SHOT Show 2026: The New Products That Truly Matter to Hunters
- Hans ARC
- Jan 23
- 6 min read
Held in late January 2026 in Las Vegas, the SHOT Show once again confirmed its status as the primary global trendsetter for the hunting and firearms industry. It is where manufacturers showcase what they plan to sell as “new” for the coming season—and, occasionally, what actually represents meaningful progress.
For European hunters, the SHOT Show has always been a two-sided affair. One part of the show is clearly driven by U.S.-specific realities: local hunting traditions, caliber preferences, and regulatory frameworks. The other part, however, is globally relevant—because it addresses universal challenges faced by hunters everywhere: weight, ergonomics, durability, and intuitive operation.
The Red Thread of 2026: Field Practicality Beats Trade-Show Theater
Ergonomics take center stage. Tool-free stock adjustments, improved shooting geometry, and compatibility with modern optics are no longer optional—they are expected.
Weight and handling matter more than ever, especially for mountain and spot-and-stalk hunters. Carbon stocks, carbon-wrapped barrels, and complete lightweight systems are now mainstream.
Optics remain optics—but smarter. Screens are not replacing glass. Instead, manufacturers are refining mechanics, reticles, and user interfaces, with optional ballistic assistance where it actually adds value.
Hunting Rifles: New Firearms with Real European Relevance
One of the most notable rifle introductions of SHOT Show 2026 was the Bergara Premier CIMA Pro—a fully carbon-fiber hunting rifle. Manufactured using a specialized autoclave process (pressure- and temperature-cured), the goal is clear: maximum stiffness and precision at minimal weight.
Key features include:
A complete carbon construction (stock and barrel)
An updated TriggerTech trigger as a premium component
A newly engineered bidirectional muzzle brake
The CIMA Pro clearly strikes a chord with European hunters. Anyone hunting in the Alps, mid-mountain ranges, or on extended spot-and-stalk outings knows that every gram counts. At the same time, hunters are unwilling to accept fragile ultralight rifles. The CIMA Pro is designed to withstand harsh weather, steep terrain, backpacks, and real hunting abuse—not just range use.
Also newly visible for 2026 is the Platinum Stalker line, which Bergara positions as a bridge between traditional hunting aesthetics and modern manufacturing quality.
Early descriptions emphasize features that resonate strongly in Europe:
Laminated wood stock (classic appearance, modern stability)
Fluted stainless-steel barrel
Internal magazine, avoiding any tactical look
In short, this is the type of hunting rifle that often performs better in Europe than in the U.S.—classic without being outdated. For hunters seeking a rifle that doesn’t look like a competition tool but still delivers modern precision, the Platinum Stalker offers a compelling concept, provided European configurations are made available.
Savage modernized its long-standing Model 110 platform with a clear objective: perfect fit without tools.
The new AccuFit V2 system with Quick Set Dial (QSD) allows hunters to adjust:
Length of pull
Comb height
On select models: interchangeable grip modules (small / medium / large)
American Hunter highlighted the update as “Hot from SHOT”, noting MSRPs ranging from $799 to $1,949, depending on configuration.
Why this matters—especially in Europe:
Many hunters invest thousands in optics, suppressors, and mounts, yet shoot rifles that only roughly fit. In reality, proper stock fit is one of the biggest contributors to practical accuracy. Savage turns this into a factory standard—no spacers, no tools, no gunsmith.
For hunters in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where seasonal clothing dramatically changes shooting posture, this approach is far more relevant than many realize.
Browning presented a broad lineup of the BAR MK 4, including:
Left-hand versions
Multiple hunting configurations (stock materials, finishes, magazine options)
American Hunter highlighted the BAR MK4 Composite Left-Hand, with an MSRP of $1,709.99, noting that many hunters welcomed the return of the BAR.
Browning also expanded its X-Bolt 2 line with new caliber options, including .22 Creedmoor and .25 Creedmoor.
