Treat SHOT Show like a tactical operation, not a mall crawl. Before doors open, star the booths you must see and schedule meetings early—prime hours vanish fast. Wear broken-in shoes and stash blister pads; concrete floors are undefeated. Bring a small notebook or voice notes to capture booth numbers, contacts, and standout features—Wi-Fi can buckle. Hydrate aggressively, eat protein, and pace caffeine. End each day with a 15-minute debrief: sort leads, flag follow-ups, and note trends while memory is fresh. Discipline beats wandering every time. Snap quick photos of badges and products to speed post-show recall.

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Founded in the late 1970s to give the firearms and outdoor industry a dedicated trade-only event, SHOT Show has since grown into one of the largest conventions in the world. What does the acronym “SHOT” actually stand for, and which three core industries were originally represented when the show first launched?

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Franklin Armory is debuting the Prevail, a long-range precision hunting rifle built around its patent-pending Total Round Control (TRC) bolt action, to be unveiled at SHOT Show 2026. TRC is designed to manage a cartridge through feeding, chambering, firing, extraction and ejection, blending the strengths of push-feed and controlled-round-feed actions while avoiding common failures for modern shooters. Prevail features a fully adjustable Remington 700-compatible trigger, carbon-ceramic wrapped or fluted stainless barrels, Zermatt TL3/SR3 pre-fit barrel compatibility, toolless interchangeable bolt heads, a 700-pattern carbon-fiber stock with V-block bedding, and a 20-MOA Picatinny rail. Pricing and SKUs will be announced at SHOT.

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• SHOT Show is a trade-only event—no on-site firearm sales are allowed, and the general public can’t attend, which surprises a lot of people who assume it’s a giant gun show.

• The show regularly spans over 14 miles of walking across exhibit halls and hotels in Las Vegas, meaning many attendees unknowingly walk the equivalent of a half marathon during the week.

• Some of the most important deals at SHOT Show never happen on the show floor—they’re finalized in private hotel suites, off-site ranges, and late-night meetings where new products and distribution agreements are quietly locked in.

Zenith Firearms USA’s MRDS is an American-made, roller-delayed rifle that modernizes a proven operating system for contemporary shooters. Manufactured in the United States, the MRDS blends classic roller-delayed smoothness with modern materials, tighter tolerances, and updated ergonomics. The rifle is designed to reduce felt recoil and improve controllability compared to direct-impingement designs while maintaining reliability across varied ammunition. Zenith emphasizes modularity, offering modern mounting options, contemporary controls, and compatibility with current accessories. By pairing a historically respected action with present-day manufacturing and support, the MRDS aims to deliver a durable, soft-shooting rifle suited for range use, training, and enthusiasts seeking options.

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“SHOT Show isn’t about buying guns—it’s about shaping the next year of the firearms industry, one handshake, prototype, and conversation at a time.”

I didn’t need a step counter at SHOT Show—my feet filed a missing persons report by day two and my credit card started sweating every time I walked past a new booth.

Schedule one early-morning meeting near the back of the hall—even if it’s informal. You’ll naturally work your way forward while the aisles are empty, hit premium booths before crowds form, and still be “on time” without fighting traffic or noise.

SHOT stands for Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade, and the original core industries were firearms, ammunition, and outdoor sporting goods.

Austin Warfield - Owner of C.O.P.S. Gun Shop - as a retired police officer, Austin has been involved in numerous community events over the years.  His firm beliefs in the 2nd Amendment and the fundamentals that all citizens have the right to bear arms to not only hunt to provide for their family, but for defense either against their property and lives, but be able to prevent the overreach of government within our rights.  he wants to share his joy of gun ownership with all safely and responsibly.

Chris Pine - Chris is a dedicated father and husband who also serves in the Oklahoma National Guard.  He understands the sacrifices that 1st responders and the military make to protect our communities and rights for the greater good.  He has a long-time love of firearms and competitive shooting.  He is always looking for ways to share his knowledge with both new and experienced firearm enthusiasts.

In the heart of a small, close-knit community where every face was familiar, Sam Wood learned life's most valuable lessons. His upbringing wasn't easy; he faced his share of hardships and adversities that tested his resolve. Yet, it was these very challenges that shaped his tenacity and belief in the power of perseverance. Sam often shares stories of the mentors and community figures who saw potential in him when he couldn't see it in himself, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community that raised him.

Sam's entrepreneurial spirit was kindled in his early twenties, leading him from a daring venture into a thriving business. His success as a business owner is a testament to his grit, but Sam is quick to point out that his journey was peppered with failures as much as triumphs. It's in discussing these moments of vulnerability that Sam truly connects with his readers, reminding them that every setback is just a setup for a comeback.

Though guns and advocacy have been his mainstay, Sam's life is rich with passions that paint the full picture of who he is. An avid outdoorsman, he finds peace and solace in the wilderness, often sharing tales of his expeditions hunting, fishing, and exploring. These adventures are more than hobbies; they're a return to his roots and a way to connect with the earth and himself.

Sam's commitment to making a positive impact is evident in his volunteer work, especially in educating young people about gun safety and responsible ownership. He believes in empowerment through knowledge, a value instilled in him by the mentors of his youth.

Family and friendships anchor Sam's world. He speaks fondly of family dinners that could easily pass for debates, where lively discussions on politics, history, and philosophy were the norm. These gatherings not only deepened his understanding of the world but also his convictions about gun ownership and personal freedom.

Sam's friends describe him as a man of integrity, grounded by the core values of freedom, responsibility, and respect. Yet, they're quick to point out his lighter side—his quick wit, love for practical jokes, and an uncanny ability to find humor in the mundane. It's this blend of depth and light-heartedness that makes his writing so compelling.

Despite not following a traditional educational path, Sam's knowledge and insights command respect. His writing, marked by a first-person conversational tone, wit, and humor, makes complex gun issues accessible and engaging. But more than that, it's a reflection of the man himself—complex, nuanced, and profoundly human.

Sam Wood may have started as a small-town boy, but through his resilience, he's become a beacon of inspiration and a voice for responsible gun ownership. Residing now in Comfort, Texas, he continues to advocate, educate, and connect with people through his stories and experiences. In every piece he writes, Sam aims not just to inform but to remind us of our shared humanity and the values that unite us.