Best Guns of SHOT Show 2026

SHOT Show 2026 has come and gone, and Pew Pew Tactical was on the ground, checking out all the cool, new guns the industry had to offer.

Keep reading as we walk you through some of our team’s favorite pistols, rifles, and shotguns of SHOT Show!

Best Guns of SHOT

1. Palmetto State Armory AXR Series

Palmetto State Armory always brings the heat when it comes to the SHOT Show, and this year was no exception. They released so many new products, it was tough to keep track!

One of the many things we saw that caught our eye, though, was the new AXR lineup.

It operates as an ecosystem, more or less, that allows users to build and customize as they see fit, all around one platform. That means you can mix and match components to configure the gun for specific roles or just for funsies.

The lineup includes rifles, SBRs, shotguns, handguns, and PDWs.

The plan is to eventually offer stripped versions, accessories, and attachments to give shooters total control over their builds.

We're pretty big fans of PSA (we've reviewed almost every gun), so we can't wait to check these out!

2. FN SCAR

SCAR 17 S Specs

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor, 7.62 NATO
• Action: Semi-automatic, piston
• Capacity: 10+1, 20+1
• Barrel Length: 16.25”
• Overall Length: 36” – 38.5”
• Weight: 8.9 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA
• MSRP: $3,999

After dying in the Fall, the SCAR series was resurrected for SHOT Show! The second generation of the popular series made its debut at Industry Range Day.

Though the SCAR series keeps to the iconic look, FN says the guns sport more than 24 changes.

While shooting it at the range, we noticed smoother shooting, reduced recoil, improved trigger, and a normal AR-style pistol grip. We walked away pretty impressed with the overall redesign!

In addition to some shooting upgrades, the SCAR will also get threads for direct mounting a suppressor (1/2×28 on the SCAR 16S, 5/8×24 on the SCAR 17S and SCAR 20S) -- a bonus given the industry's recent suppressor boom.

We'll no doubt get the new SCAR in hand and have a full review on site soon! So keep checking back for updates!

3. Zev Technologies FDP

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-automatic, striker
• Capacity: 21+1
• Optic Footprint: Picatinny
• Barrel Length: 7”
• Overall Length: 10.75” (folded), 20.13” (unfolded)
• Weight: 3.25 lbs
• MSRP: $1,699 

Few things get SHOT Show buzzing like a video game or Hollywood creation that’s come to life. That’s exactly what happened when Magpul and Zev Technologies combined forces to create the Zev Folding Deployment Platform, or FDP.

The FDP folds into a neat little box – those of you from the 1900s will recognize it as roughly VHS-sized.

Speaking of Blockbuster, you’ll feel like a big-screen action hero when you flick the release and watch the FDP spring into its full form.

The pistol grip holds a 21-round Magpul PMAG 21 GL9 with 21 rounds of 9mm (the FDP ships with two mags). Rack the slide with either of the folding, ambidextrous charging handles and send rounds on a short trip down the 7-inch barrel.

The carry handle has built-in sights, but you can also remove it to mount a red dot on the exposed Picatinny rail.

Are there more practical ways to protect yourself for $1,699? Sure, but none are cooler – or more fun.

4. OA Defense 2311 Compact Pro Elite

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-automatic, single action
• Capacity: 15+1, 17+1
• Optic Footprint: DeltaPoint Pro, RMR, RMSc (adapter plates)
• Barrel Length: 4.25”
• Overall Length: 7.75”
• Country of Origin: USA 
• MSRP: $~2,500

The ultra-slick OA Defense 2311 impressed SHOT Show attendees last year. This year, they dropped a compact version – the OA Defense 2311 Compact Pro Elite – with all the bells and whistles.

Everything about this pistol screams high-end performance.

Highlights include a billet aluminum frame and grip; ported barrel; Dawson Precision sights and red dot adapter plates; and tight tolerances that make this pistol feel like a million bucks to shoot.

Speaking of precise manufacturing, OA Defense integrated carefully-placed debris clearance channels to help the 2311 Compact Pro Eite run more like a workhorse pistol than a finicky competition gun.

Several of the Pew Pew Tactical crew got to try the 2311 Compact Pro Elite at Industry Range Day, and it did not disappoint!

5. Henry SPD Predator

Specs

• Caliber: .223 Rem 
• Action: Lever action
• Capacity: 10+1
• Optic Footprint: Picatinny 
• Barrel Length: 18”
• Overall Length: 38”
• Weight: 6.2 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA 
• MSRP: $2,510

Think lever-action rifles are old-fashioned? The new Henry SPD Predator might change your mind – for a hefty price.

This rifle comes to us from Henry’s Special Products Division. It feeds .223 Rem from a 10-round detachable magazine and comes with a sub-MOA guarantee. Henry calls it the most accurate lever action ever built.

Highlights include an 18-inch, free-floating, carbon-wrapped barrel; forged carbon fiber Picatinny rail; adjustable laminate stock; adjustable trigger; and a Harris bipod.

Long story short, it’s a prairie dog’s worst nightmare.

What do you think, are lever guns at their best when they harken back to the wild west, or is it high time for something like this?

6. Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol 20ga

• Gauge: 20ga 
• Chamber: 3"
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Capacity: 7+1
• Optic Footprint: Picatinny
• Barrel Length: 19.1"
• Overall Length: 38"
• Weight: 6 lbs
• Country of Origin: USA
• MSRP: $1,299

Despite it being 500 years of Beretta, there was really only one gun that caught our eye at range day -- the A300 Ultima Patrol in 20 gauge.

