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While a few attendees might still be stuck in Las Vegas because of Winter Storm Fern, SHOT Show 2026 is done and in the books.
Last week’s article HERE looked at things that caught my eye during the Law Enforcement / Military range day. This event was hosted by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s firearms training unit at its range complex.
Blue Tactical Technology Solutions
On the teaching side, I enjoy the ability to employ targets that force students to think and problem-solve. The late Louis Awerbuck’s mirage target is one. I immediately thought of it when I saw Blue Tactical Technology Solutions’ hostage set-up. The principal is a deputy sheriff on a full-time tactical team at the nation’s largest sheriff’s department.
Two views of the Blue Tactical Technology Solutions hostage target system.
It is a remotely controlled system that moves two independent heads (Styrofoam mannikins) and a variable hand (gun, phone, etc.). The heads can be given customized masks. Your controller has a 100-yard range.
This was going to be included in the article because, as we finished talking, I asked about one deputy I knew was there. And he told me that the gentleman was the one who had to use force during the call-out that led to this product’s development.
Modlite
They had two offerings that interested me. One is an upgraded OKW v2 head, which has an output of about 1300 lumens and 90,000 candela. Some are pairing it with a HAWG body and a 21700 battery.
Modlite’s new general-purpose task light – in both orange and black.
The second is their entry into the world of general-purpose task lights. Their solution, completely machined from stock, is somewhat similar in design to other offerings – full-power activation via a tailcap switch, with low power coming on when a side button is pressed. They have it rated at 1000 lumens and 18,000 candela. You do have color choices with this; any one you want, as long as it matches my high school colors – orange and black – and the SF Giants.
US Duty Gear
Along with venturing into holsters for plain clothes and off-duty roles, they redesigned the internals of their duty rigs. Rather than indexing on the muzzle, new models will index on the frame itself.
US Duty Gear has redesigned the internals to index on the pistol’s frame.
New models are being made for the firearms industry’s new releases. I’m looking forward to their offering for Staccato’s HD-P 4.5.
Unit Solutions
They released the Unit 9 “handgun,” a Glock 19-like trainer that matches up with their Unit4 carbine trainer (previously covered HERE). It matches the G19 in every way except that you cannot load, chamber, or fire a live round in it. They also have a better way of handling the CO2 cartridge and projectile mix.
Unit Solution has introduced its G19-based non-lethal training pistol.
It will take RMR footprint optics with adapter plates; others are on the way. And you can choose your pistol lights.
Carbines
FN SCAR
Several months back, FN announced the retirement of its SCAR rifles—both the Light (5.56mm) and Heavy (7.62 NATO). I was truly interested in these long guns when they were released; I covered them in a SWAT Magazine article then. This year, FN debuted an updated version of the line.
My first question was about the survivability of optics with this design. I’m told that a new hydraulic buffer system has solved that problem. I hope to see that firsthand soon.
Shadow Systems
They are back on my radar for two projects. First and second reviews. One is a higher-end Glock clone, designed as a factory-custom. I handled that, and I’m looking forward to getting time with one.
Shadow System offers both a factory-custom, performance-oriented Glock clone and an ambidextrous carbine.
Secondly, they are producing a 5.56mm carbine (yes, I am aware that this is common). What I found interesting is that for their first effort, they are doing so with a mostly ambidextrous lower receiver. The one I handled was ergonomically functional for me, which is a plus. Hopefully, more to follow in that regard.
Shotguns
It’s hardly a secret that I am a shotgun fan.
Beretta A300 20gauge
At this year’s Thunderstick Summit, Beretta teased some of us with a 20-gauge version of the popular A300 Ultimate Patrol. Short, light, extended magazine tube, optics rail, with light and sling attachment point. Well, it is now “here.” Talking with friends who were able to shoot it, I hear it is a solid choice.
By the way, Beretta celebrated their 500th anniversary during the show. And, there is now appropriate 20 gauge defensive ammunition hitting the market. Good!
Mossberg 990 SBS
In the lead-up to SHOT ’25, I did multiple articles on fully stocked shotguns from Mossberg. They also released their 990 Aftershock. A whippet-like design that isn’t a shotgun, rather it falls into the AOW – All Other Weapons – category.
Now, they have made that operating system into a conventional-length and short-barreled shotgun. The NFA version comes with a 14.75” barrel, a 6-shot capacity, adapter plates for optics, and a Magpul stock.
The v.xi operational clothing line from 5.11 Tactical continues to evolve.
5.11 Tactical’s V.XI Line
For law enforcement, 5.11 has continued to grow its V.XI line. There are updated trousers and shirts, along with armor carriers, including cummerbunds designed to carry armor and pouches. 5.11 Tactical v.xi
Optics
AmericanCop has covered Aimpoint’s COA before. It will now be available on other manufacturers’ pistols – H&K, S&W, and Springfield. I have even seen a rifle mount for one. COA Pt 1 and COA Pt 2
Gideon Optics has illuminated reticle, 1x optics for both handguns and long guns.
Gideon Optics continues to expand its offerings, including both handgun and long-gun-specific models. Gideon Optics
Based in Australia and the U.S., ZeroTech has an innovative 1-4x carbine optic.
ZeroTech offers an interesting 1×4 variable-power carbine optic with a non-traditional design.
AmCop’s LEEP presentation covered smaller-agency testing and validation in accordance with the NIJ standards. My thanks to our three-peat attendee from NYPD’s range.
LEEP
This was our third year co-sponsoring the Law Enforcement Education Program with NSSF. Our counterparts – Colleen, Chelsea, and Melissa could not be better partners to work with. They are three amazing professionals.
To everyone who attended the various sessions, thank you so much for doing so. We all really appreciate it.
See you all at SHOT next year!
