SHOT Show 2026 brought together manufacturers, distributors and retailers from across the global firearms industry, highlighting new product development, policy engagement and continued collaboration across the trade, with clear relevance for UK businesses operating internationally.
The 48th annual SHOT Show concluded in Las Vegas after drawing more than 53,000 industry professionals from all 50 US states and 126 countries, reaffirming its position as the global meeting point for the firearms, hunting and shooting sports trade. Owned and operated by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the event occupied more than 834,500 net square feet across The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, with 2,744 exhibitors representing the full spectrum of target shooting, hunting, outdoor recreation, personal defence and law enforcement sectors.
For UK distributors and retailers engaged in international trade, the show remains one of the most influential fixtures in the exhibition calendar, offering direct access to manufacturers, emerging product lines and strategic partners.
Chris Dolnack, senior vice president and chief customer officer at NSSF, described the week as one marked by consistent activity and commercial engagement, noting that exhibitor stands and aisles remained busy throughout the show, with meetings, product discussions and partnership conversations reflecting a strong level of confidence across the industry.
Revenue generated from the show supports programmes including Project ChildSafe, Operation Secure Store, FixNICS and Don’t Lie for the Other Guy, all positioned under the association’s Real Solutions. Safer Communities framework.
NSSF president and CEO Joe Bartozzi emphasised the broader impact of attendance and participation, noting that exhibitors and visitors play a direct role in sustaining year-round efforts to protect industry interests, expand participation and promote responsible ownership.
“SHOT Show is more than a trade show — it is a powerful platform that supports our industry’s future while advancing important initiatives that benefit communities across the country,” he said.
Feedback from exhibitors and attendees throughout the week reflected a consistent theme: the importance of SHOT Show as a relationship-driven environment where strategic decisions are shaped. Representatives from across manufacturing, distribution and retail sectors described the event as a focal point for aligning business direction, strengthening partnerships and identifying new opportunities. Several exhibitors highlighted the value of face-to-face engagement in an industry where trust and long-term collaboration remain central to commercial success.
Leadership and policy engagement were again prominent features of the 2026 programme. The Fifth Annual Governors’ Forum brought together seven US state governors to discuss strategies for attracting and retaining firearms-related businesses, focusing on regulatory frameworks, economic incentives and workforce development. Alongside this, the Third Annual Attorneys General Forum encouraged dialogue on legal developments affecting Second Amendment rights and commercial operations.
Federal representation further underlined the event’s policy relevance. Senior officials, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, White House Counsel David Warrington and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, attended meetings with industry leaders, observing the scale and professionalism of the sector while discussing regulatory and compliance issues affecting manufacturers and dealers.
Education remained a core pillar of the week. Retailers, range operators and law enforcement professionals participated in a wide range of training sessions delivered through SHOT University, the Law Enforcement Education Program and export and compliance workshops. These sessions provided practical guidance on operational efficiency, regulatory adherence and evolving consumer expectations, reinforcing the show’s role as a professional development platform.
A notable addition to this year’s programme was a Suicide Prevention Town Hall, reflecting ongoing collaboration between NSSF, the US Department of Veterans Affairs and public health organisations. The session focused on awareness, available resources and the role industry stakeholders can play in supporting prevention efforts. Speakers emphasised that shared responsibility and open dialogue can contribute to positive outcomes across communities.
Beyond the exhibition halls, SHOT Week events continued to generate engagement and momentum. Industry Day at the Range provided media and buyers with hands-on access to new firearms and accessories, while the Supplier Showcase connected more than 600 third-party suppliers with manufacturers seeking to strengthen production capabilities and streamline supply chains.
The New Product Center again drew strong attention from attendees, offering early visibility of developments across optics, accessories and shooting equipment. For many retailers and distributors, the area serves as a practical forecasting tool, helping identify emerging trends and product categories likely to influence demand in the year ahead.
The show also acknowledged individual contributions to the industry. Olympic shooter Kim Rhode received the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her longstanding advocacy for shooting sports and continued engagement with the trade.
Opening night celebrations included a drone display marking America’s 250th anniversary, symbolically linking the industry’s heritage with its forward-looking focus. Organisers positioned the event as a reminder of the sector’s economic contribution and its role in supporting outdoor traditions and recreational participation.
From a trade perspective, SHOT Show 2026 reinforced several ongoing themes: increased collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers, growing emphasis on compliance and education, and sustained interest in product innovation across multiple categories. Retailers reported strong engagement with suppliers, while exhibitors noted continued demand for solutions that balance performance, safety and regulatory requirements.
Looking ahead, plans are already underway for the 49th edition of the event, scheduled to return to Las Vegas in January 2027. For the global trade community, including UK distributors and retailers, SHOT Show remains a key barometer of industry direction, providing early insight into commercial trends, policy developments and technological advancements that will shape the year to come.
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