The Most Anticipated Handguns of SHOT Show 2026
1. Taurus TX9 Modular Platform
This newcomer is generating real conversation because Taurus finally did something most manufacturers only talk about — a serialized modular chassis system that lets you swap grip modules and frame sizes instead of buying entirely new guns.
That’s a meaningful shift. Subcompact for deep concealment. Full-size for duty or home defense. Same core firearm. Ambidextrous controls, optics-ready from the start, and built to live in both carry and duty lanes. This isn’t modularity as a buzzword — it’s modularity that actually saves shooters money and space.
2. Glock Gen6 Pistols
When Glock moves, the market listens. The arrival of Gen6 pistols wasn’t flashy — it was deliberate. Early range impressions point to refined ergonomics and handling improvements that feel suspiciously like factory-approved versions of the mods shooters have been making for years.
That’s what makes this big. Glock didn’t reinvent itself. It listened. And for a brand that already dominates duty holsters and nightstands worldwide, that kind of evolution lands heavy.
3. Staccato HD C4X
The HD C4X is the kind of pistol serious shooters actively hunt down for trigger time. Compact 2011-style performance, Glock-pattern magazine compatibility, and capacity that doesn’t feel like a concession.
It lives comfortably in that gray zone between duty and EDC — and that’s exactly why people care. This isn’t a shrunk-down race gun. It’s a compact that still behaves like a full-sized professional tool.
4. Beretta B22 Jaguar
Yes, it’s a .22 LR — and no, that doesn’t make it a toy.
The B22 Jaguar grabbed attention because it treats rimfire like a serious training platform. Competition and tactical variants, threaded barrels, adjustable sights, red-dot compatibility, and ambidextrous controls all signal intent.
This is a gun built to reinforce fundamentals, not just burn cheap ammo. Trainers noticed. Shooters noticed. And that’s why it stayed crowded all week.
5. Diamondback SDR-A Revolver
Revolvers don’t dominate headlines anymore — which is exactly why the SDR-A stood out.
Lightweight, compact, defensive-minded, and refreshingly simple, this wheelgun grabbed attention by rejecting the idea that semi-autos are the only serious option. There’s a real segment of shooters who want reliability without complexity, and the SDR-A speaks directly to them.
6. Smith & Wesson 686 Plus
The 686 Plus proves classics don’t need to disappear — they just need to evolve.
Seven rounds. L-Frame confidence. Modern ergonomics. Optics readiness without turning it into a science project. It’s a revolver for shooters who love mechanical honesty but still want contemporary capability.
This wasn’t nostalgia bait. It was respect for a platform done right.
7. Smith & Wesson Spec Series VI M&P9 Metal Compact
This one didn’t shout — it earned attention.
A compact aluminum frame, factory porting, and optics readiness put it in a very specific lane. It’s not chasing mass appeal, but it keeps showing up in serious discussions for shooters who prefer metal frames without giving up modern carry features.
Sometimes the quiet contenders last the longest.
8. FN 309 MRD (Range Coverage Favorite)
The FN 309 MRD didn’t always headline press releases, but it kept coming up during range days.
Medium-size footprint, multiple magazine options, and a single-action-only trigger make it a genuine alternative for shooters bored with cookie-cutter striker guns. Ergonomics-first design choices gave it legs — and people noticed.
Final Shot
SHOT Show 2026 made one thing clear: the handgun world isn’t chasing novelty anymore — it’s chasing refinement. Shooters want guns that adapt instead of forcing compromise. They want optics integration that feels native. They want classics that evolve instead of disappearing. And they want choices that match how they actually train, carry, and live.
The most anticipated pistols this year weren’t hype machines — they were answers. Answers to years of shooter feedback, aftermarket workarounds, and real-world use.
If this list proves anything, it’s that the future of handguns isn’t louder. It’s smarter. And for shooters paying attention, that’s a damn good thing.
