GunsAmerica Announces 2026 ‘Best of SHOT Show’ Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Dallas, TX — GunsAmerica, one of the longest-operating online firearms marketplaces founded in 1997, today announced its 2026 Best of SHOT Show Industry Impact Awards, recognizing products introduced at SHOT Show 2026 that are positioned to shape dealer ordering patterns and consumer purchasing interest in the year ahead.

After four days on the show floor and participation in six range events, the GunsAmerica editorial team — comprised of competitive shooters, instructors, hunters, and legal professionals — evaluated hundreds of new product introductions through hands-on testing, manufacturer briefings, and extended editorial review sessions.

“These selections reflect more than what looked good in a booth,” said True Pearce, Managing Editor. “We focused on platforms and products that combine innovation, timing, manufacturability, and realistic consumer appeal.”

Lever-action rifles continue to experience renewed consumer interest, particularly in suppressor-friendly and modernized configurations. Henry’s SPD Predator combines sub-MOA performance with contemporary features while preserving the platform’s heritage appeal. The rifle reflects strong crossover potential between traditional and modern sporting segments.

Read more HERE.

With regulatory changes reshaping the defensive shotgun market, Mossberg’s 990 SPX arrives at a strategic moment. Compact, factory-built, and purpose- driven, the 990 positions itself as a high-velocity seller in both home-defense and tactical segments.

Read more HERE.

The double-stack 1911/2011 segment remains one of the fastest-growing handgun categories. Kimber’s DS Warrior stands out by delivering American manufacturing and duty-ready features at a price point positioned to compete with imported alternatives, potentially expanding dealer margin opportunities in this category.

Read more HERE.

Incremental improvements dominate the mounting space, making Magne-Tech’s magnetic alignment system notable for its departure from conventional installation methods. By simplifying optic setup while maintaining repeatability, the system addresses a long-standing pain point for precision shooters.

Read more HERE.

Electronics integration continues to define premium hunting optics. Garmin’s Zero L60i rangefinder demonstrated seamless ballistic functionality and user-centered design, reinforcing the trend toward fully integrated field systems.

Read more HERE.

Suppressor innovation in 2026 focused on durability and sustained performance. Ambient Arms earned recognition for heat management and real-world firing consistency — areas that increasingly drive consumer purchasing decisions as suppressor ownership expands.

Read more HERE.

Thermal optics continue to move downmarket while increasing performance. The Nocpix Quest H50R delivered high-resolution capability at a price point that broadens accessibility, signaling continued growth in the thermal segment.

Read more HERE.

Integrating directly with a proprietary barrel and using separate bullet paths for each tube, the compact four-inch can prioritizes low-round-count sound suppression over sustained fire. It’s unconventional, highly niche, and undeniably one of the most unexpected builds on the SHOT Show floor, which is exactly why it earned our Most Bizarre award.

Read more HERE.

The Rideout Arsenal Dragon rethinks the modern competition pistol from the ground up. Its lever-delayed system, fixed bull barrel, and non-reciprocating optic combine with an ultra-low bore axis to minimize muzzle rise and maximize dot tracking. Modular, tool-less, and built to run fast, the Dragon feels less like an iteration and more like a clean-sheet engineering exercise focused purely on performance.

Read more HERE.

The Seekins Precision SIC earned overall honors for combining modularity, precision, and cross-role adaptability. The platform reflects the broader trend toward configurable rifles that serve multiple user profiles — from precision shooting to field applications.

Read more HERE.

Click HERE to check out all the 2026 SHOT Show coverage.

Because GunsAmerica operates both an editorial platform and a nationwide firearms marketplace, the company tracks how SHOT Show announcements translate into measurable consumer behavior.

Historically, GunsAmerica observes:

• Immediate increases in branded firearm search queries within days of SHOT
  coverage
• Elevated model-specific page traffic during the 30–60 day distribution window
• Increased dealer listing activity tied to products receiving strong early editorial
  engagement

Products that generate sustained reader engagement during SHOT week frequently align with increased marketplace activity as inventory becomes available. This combined editorial and marketplace provides GunsAmerica with a direct view into how awareness translates into buying.

Manufacturers, distributors, and dealers interested in post-SHOT performance tracking, extended testing, or listing integration may contact GunsAmerica to explore collaborative opportunities.

Founded in 1997, GunsAmerica is one of the original online firearms marketplaces in the United States. Through its GunsAmerica Digest and integrated marketplace infrastructure, the company connects manufacturers, dealers, and consumers while providing authoritative industry reporting and product evaluation.

Visit: https://gunsamerica.com

Media & Industry Contact:

Seth Larney
[email protected]

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