We previously reviewed the A300 Ultima in 12-gauge, but also really liked the new 20-gauge configuration when we got our hands on it at SHOT.

The 20-gauge version is pretty much the same as the 12-gauge, but with a slightly larger bolt handle and bolt release. This modification makes using it a little easier, especially if you're gloved up.

The A300 Ultima also uses Beretta's Kick-Off recoil system. This system looks to bring shooters more stability, comfort, and control while shooting.

It was a smooth shooter at range, and the lightweight build made it fast for target acquisition.

7. CZ 75 Legend

Specs

• Caliber:  9mm
• Action: Semi-auto, hammer
• Capacity: 16+1
• Optic Footprint: None
• Barrel Length: 4.5"
• Overall Length: 8.1"
• Weight: 41 oz
• Country of Origin: Czech Republic

CZ kicked it old school with the CZ 75 Legend -- a reintroduction of the iconic, original CZ 75.

Unlike other companies that bring back their retro designs with new updates, CZ is giving consumers a replica -- not a modern approach. That means, no optics plates, internal safeties, or any other fancy features modern shooters are used to.

What you get in return is a classic look and feel and a smooth trigger unimpeded by a firing pin block system.

The grip shape is what you expect from the classic -- offering a nice grip angle that gets you right on target.

This is for shooters who want that retro style paired with classic CZ performance.

CZ purists, rejoice!

8. Mossberg Maverick SA

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga 
• Action: Semi-automatic, gas
• Capacity: 5+1 
• Barrel Length: 28” 
• Overall Length: 48.75”
• Weight: 6.5 lbs 
• MSRP: $693

For 2026, the Mossberg Maverick SA is bringing semi-automatic fun to the classic budget scattergun.

By the numbers, it’s a gas-operated 12-gauge with a 3-inch chamber, 28-inch barrel, and 5+1 capacity.

A vent rib barrel topped with a fiber optic front sight should be good for clays and birds alike, and the receiver is drilled and tapped for those of you who want to add a red dot, like the Vortex Viper shotgun enclosed micro red dot.

Save some cash with the black synthetic stock, or step up to satin walnut for $70 more. Both feature removable spacers so you can fine-tune length of pull.

9. Staccato HD C4X

• Caliber: 9x19
• Action: Semi-auto, hammer
• Capacity: 15+1
• Optic Footprint: HOST mounting system
• Barrel Length: 4"
• Overall Length: 7.6"
• Weight: 24.5oz
• MSRP: $3,499+

Staccato's HD series got a new sibling in the HD C4X. The HD C4X adheres to the high-performance abilities of the HD lineup, but brings a comped version for those that want it.

The HD C4X is a compact carry size with a 4-inch barrel and 15-round capacity. It's compatible with Glock-patterned magazines and also opts for the company's HD HOST optic-mounting system to keep things modern.

The integral compensator is designed to reduce recoil and muzzle flip, bringing a smoother shooting experience.

It's fully ambidextrous, so righty or lefty, you can use it, and the grip has been updated to improve overall ergonomics.

Now, we know a lot of you have been asking for an "affordable" Staccato....this isn't it. MSRP starts at $3,499, but with more custom options, your bill can easily top $3,899.

It will be available for purchase starting February 16.

10. CVA Cascade Rimfire

Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Bolt action
• Capacity: 10+1
• Optic Footprint: Picatinny 
• Barrel Length: 18”
• Overall Length: N/A
• Weight: 4.75 (synthetic) 5 lbs (wood)
• MSRP: $399 - $499

CVA, known for its muzzleloaders, recently got into the centerfire rifle game. Now, the brand is expanding into .22 LR rifles with the CVA Cascade Rimfire.

The biggest selling point is the Bergara-designed barrel. If past experience with the Bergara B-14R is any indicator, this should be a very accurate platform.

CVA also gave the Cascade Rimfire a 3-pound trigger, a two-piece Picatinny rail, and a threaded 18-inch barrel.

The 10-round rotary magazines use the Ruger 10/22 magazine design, so you have lots of aftermarket options.

Stock options include gray synthetic, green synthetic, and walnut.

Pricing starts at $399 for the base model and goes up to $499 for the classic version with the walnut stock.

11. Springfield Echelon 4.0FC

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-automatic, striker
• Capacity: 17+1, 20+1
• Optic Ready: Yes, Variable Interface System
• Barrel Length: 4”
• Overall Length: 7.25”
• Weight: 24 oz (flush magazine), 25 oz (extended magazine)
• Country of Origin: Croatia
• MSRP: $710

Springfield expanded the Echelon lineup, announcing the 4.0FC. This model features a compact slide resting on top of a full-size frame.

The goal? Offer more agility and concealability than a standard full-size, but also more grip area and capacity than your typical compact carry gun.

Ergonomically, it felt great -- the adaptive grip texture helps you get a solid grip, and the gas-pedal takedown lever paired with ambi controls and multiple backstrap inserts is a winning package.

We've reviewed the Echelon series in the past and liked it, so the full-size frame + compact slide seems like it will likely be a winner too.

Final Thoughts

The Pew Pew crew always has a blast at SHOT Show, and we can't wait to see these models (and test them out)! Stay tuned for reviews of these guns and more later this year!

What are you most excited to see in 2026? Let us know in the comments below. Want to learn about SHOT Show guns that never made it to market? Check out our article on the Best SHOT Show Vaporware.

Latest Updates

• January 2026: Rewritten with all new products after attending SHOT Show 2026.
• January 2025: Rewritten with all new products after attending SHOT Show 2025.
• January 2024: Rewritten with all new products after attending SHOT Show 2024.