Key Takeaways:

• The 2026 market includes both specialized new designs and substantial updates to established firearm platforms.
• FN revised the commercial SCAR family with a buffered bolt carrier, updated gas system, improved triggers, and bilateral controls.
• Purpose-driven models range from the lightweight Weatherby Backcountry Capra to the optics-equipped Smith & Wesson Spec Series R.

The 48th SHOT Show closed on January 23, 2026, after a week at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. NSSF reported more than 53,000 industry attendees and 2,744 exhibitors across more than 834,500 net square feet.[1] Seven firearms from the 2026 market merit closer examination for their engineering, specialized configurations, or substantial revisions to established platforms.

Henry SPD Predator

The Henry SPD Predator extends the company’s magazine-fed Lever Action Supreme design into a precision-oriented .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO rifle. Its 18-inch match-grade barrel is made from 416R stainless steel and wrapped in carbon fiber. The anodized aluminum receiver carries a Picatinny optics rail, while the laminate stock has an adjustable comb.[2]

The rifle accepts STANAG-pattern magazines and has a bilateral magazine release. Unloaded weight is 6 pounds, 3 ounces, and overall length is slightly more than 38 inches. An adjustable trigger and Harris S-LM bipod are standard. The suggested retail price is $2,510.[2]

Next-Generation FN SCAR

FN America returned its commercial SCAR rifles to the U.S. market in 2026 with substantial internal and external revisions. The principal mechanical changes include a lighter, hydraulically buffered two-piece bolt carrier, revised triggers, and an updated short-stroke gas system with a two-position regulator. The 16S and 17S use single-stage triggers, while the 20S has a two-stage unit.[3]

FN also extended the receiver, separated the M-LOK handguard from the receiver assembly, enlarged the magazine releases, and added a right-side bolt release. The controls are bilateral, the grip interface accepts AR-pattern grips, and the cold-hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrels remain interchangeable.[3]

The 16S is chambered in 5.56 NATO and lists for $3,799. The 17S is offered in 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor at $3,999. The heavier 20S precision model uses a 20-inch barrel, is offered in the same two chamberings, and lists for $4,499.[3]

Caracal CMP9 and CMP9K

Caracal USA’s CMP9 and CMP9K are large-format semiautomatic pistols chambered in 9 mm NATO. The CMP9 has a 9-inch barrel, while the CMP9K uses a 6-inch barrel. Both accept 30-round MP5-pattern magazines and provide AR/M4-style controls, ambidextrous charging handles, M-LOK attachment slots, and Picatinny rail space.[4]

NSSF reported a suggested retail price of $1,833 for each model when they were presented for the 2026 market.[4]

Benelli M4 EXT

The M4 EXT updates Benelli’s gas-operated tactical shotgun with a seven-round magazine, five-position telescoping stock, enlarged bolt release, extended bolt handle, QD sling cups, and a receiver cut for mounting a red-dot sight. The 12-gauge semiautomatic retains the M4’s ARGO operating system and has an 18.5-inch barrel and 3-inch chamber.[5]

During John B. Snow’s evaluation for Outdoor Life, the M4 EXT weighed 7.8 pounds and completed the test without a malfunction. Its aperture sights remain usable through a sufficiently low-mounted red-dot sight. The listed MSRP was $2,599.[5]

Beretta AX800 Suprema

The AX800 Suprema is a gas-operated 12-gauge waterfowl shotgun with a 3.5-inch chamber, polymer receiver, and oversized controls. The reviewed configuration had a 28-inch barrel, measured 7.8 pounds, and carried an MSRP of $2,500. Its receiver accepts interchangeable red-dot mounting plates, and its stock permits length-of-pull adjustment through spacers.[6]

Outdoor Life editor Alex Robinson measured the test gun’s trigger at 3.3 pounds. At 40 yards, three patterns fired with 1 1/4-ounce No. 2 Remington Nitro Steel loads averaged 112 pellets inside a 30-inch circle. The shotgun experienced one cycling problem with light target ammunition after being submerged in muddy water, then resumed cycling those loads after several additional shots cleared debris from the action.[6]

Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Capra

Weatherby’s Mark V Backcountry Capra is built around a titanium six-lug action and Peak 44 carbon-fiber stock. Listed weight varies from 4.1 to 4.4 pounds, depending on configuration, with 17-inch and 21-inch barrel options. The available chamberings span 22 Creedmoor, 25 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, .240 Weatherby Magnum, .270 Winchester, .280 Ackley Improved, 6.5 Weatherby RPM, and 25 Weatherby RPM.[7]

Outdoor Life reported a price of $3,499. The model’s defining feature is its sub-4.5-pound listed weight across short- and standard-action configurations.[7]

Smith & Wesson Spec Series R Model 686 Plus

Smith & Wesson’s Spec Series R is a seven-shot Model 686 Plus revolver chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P. It weighs 42.4 ounces and uses a 4.13-inch stainless-steel PowerPort barrel. An Aimpoint ACRO P-2 red-dot sight is mounted on a custom base, and the revolver also includes an extended Performance Center cylinder release, red-ramp front sight, and adjustable rear sight.[8]

The L-frame wears a tungsten-colored Cerakote finish, while the fluted cylinder has a black PVD finish. The set includes 10 moon clips, a pistol bag, a knife, a challenge coin, and a patch.[8]

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

[1] National Shooting Sports Foundation. “48th SHOT Show Closes With Big Crowds, Big Deals, Big Innovation.” NSSF, January 23, 2026.

[2] American Rifleman Staff. “Gun of the Week: Henry Repeating Arms SPD Predator.” American Rifleman, May 15, 2026.

[3] American Rifleman Staff. “FN Releases New SCAR Rifles & QD Suppressors.” American Rifleman, January 15, 2026.

[4] Flanigan, Eve. “New Handguns Coming in 2026.” NSSF SHOT Show, January 21, 2026.

[5] Snow, John B. “Tactical Upgrade: Benelli M4 EXT Review.” Outdoor Life, May 9, 2026.

[6] Robinson, Alex. “Beretta AX800 Suprema Review: This Could Be the Ultimate Duck Hunting Semi-Auto.” Outdoor Life, November 21, 2025.

[7] Freel, Tyler. “New Rifles of SHOT Show 2026.” Outdoor Life, January 22, 2026.

[8] American Rifleman Staff. “New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Spec Series M&P9 and R Handguns.” American Rifleman, January 23, 2026.