FOG HORN

January 23, 2026

48th Show Closes With Big Crowds, Big Deals, Big Innovation

LAS VEGAS — The 48th annual SHOT Show^®, owned and operated by NSSF^®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, concluded today after an action-packed week that energized more than 53,000 industry professionals. Held across The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, this year’s SHOT Show saw attendees from all 50 states and 126 countries, reaffirming its role as the industry’s global epicenter for innovation and commerce.

With 2,744 exhibitors spanning 834,500-plus net square feet — including the full spectrum of target shooting, hunting, outdoor recreation, personal defense and law enforcement sectors — the 2026 SHOT Show demonstrated the strength of the firearm industry at every turn.

“This was a SHOT Show for the ages,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “It was a week of nonstop movement, meetings and momentum. Every aisle was packed, every booth was buzzing and every conversation felt important. This is where business gets done, where ideas launch and where the industry shows just how strong — and united — it really is.”

Beyond the show floor, the SHOT Show generates a lasting impact. As a trade-only event, it fuels NSSF’s purpose to advocate, educate and communicate on behalf of the industry. Revenue from the show helps fund NSSF’s hallmark initiatives — from Project ChildSafe^® and Operation Secure Store^® to its suicide prevention program “Have a Brave Conversation,” FixNICS^® and Don’t Lie for the Other Guy™ — all parts of Real Solutions. Safer Communities.^®

“Each person who attends or exhibits at the SHOT Show plays a vital role in shaping the future of our industry,” said NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. “Their presence here supports the critical work we do year-round to advocate on behalf of our industry, grow participation and make our communities safer. We thank everyone in attendance for helping to fuel our mission.”

Sentiments from the Show Floor

“The firearm industry is evolving now more than ever,” said Adam Ruonala, VP of Sales and Marketing at Canik. “The tides are shifting and there always needs to be a center point to help companies stay focused. The SHOT Show is that lighthouse and in 2026 it is shining bright.”

“SHOT Show is the heartbeat of the firearms industry. It’s where we get to connect face-to-face with the manufacturers and dealers who actually move this industry forward,” said Elliot Aquila, CMO of Silencer Shop. “We’re proud to be here building the relationships that make Silencer Shop what it is.”

“The quality of connections, customer interactions and collaborative opportunities we gain at SHOT Show surpass every other event we attend,” said Buck Holly Founder and CEO of C&H Precision. “If you are serious about operating in this industry, this is not an optional event. You need to be here.”

“The SHOT Show is the center of gravity for our strategy and helps guide how we execute it throughout the year. What we hear and learn here plays a direct role in how we move forward,” said Rick Elder, CEO of HUXWRX Safety Co.

“The SHOT Show is truly the highest concentration of resources in the industry, and it serves as an invaluable asset to our company,” said Jim West, Co-founder and CEO of Lake Erie Arms. “I look forward to taking the ideas and information back to the rest of my team to implement new strategies, helping us continue to grow our business and improve efficiency.”

“Being a first-time exhibitor here at the SHOT Show has been phenomenal for us. The new friendships and relationships we’ve made so far will accelerate our brand’s growth,” said Thunlwyn Garcia of Elos Thermal. “It’s been super informative and we’re definitely going to come back next year.”

 Leadership, Education and Collaboration

This year’s SHOT Show again brought together state and national leaders for high-level discussions on policy and progress. The Fifth Annual Governors’ Forum hosted seven U.S. governors, who shared strategies to attract and retain firearm businesses in their states. The Third Annual Attorneys General Forum fostered legal dialogue around preserving Second Amendment rights.

In addition to state leadership, SHOT Show 2026 welcomed senior federal officials, underscoring the event’s importance as a forum for direct engagement between industry leaders and policymakers. Attendees included U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, White House Counsel David Warrington, and U.S. Assistant AG for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, who met with industry stakeholders and observed firsthand the scale, professionalism and economic impact of the firearm, hunting and outdoor sectors.

Retailers, range operators and law enforcement professionals attended dozens of training sessions through SHOT University™, the Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) and export and compliance courses — gaining actionable knowledge to drive success and ensure compliance in a dynamic market.

A new highlight this year was the Suicide Prevention Town Hall, a powerful addition to NSSF’s ongoing efforts in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the suicide prevention community. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins delivered opening remarks at the event, which was followed by a panel of suicide prevention experts and firearm industry representatives who shared how the industry and the firearm-owning community can make a difference and save lives.

“Suicide is preventable. We have materials, we have resources. I want the industry to know, there is something we can do,” Bartozzi said. “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

SHOT Week Highlights

Events held throughout SHOT Week^® added even more momentum. The NSSF/HAVA Golf Classic raised funds for Honored American Veterans Afield, while Industry Day at the Range™ gave media and buyers hands-on access to the newest firearms and gear.

The Supplier Showcase returned stronger than ever, connecting more than 600 OEM third-party suppliers with manufacturers to streamline the supply chain and spark product development.

This year’s SHOT Show opened with a powerful nod to America’s 250th anniversary. An unforgettable “Celebration of Freedom” drone show lit up the Las Vegas sky on opening night, honoring America’s heritage and symbolizing the industry’s enduring commitment to preserving constitutional rights and outdoor traditions for future generations.

The New Product Center once again proved to be a magnet for attendees, offering a first look at hundreds of the latest innovations across every category. From cutting-edge optics to next-gen accessories, it served as a launchpad for what’s new and what’s next in the industry.

Kim Rhode, one of the most decorated U.S. Olympic athletes and a lifelong ambassador for the shooting sports was awarded the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award.

Also returning was the Archery Business + Hunting Retailer Pavilion, featuring the latest crossbow and archery innovations for a fast-growing segment of the industry.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

NSSF extends its deepest appreciation to all this year’s sponsors. Their support enhances every aspect of the SHOT Show, from networking events to on-site resources, and plays a vital role in the show’s success.

Save the Date

Plans are already underway for the 49th SHOT Show, returning to Las Vegas January 19–22, 2027. For updates and exhibitor information, visit SHOTShow.org.



About NSSF

NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.

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