This week we will start our annual SHOT Show Special Edition coverage on Thursday, Jan. 15. We will be publishing two daily editions starting this Thursday and running through the close of SHOT Show on Friday, Jan. 23. There will be a morning edition, at the usual time, and the second edition will go out around noon Eastern Time. The SHOT Show Special Edition will take the place our individual editions and subscribers will receive daily the SHOT Show Special Edition that combines these services.

Please note that we will not be publishing on Monday, Jan. 19 of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday.

The SHOT Show Special Edition will wrap up with a single edition on Monday, Jan. 26. We will return to our regular publishing schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 27. For those of you headed to Las Vegas, we wish you a busy and successful SHOT Show. The Outdoor Wire Digital Network team will be there covering the show so please be sure to say 'Hello' if we cross paths.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. launched its new Storm Warden Rain Jacket and Rain Pant, featuring StormShield waterproof and breathable technology rated to 20K. The premium rainwear system is designed for wet weather conditions with prices starting at $274.99 for the pant and $299.99 for the jacket.

Bass Pro Shops announced a multi-year partnership with the SMX League, making Thunder Ridge at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Missouri the host venue for the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final on September 26. The partnership marks Bass Pro Shops' first foray into offroad motorcycle racing and features elite racers from across the globe.

Brian Hedeen, President of Viridian Weapon Technologies, discussed the company's Weapon-Mounted Camera system on iCrime with Elizabeth Vargas, highlighting how the purpose-built law enforcement tool captured crucial evidence in a Vernon, Texas case that led to successful prosecution.

Range USA, the nation's largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, contributed $25,000 to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC to support candidates dedicated to preserving Constitutional rights and Second Amendment protections ahead of the November 2026 election.

Korth Group LTD., a Canadian distributor in outdoor and shooting industries, announces major expansion including a new Eastern Distribution Center opening in 2026, brand portfolio additions, and leadership team growth. The family-owned company, based in Okotoks, Alberta since 1977, aims to enhance service to national retail partners across Canada.

Christensen Arms announced JP Fischer's appointment as Chief Revenue Officer to oversee revenue-generating functions and strengthen dealer partnerships. Fischer, who previously served as Vice President of Sales at Retay USA, returns to Christensen Arms to drive integrated revenue strategy focused on dealer relationships, channel discipline, and product roadmap alignment.

VKTR Industries relaunches White Label Armory, a retail and e-commerce AR parts manufacturer specializing in barrels, bolt carrier groups, and assembly kits. Led by owner Dave Rybacki and sales manager Bill Vitello with Jones and Co, products are available through Sports South, Kinseys, and Turners Outdoors for commercial and law enforcement markets.

Thomas Thacker has been named Chief Executive Officer of Azimuth Technology, effective January 12, 2026, succeeding co-founder Len Zaiser IV. Thacker, a firearms industry veteran with 30+ years of experience, previously served as Chief Operations Officer and held senior positions at Ammo Inc., Armalite, and FN America.

ATN launches its 6th Generation thermal optics platform featuring advanced 12 μm VOx sensors with ≤15 mK NETD sensitivity, AI-enhanced SharpIR® imaging, and five flagship products including ThOR 6 Elite riflescopes, Odin 6 MFT, and Binox 6 binoculars. The lineup ships in Q1 2026 with preorders available through authorized dealers and ATNCorp.com.

SHIELD Sights launched the OMSx Micro Red Dot Sight, combining the translucent roof design of the OMSsc with the wide viewing window of the RMSx for enhanced brightness and faster target acquisition. The optic features aerospace-grade aluminum construction, automatic brightness adjustment, and will debut at SHOT Show 2026 with an MSRP of $489.99.

EOTECH released the Vudu 4-12x36 First Focal Plane rifle scope, featuring a compact 7.1" design ideal for tactical users. The scope includes illuminated reticle, .1 MRAD adjustments, and a unique mounting interface compatible with mini-ACOG mounts, with deliveries beginning Q1 2026.