Whether semi-automatic rifles are widely used for hunting in Europe depends heavily on national laws and tradition. Technically, however, the BAR’s return sends a clear signal: Browning believes in fast follow-up shots and proven reliability. The strong focus on left-handed shooters is more than a detail—it is genuine product care for an often-overlooked group.
Seekins Precision remains a niche brand in Europe, but its 2026 innovations matter conceptually.
Described by Outdoor Life as a fully modular, caliber-conversion system, the SIC features:
Carbon barrel
Tool-less three-lug bolt
Weight around 15 lb 5 oz
A very high price point (clearly not a mass-market rifle)
GunsAmerica emphasized that each caliber kit includes dedicated components (barrel, bolt head, magazine interface) to maintain reliable feeding and function.
For most European hunters, the SIC won’t be a buying decision—but the idea behind it will trickle down: factory-configured systems, fewer aftermarket compromises, and modular logic built in from the start.
Shotguns: 2026 Is the Year of the True All-Rounder
Browning expanded the Citori 825 family with:
Sporting and Field versions
Small Gauge models
Adjustable-comb stocks
Left-hand options
Outdoor Life described these as a logical evolution of a platform that already performed strongly in previous seasons. For European upland and mixed-bag hunters, expanded configuration options often matter more than entirely new models.
Beretta introduced the A300 Ultima in two classic Mossy Oak patterns—Original Bottomland and Original Shadow Grass—in both 12 and 20 gauge.
American Hunter listed an MSRP of $1,079, with Beretta positioning the model squarely for the upcoming waterfowl season.
While camouflage is less of a buying factor in Europe, multiple configurations usually indicate technical maturity and strong market demand. Given Beretta’s established European presence, selected variants are likely to appear in EU markets.
Optics: Two 2026 Introductions with Strong EU Potential
Burris described the 2026 Veracity line as a complete redesign, not a cosmetic update. Improved optical performance, refined ergonomics, and new hunting-focused features define the platform. The Veracity PH introduces a “dial-to-distance” concept, offering ballistic assistance via optional app integration.
For European hunters—often skeptical of excessive electronics—this strikes a careful balance: traditional scope feel with optional smart support.
Trijicon unveiled the AccuPoint 1–8×24, emphasizing its new Hunter Holds MOA reticle and the versatility of a true 1× to 8× magnification range.
Crucially, Trijicon continues to highlight its battery-free illumination concept. For many hunters, this translates into peace of mind: less technology anxiety, more reliability in the field.
Accessories: The Quiet Game-Changers
Millennium introduced the DeadLock Carbon Shooting Stick Tripod, a carbon-fiber tripod designed not only for shooting, but also for optics and observation. Reports highlight its Vise Head with:
Three-axis leveling
Interchangeable mounting systems (Arca, Picatinny, saddle)
A Year of Substance and Honesty
SHOT Show 2026 did not deliver flashy gimmicks. Instead, it delivered honest improvements for real hunting: better-fitting rifles, practical optics, versatile shotguns, and accessories that solve real problems.
These are not gadgets—they are tools for the field, whether in the mountains, on driven hunts, from the stand, or in waterfowl marshes.
International Stage: Austrian and German Manufacturers at SHOT Show 2026
The SHOT Show 2026 also featured a strong German-speaking European presence, particularly within the IWA Pavilion, a joint presentation of established European brands with international reach.
A total of 12 German companies exhibited, including Steyr Arms, Schmidt & Bender, Anschütz, Double Alpha, Spohr/STP, Ballistol, and others—brands widely respected in the European hunting and shooting community.
Additional exhibitors from Austria and other European countries further underlined the strong connection between the SHOT Show and IWA OutdoorClassics, reinforcing the transatlantic link between the U.S. and European hunting industries.
SHOT Show at a Glance
The SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show) is the world’s largest trade-only event for hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor equipment. Organized by the NSSF, the 48th SHOT Show took place from January 20–23, 2026, across the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
With over 2,800 exhibitors, nearly 80,000 square meters of exhibition space, approximately 22.5 kilometers of aisles, and more than 54,000 industry professionals, the SHOT Show sets global trends that—often with a time delay—ultimately shape hunting practice in Europe as well.