by Debbie Hall
The 48th edition of the SHOT Show, the world’s largest trade event for the firearm, shooting sports and outdoor industries, was held Jan. 20-23 at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Owned and produced by NSSF—The Firearm Industry Trade Association—the trade-only event once again underscored its position as a cornerstone gathering for one of America’s most economically significant manufacturing sectors.
Spanning more than 830,000 net square feet of exhibit space, the sold-out show hosted over 2,800 exhibitors and drew more than 53,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and 126 countries. Ranked as the ninth-largest trade show in the United States, SHOT Show remains the single-largest event held annually at both The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum.
Attendees explored about 14 miles of aisles, exploring thousands of new products. Categories showcasing the latest innovations shaping the industry’s future included:
- firearms
- ammunition
- optics
- safes and storage solutions
- law enforcement and military equipment
- archery
- hunting accessories
- apparel
- range technology
- e-commerce tools
- compliance resources
Garmin Ltd., an American multinational technology company based in Olathe, Kansas, designs, develops, manufactures, markets and distributes GPS-enabled products. Navigation, communication, sensor-based and information products are developed for automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor and sports markets. Garmin debuted its newest products at the SHOT show.
“One new item is the Tactics 8 Cerakote watch, an updated version of the Tactics 8. The watch can be ordered in olive and gray, with a Cerakote coating and a 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a sapphire screen. I love this watch. I mean, this thing is just awesome. It’s got flashlights on it and everything you need, with 24-hour health and wellness tracking as well,” said Rehan Nana, Senior Media and Sponsorship Specialist for Garmin.
Economic Engine for Las Vegas and Beyond
SHOT Show continues to be a key economic driver for Southern Nevada, generating over $88 million in non-gaming revenue annually, underscoring its significance.
That broader impact was examined during NSSF’s fifth annual Governors’ Forum, where seven governors discussed how firearm-related businesses contribute to their state economies and influence policy. The third annual Attorneys General Forum also returned, addressing evolving legal landscapes surrounding Second Amendment issues at the state level, highlighting the event’s role in shaping industry regulation and advocacy.
Education, Supplier Connectivity and Show-Within-a-Show Growth
Education remained a key pillar of the event. Retailers and shooting range operators participated in SHOT University sessions covering compliance, revenue diversification, technology adoption and operational best practices.
Several specialized areas continued to gain traction, including the Supplier Showcase, a two-day “show within a show.” Featuring more than 600 OEM and third-party suppliers, the Showcase facilitated early-week business development across fabrication, materials, software, logistics and manufacturing solutions.
At Caesars Forum, the Archery Business + Hunting Retailer Pavilion, now in its third year, highlighted innovations across traditional and emerging archery technologies, reflecting sustained growth and diversification within that segment of the market.
Industry Day, Media Reach and SHOT Week Activation
Momentum for SHOT Show extended beyond the exhibit halls. SHOT Week activities began ahead of opening day, including the NSSF/HAVA Golf Classic, which raised funds for Honored American Veterans Afield, supporting disabled combat veterans through outdoor recreation.
Industry Day at the Range returned as a marquee pre-show event, featuring more than 200 exhibitors and offering hands-on product experience for invited retail buyers and media.
Focus on Safety, Responsibility and Community Outreach
A notable addition this year was the inaugural Suicide Prevention Town Hall, expanding NSSF’s ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The initiative complements NSSF’s “Have a Brave Conversation” program, equipping individuals and organizations with tools to help prevent suicide among veterans and non-veterans.
Safety messaging was highly visible throughout SHOT Week, including promotions for Gun Storage Check Week and NSSF’s broader Real Solutions. Safer Communities initiatives, encompassing Project ChildSafe, Don’t Lie For The Other Guy, Operation Secure Store, and FixNICS was also represented.
Milestones and Industry Recognition
The week also marked a milestone year for industry organizations, with SAAMI celebrating its 100th anniversary and NSSF marking its 65th anniversary, emphasizing the industry’s history and legacy. During the show, NSSF presented its highest honor, the Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to the shooting sports community.
SHOT Show 2026 impressive scale, complex logistics and comprehensive educational and policy engagement underscore its vital role in supporting a global industry. Las Vegas continues to be a premier destination for large-scale, multi-venue trade events that drive industry growth and collaboration.
Anyone with an interest in the SHOT Show and new products can visit shotshow.org and follow on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and the SHOT Show Blog.
Photo Caption: GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), a lightweight, unarmored ground transport designed for military use at the SHOT Show