Women for Gun Rights announced the formation of its new Advisory Council, featuring Eva Shockey, Mark "Oz" Geist, Jamie Villamor, and Nick Freitas. The council brings national leadership and diverse expertise to advance Second Amendment education and advocacy as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) promoted Dana Wilson to Director of Development and Tanner Lineberry to Associate Director of Marketing. Executive Director Adam Kraut stated these new positions are pivotal for SAF's future growth and ability to advance its strategic litigation program and Second Amendment advocacy.

Walk the Talk America, a nonprofit focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, appointed four new board members: J. Hood, Patrick Bertagna, Shawn Kitchell, and Brandon Roper. The appointments bring diverse expertise in nonprofit strategy, technology, public safety, and executive leadership to strengthen the organization's mission.

Ocufii and The Safe Civilian announced a strategic partnership integrating connected safety technology into protective apparel with the "Ocufii Ready" designation. The companies will debut collaborations at SHOT Show events in Las Vegas, with Ocufii serving as the official Safety Technology Sponsor for Industry Day at the Range on January 19, 2026.

Rob Gearing, Founder and CEO of Spartan Precision Equipment, joins host Michael Waddell on The Michael Waddell Podcast to discuss hunting, firearms ownership in the UK, and how mountain climbing influenced his philosophy on designing precision firearms accessories. 

Hook & Barrel Magazine Founder John J. Radzwilla and professional skateboarder Jason Ellis appeared on the MTNTOUGH Podcast with Founder Dustin Diefenderfer to discuss mental health, sobriety, and Ellis's experience filming the Hook & Barrel short film Skate or Die.

The award-winning "Wildtalk" podcast features Ryan Soulard and Pat Brickel discussing a habitat project at Fish Point State Wildlife Area, followed by segments on snow geese and least shrews. Listeners can enter a wildlife quiz for exclusive podcast mugs by January 15.

TUO launched its new Ryse camouflage pattern designed specifically for whitetail deer hunting. The pattern features a cooler color palette with greys, browns, greens, and yellows, incorporating macro and micro elements with 3D beveling to provide effective concealment across various woodland environments.

MDT announced the release of the TIMBR Core Walnut Stock for Savage 110 Short Action rifles, expanding its TIMBR Core lineup. The stock features an aluminum micro V-Block bedding system, laser texturing, and is compatible with multiple rifle platforms including Remington 700 SA, Ruger American SA, and Tikka T3/T3x SA.

Remington Ammunition announces new shotshell and rimfire products for 2026, including Final Strut turkey loads with tungsten pellets, Royal Flush upland loads with copper-plated payloads, and Performance Wheelgun 22 rimfire ammunition. These products will debut at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Blocker Outdoors unveiled the Finisher Chest Pack Pro, a modular chest pack designed for turkey hunters seeking freedom of movement and convenient gear storage. The pack features MOLLE strips, magnetic pockets, adjustable straps, and optional attachments for calls and accessories, priced at $129.99.

Premier Body Armor announced LEOnline, a law enforcement procurement platform enabling agencies to design custom patrol vests, receive instant quotes, conduct remote fittings with a 30-day guarantee, and receive vests in six weeks. The platform streamlines the traditionally slow armor procurement process for chiefs and quartermasters.

Yankee Hill Machine announced the VICTRA-20, a modular sound suppressor engineered for 20-gauge shotguns, with new Turkey and Skeet choke options for the VICTRA-12. Production begins early 2026, with the V-20 featuring a lightweight modular design and intelligent mounting system compatible with Remington, Mossberg, Browning, Winchester, Beretta, and Benelli shotguns.

Federal Ammunition announces six new handgun ammunition options for 2026, including three Federal Premium Terminal Ascent hunting rounds, new Power-Shok and Punch Personal Defense loads. The products will debut at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, January 20–23.

