At that price, it better be amazing. SHOT Show really drives home the idea that diminishing returns are real, and value matters more than price tags.

Pistols That Stood Out

Bersa M2XI

This one genuinely surprised us.

Bersa continues to quietly improve their lineup, and the M2XI felt solid, balanced, and far better than most people expect. Comfortable grip, good trigger feel, and overall quality that punches above its price point.

LFA Apollo 11

Another pistol that really stood out was the LFA Apollo 11.

This is a 2011 style pistol that delivers a lot of features at a very aggressive price point. The upgraded aluminum grip noticeably improves fitment and overall feel in the hand, especially compared to entry level polymer grip 2011s. The grip felt solid and well contoured, not blocky or cheap.

The ported barrel was another highlight. Considering this comes in at under $1000, it really reinforces how competitive the mid tier 2011 space has become.

Glock 19 Gen 6

It’s a Glock. It works.

The Gen 6 updates were refinements improved texture and subtle ergonomic changes. Nothing revolutionary, but Glock fans will be perfectly happy. If you already like Glocks, this doesn’t change much. If you don’t, it probably won’t convert you.

RXM

We handled the RXM for the first time and it just didn’t leave a strong impression. Ergonomics are personal, and while it may work great for some shooters, it didn’t stand out among the hundreds of pistols we handled.

Rifles Worth Talking About

Tikka T3X UPR

One of our favorite rifles of the entire show.

If you’ve never run a Tikka action, it’s something you have to feel to understand. The T3X UPR is smooth, accurate, well balanced, and clearly built for shooters who actually spend time behind a rifle.

Sako S20 Precision

Think of Sako as the Lexus to Tikka’s Toyota.

Higher price point, exceptional refinement, and a 1 MOA guarantee. Everything about Sako rifles feels intentional the moment you pick them up.

The action on the Sako S20 Precision is like butter. Running it back to back with other factory rifles makes the difference obvious. There’s less resistance, less mechanical noise, and a smoother, more controlled bolt throw.

ARs and Triggers

RISE Armament Rev 535 Slide and Snap AR Trigger

This trigger was genuinely impressive.

Toolless installation, drop in design, and a clean break. If you’ve ever swapped an AR trigger and spent way too long chasing springs around your floor, this is the kind of upgrade that makes sense.

Suppressors and a New Player

Suppressors were impossible to ignore at SHOT Show 2026.

With the $0 tax stamp now in effect, manufacturers are clearly preparing for a surge in new buyers. Lighter designs, simpler mounting systems, and more budget friendly options were everywhere.

One of the most interesting new entries was Lyman Sonicore Suppressors.

Instead of chasing premium price tags, Lyman focused on accessibility. Sonicore suppressors are expected to retail around $300, which is a big deal. That price alone is going to bring a lot of new shooters into the suppressor space.

Early impressions were solid. Simple, practical design from a company with a long history in the firearms world. If performance matches expectations, this could be one of the most disruptive suppressor launches in years.

The Human Side of SHOT Show

One of the coolest parts of SHOT Show was seeing and meeting some of our favorite YouTubers in person. It’s always a little surreal seeing people you’ve watched for years just casually walking the floor like everyone else.

We also ate some great food, walked miles every day, and were reminded repeatedly that Vegas is wildly overpriced. Everything costs too much, portions are weird, and somehow you’re still hungry again two hours later.

But that’s part of the experience.

Final Thoughts From Our First SHOT Show

SHOT Show 2026 was exhausting, eye opening, and absolutely worth it.

Handling hundreds of guns back to back really sharpens your perspective on value, quality, and what actually matters. The industry is in a good place right now. Better guns at lower prices, more accessible suppressors, and more options than ever before.

Our biggest takeaway from our first SHOT Show is simple.

You don’t need the most expensive gun to get something great. But if you’re paying top tier prices, it better be top tier quality.

More reviews, suppressor coverage, and buying guides are coming soon.

Stay safe and shoot straight,

Dominic and Dian – Blackbox Ballistics