The second day of the SHOT Show 2026 has been concluded, but first we are taking a moment to look back at the highlights that kicked off the event. The opening day was packed with activity, yielding a wealth of compelling footage tailored for both the airsoft community and firearms enthusiasts alike. Before we dive into our comprehensive coverage of today’s developments, here is a concise wrap-up featuring the organizers' own perspective on the day-one festivities.

Random Guy Kiev does some good coverage on the airsoft front. The airsoft world saw significant movement at the KWA booth, where the focus centered on a collaboration with EMG to produce a KelTec Sub2000 replica. This model operates on both green gas and CO2 and includes adjustable power bolts to suit different field requirements. KWA also showcased the Ebolt, an electric rifle utilizing a brushless motor and a 30-round magazine that stops the cycle when empty. To keep the training side of the industry engaged, they demonstrated a networked target system from Tactical Affairs that connects multiple units for complex "run-and-gun" drills across large spaces.

Random Guy Kiev then got to MOS Manufacturing with Andy Yoshida talking about new additions to their Vanguard High Cappa series, specifically the Tempest and the Osprey. The Tempest utilizes a fixed outer barrel and a compensator to keep things steady, while the Osprey offers a split-slide design for those who prefer optics to stay stationary during the cycle. Both models benefit from steel internal components and a TDC hop-up system. Beyond pistols, their military-style URG line for MIR Tactical is expanding with new internal options, including a choice between high-torque brushless motors or water-resistant MOSFET systems.

He then visits Hostile Airsoft as the company seems determined to fill every gear bag in the industry with their new Rays and Fuse AEG lines. These rifles use nylon polymer bodies and radial cut gearboxes to maintain durability without adding unnecessary weight. For the HPA crowd, they introduced a 15ci aluminum tank that offers a more budget-friendly entry point than carbon fiber alternatives. They even addressed "face furniture" with new colors for the Push Unite goggles and a BSX line that finally acknowledges those of us who need prescription lens inserts to actually see the targets we are aiming at.

Strike Industries, now operating under the broader Strike Defense Group, arrived with enough new products to fill a medium-sized warehouse. Their expansion includes over thirty items across several new sub-brands, but the star of their display was the updated P90 chassis. This version includes an adjustable cheek riser and a system for internal cable management, which is a welcome sight for anyone tired of having their light and laser wires snagging on every piece of brush in the woods.

MDT brought something for the precision crowd with their magnesium-based DRT chassis. At 3.2 lbs, it is designed for those who enjoy long walks in the woods followed by very steady shots. The frame is rigid and features a shorter forend to accommodate both bags and tripods simultaneously. A particularly thoughtful touch is the integrated folding stock that uses adjustable friction rather than a mechanical button, which should prevent those awkward moments of fumbling with a locking catch while wearing heavy gloves.

Here are some reports posted online on what were spotted on the second day:

The GBRS Group spent some time at the Sons of Liberty Gunworks (SOLGW) booth to break down the Mark 1 carbine. The handguard features a laser-engraved honeycomb texture that looks like it was designed by a very tactical bee, though its actual purpose is grip and heat management. The rifle is built with a "drive lock" system to ensure the rail stays exactly where it should, and it uses an A5 buffer system to keep the recoil predictable. The goal here is a rifle that works immediately upon removal from the box, requiring no additional "tinkering" by the end user.

Aimpoint has decided that its COA red dot should no longer be an exclusive club for certain Glock owners in this video by Classic Firearms. They are releasing the optic to the general market and expanding compatibility to brands like Smith & Wesson and Walther. To make things easier for everyone, they are even providing technical drawings so that custom shops can cut slides for the COA footprint. It is a compact alternative to their larger enclosed optics, designed to be less obtrusive for those who carry their tools concealed.

Brownells and the American Fighting Revolver project are making a case for the continued relevance of the wheelgun. This collaboration acts as a resource for training, gear, and technical consulting for major manufacturers like Colt and Ruger. Their goal is to take the features usually found on expensive custom revolvers and move them into factory production. They also host events like Revolver Fest, ensuring that the skills required to run a double-action trigger efficiently are not lost to the history books.

The Firearm Blog visits the Palmetto State Armory booth where the company showed off the AXR SSP, a short-stroke piston rifle that tries to solve the age-old problem of piston-driven weight. They are aiming for a total weight of six pounds for the 300 Blackout version, which is quite lean for this type of system. While the receiver set is proprietary, it still uses standard AR-15 triggers and grips, so your muscle memory remains intact. The modular design allows for barrel swaps at home, making it a flexible platform for those who like to change calibers as often as they change their socks.

Steve MP5 reports that Tandemkross is moving from parts-maker to full-scale manufacturer with the TKX22 Light Rifle. This 10/22 pattern rimfire weighs less than three and a half pounds, making it feel more like a toy than a competition tool, despite its high-end features. They also previewed the ADX receiver, which features a left-side charging handle reminiscent of an MP5. This should make manual bolt manipulations a bit more intuitive for shooters who prefer to keep their firing hand on the grip while clearing malfunctions.

He goes to visit A3 Industries which is focused on modularity and materials, promoting a new stainless steel folding hinge for their stocks and a bullpup lower for the Stribog. Because the Stribog’s upper is the serialized part, this bullpup conversion can be shipped directly to a customer’s door.

Meanwhile, Zastava Arms USA discussed the realities of international logistics following an export ban from Serbia with Fit'n Fire. Despite these hurdles, they are pushing forward with 300 Blackout variants of their AK platforms and a semi-automatic version of the belt-fed M84, proving that persistence is a key part of the firearms business.

With two days remaining, the 2026 SHOT Show is proving to be a busy period for both the real-steel and airsoft sectors. Many of the designs seen here will likely serve as blueprints for the next generation of airsoft replicas, as manufacturers look to capture the ergonomics and aesthetics of these new releases. We will continue to monitor the show for more updates as the event progresses.