EOTECH introduced the OGL-C commercial laser system featuring eye-safe visible and IR lasers with IR illumination. Available in Black or Tan, the compact device mounts on rifle handguards and includes co-aligned lasers, adjustable illuminator, and remote capability at $2,999 MSRP.

Zaffiri Precision, a Salvo Technologies company, unveiled the ECHO and ECHO Elite complete uppers for GLOCK pistols, featuring aggressive styling, sharp serrations, and window cuts for reduced weight. The ECHO Elite includes a threaded barrel, upgraded steel backplate, stainless-steel guide rod, and suppressor-height tritium night sights. Both models will be displayed at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas.

Premier Body Armor announces a new V-neck collar option for its Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360, complementing the original crew neck. The V-neck maintains the same 360° Level IIIA ballistic protection while offering improved concealability under professional attire, responding to customer requests from law enforcement, executive protection, and security professionals.

Mossberg introduces the 590R Chisel and 590RM Chisel pump-action shotguns developed in collaboration with Chisel Machining, featuring folding stock mounts, Flat Dark Earth Cerakote receivers, and enhanced ergonomics for tactical and defensive applications.

Knight & Hale Game Calls launches its latest hunting lineup featuring the VersaTube™ tube call developed with World Goose Call Champion Harold Knight, the Ol' Yeller Box Call, and the Pretty Girl™ Decoy Series. These products offer hunters versatility, realism, and performance for turkey and goose hunting success.

German Precision Optics (GPO USA) launched the GPO Carbon Fiber Tripod, an ultra-lightweight tripod weighing 2.62 lbs. with a 33 lb. load capacity. The aerospace-grade carbon composite tripod folds to 13.8 inches and extends to 59.8 inches, featuring a convertible monopod leg and integrated ball head for precision shooting and backpacking at $199.99 MSRP.

Firearms News marks its 80th anniversary with the January 2026 issue, featuring Editor-in-Chief Vincent L. DeNiro's comprehensive review of the MKE AP51 imported by Century Arms and a special retrospective on the publication's legacy. The issue includes articles on historical firearms, industry news, and legal updates from contributors including David M. Fortier, Patrick Sweeney, and Dr. Will Dabbs.

Bond Arms will showcase its full line of compact, American-made firearms at the 2026 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas, January 20–23, including limited-edition models and updates on the Lever-Action Repeating Bond project at Booth #72617.

Radians Outdoors will exhibit at SHOT Show 2026 (January 20–23) at the Venetian Expo, Booth #14353, showcasing eye and ear protection products and retail support programs. The company will introduce Brett Bryan, new Director of Sporting Goods, who will meet with dealers and industry partners throughout the show.

BERSA USA announced it will exhibit at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas at booth No. 70805. The company will showcase its legacy firearms lineup and debut new products including additions to the M2XI double-stack 1911 line and striker-fired pistol models.

SHIELD Sights, a leading manufacturer of compact pistol optics based in Crewkerne, England, will exhibit at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas from January 20–23. The company will showcase a new product within its OMS optic line at booth #11056, with CEO James White emphasizing the importance of connecting with U.S. partners and customers.

NEXTORCH North America will exhibit at the 48th annual SHOT Show, January 20-23, 2026, in Las Vegas at the Venetian Expo Center and Caesars Forum. The company will showcase new state-of-the-art lighting and tactical gear products, recruit dealers with special show pricing, and offer a 30-Day-Free Test & Evaluation Program for law enforcement and military agencies.

Outdoor America will participate in the 2026 SHOT Show January 20-23 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The network plans to engage with brands, meet content creators, and explore product innovations to strengthen its presence in outdoor media. Jamie Wilkinson, Executive Vice President, invites brands to schedule meetings at jamie@outdooramerica.com.

FenX Custom, maker of custom-fit ear protection using scanning technology, will exhibit at the NSSF SHOT Show January 20-23 in Las Vegas. CEO Gary Lemanski stated the company aims to showcase its groundbreaking scanning technology and demonstrate retail opportunities for custom ear plugs.

