SHOT Show 2026 Top 5 and Everything Else we Liked

Another SHOT Show has come and gone and we were there for the week checking everything out to establish new relationships, connect with existing ones, and learn about gear to better inform you. This year it took 85,000 steps to see it all!

Our Top 5

5. Rise Triggers. Yea, we know there is nothing much new here. Rise makes excellent triggers at a fantastic price point. But the Rev 535 is worth mentioning for having such a clean, crisp break at a great pull weight. And the 2 stage Iconic is an interesting take on two stage design with the 2 piece trigger acting like a pistol trigger and the safety lever being stage 1. Terrifically executed.

4. New Unity Axon switches for Raid Xe lasers with vis-override functionality. We know the night vision market isn't for everyone, but one of the longstanding shortcomings of Unity switches is the ability to use VO on the LAMs that have it. The new switch for the Raid does require the Unity junction box, but both should be available this quarter. Now you can activate vis laser with white light regardless of the mode you're on. Very handy.

3. Acelink RF2 plates. Piggy backing onto last year's amazing light weight RF1 plates, the new RF2 offers Level 3+ protection (stops multiple hits from green tip) at just 3.3lbs per plate. That is incredible weight savings. If you don't need green tip protection, then the RF1s clock in at just 2.2lbs per plate. Incredible and priced along the lines of existing level 3+ plates.

2. FN 309. This new entry level 9mm pistol is geared towards newer shooters or those with less dexterity and hand strength than others. It's comfortable to hold, easy to rack, has normal capacity mags, and features a decent trigger because of an internal hammer type system. It's sized like a G19 or M&P 2.0 so it will be easier to control than a sub compact. Expect street price to be about $450.

1. Alpha Foxtrot Romulus. These 2011 style pistols haven't been around too long yet, but they offer amazing value for someone looking to upgrade their handgun arsenal. They punch way above their price point and we put them above the Prodigies, Apachies, Kimber's new 1911DS, and the various Turkish options out there. They feature extended controls, have comped or uncomped options, and have a very slick action with crisp controls that almost nothing in this range can compete with. Retailing around $1500, they are extremely hard to beat.

Honorable mentions

The updated Benelli Montefeltro 12ga. This is one of the top upland game guns on the market and Benelli recently updated them with newer ergos, porting, engraving options, so not only do they look very nice, they point and shoot better than most in this class.

Ambient Arms suppressors. If you haven't seen the vids, these cans remain skin and clothing safe under "match style shooting" levels. They utilize a very unique air intake system to regular temps and still have sufficient levels of hearing protection. Titanium and Inconel versions available.

The other stuff

Oracle Arms 2311s are still pretty nice with new pro models available. They are a great option if jumping into the 2011 world and they take 320 mags.

UF Pro clothing is comparable to Beyond or Outdoor Research quality with a solid layering system for all-weather protection. Goretex fabrics and other professional level materials.

Henry SPD Hush rifles. These things are incredibly light (carbon fiber barrels) and are designed to be shot suppressed. They can be fielded easily with their shorter barrels and running a suppressor just makes it handle like a normal rifle.

The Sig 211 was just OK. The grip feels wider from front to back than most others in this class, making the controls a little harder to reach. It looks cool and has a decent action though.

Zermat Walz 9 was fantastic. It resembles a Glock/2011 hybrid and reeks of quality. It's a striker fired, roller delayed design on a steel chassis, so recoil should be very low compared to most pistols.

The PSA Sabre 11 (another 2011 style pistol) is a decent entry level option but the $2k price seems high for what you get.

Nightforce NX6 scopes. Same NF quality with some changes. These are designed to bring out maximum color and movement for hunters and 2 gun competitors. The reticles are well-thought out and the price is good, but we thought the eye boxes were tighter than others, especially on the 2-12.

Kimber 1911DS. More of a traditional 9mm 1911 but with double stack mags, this thing was decent and featured a smooth enough action, but the real deal here is the $1k price point.

The Glock Gen 6's feel much better in the hand but overall, it still feels and shoots like a Glock.

Smith's M&P 2.0 Metal HD was excellent. We like the M&P series a lot and the new HD's steel frame adds significant weight. We'd bet recoil is tamed and shots are on target with the 5" barrel. These feel awesome in the hand.

The Imperator 2011 is less than a year old and offers a very high quality option that falls between the Staccato and Atlas price points. Hand fit slides, aluminum grip modules, and a very sleek design make these a great option for shooters looking to pay up for quality.

Beretta's 20 gauge 1301 is the same greatness in a lighter package and it's going to make an excellent HD option. It handles very well.

Kenetrek boots have been one of the top options for sportsmen and the working man for a long time. We reviewed the full line, including the tactical options, and believe these to be one of the best boots you can buy for durability, support, and waterproofing with their "one-piece leather" design. They run in that $400-600 range, but you'll have them for life with their awesome warranty and repair services.

Lastly, the Atrius Super Safety Triggers are crazy. Hard to believe these things are legal. These 3 position safeties work with most AR triggers and force the trigger to reset after each shot. Compared to most binary triggers and FRTs out there, these offer a sleek option easy to use.