European American Armory Corp. will showcase its latest firearms at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas, January 20-23, at Booth #11260. New offerings include Girsan's MC 14T California Compliant, Witness2311® CMX, CMXX, and CMXXX models, plus Balikli Firearms' Blue Label Over/Under Shotgun and BLK Bolt-Action Rifle.

The High Road with Keith Warren releases a new episode featuring outdoor television legend Keith Warren and Bruce Mitchell on a family deer hunt adventure. The episode showcases friendship, family moments, and hunting action as both families pursue whitetails together, available on the Pursuit Channel and online platforms.

Show season is upon us, and with it comes the busiest time of the year—especially for the companies, and their staffs, attending all these shows.

This past week was Archery Week, with the Archery Trade Association’s annual gathering taking over Indianapolis. The festivities started on January 6 with the Archery Range and Retailers Organization (ARRO) Hot Show in the morning, followed by the National Archery Buyers Association (NABA) event in the afternoon.

Then, on January 7 and 8, it was the ATA Show, immediately followed by the consumer-facing Archery & Bowhunting Supershow on January 9–10.

Those attending these shows got only a slight break before having to prepare for the industry’s largest gathering: SHOT Show.

The annual Las Vegas event kicks off on Monday and Tuesday, January 19-20, with the SHOT Week Supplier Showcase. This is the show within the show where SHOT Show exhibiting companies go shopping for the materials, coatings, services, machines and machining—not to mention the engineering help—to manufacture the products that will hopefully be on display at SHOT Show 2027.

SHOT itself runs Tuesday through Friday, January 20-23. 

The overall size of SHOT is becoming overwhelming, spanning two venues—the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. The show covers an estimated 810,000 net square feet, which officials say is equivalent to more than 18 acres, or enough space to park 2,586 M1 Abrams tanks.

No word on whether or not there will be an M1 Abrams tank on the show floor.

After SHOT, like immediately, comes the Wild Sheep Foundation’s Sheep Show, which overlaps SHOT January 22-24 in Reno, Nevada, while Houston Safari Club Foundation’s  Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention January 23-25 in The Woodlands, Texas.

Both big game hunting shows will draw several companies that also exhibit at SHOT, making life a challenge for staff bouncing from one show to another across the country.

A few days later, the Mid-States Winter Rendezvous returns to Phoenix, Arizona, January 30-31. This is a smaller show, but an important one that is focused on the key Farm, Ranch and Home segment of retailers.

That’s followed by the Worldwide Buy Group Show, February 3–5 in Reno. The Dallas Safari Club Convention & Sporting Expo runs in Atlanta February 6–8. Then come the final two buy group shows: the Nation’s Best Sports Spring Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, February 10–13, and the Sports Inc. Buy Group Outdoor Show in Phoenix, February 18–20.

The show season concludes with two significant shows. The first is Safari Club International’s SCI Convention in Nashville, February 18-21. That’s where the finest of the finest guns will be on display along with bookings for the best of the best hunts across the world.

Then it’s off to Germany and IWA OutdoorClassics in Nuremberg, February 26 through March 1. If you ever get the chance to go to IWA, take it. If for no other reason than to see how our European counterparts approach the outdoor market compared to how we do it at SHOT.

While this is “show season,” for those participating it’s more like the Show Season Gauntlet, with 39l show days to work—not including travel days.

Obviously no one can be in the same place at the same time and attend all these shows, but there will be those required to attend many of them. I do not envy them, because if fatigue doesn’t get them, some form of trade show pathogen likely will.

What the industry really needs this time of year is an Ironman Award to recognize the exhibitor staff member who has logged the most days at the most shows…and lived to tell about it.

Maybe a giant, gaudy, cup-style trophy from which the winner could drink a quart or two of some cold-busting concoction…like they just won the Indy 500, but without the milk.

— Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network