January 20, 2026

48th SHOT Show Gets Underway at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum

The world’s largest trade show of its kind showcases products, equipment and innovation for target shooting, hunting, the outdoors and law enforcement

LAS VEGAS — The 48th SHOT Show^® officially opened this morning at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, marking the start of an influential week for the firearm industry. More than 53,000 industry professionals are expected throughout this four-day event, running Jan. 20–23. Attendees will have the opportunity to peruse thousands of new products from over 2,800 exhibitors representing the world of target shooting, hunting, the outdoors, personal protection and law enforcement.

Owned and sponsored by NSSF^® — The Firearm Industry Trade Association — the SHOT Show is the largest trade show of its kind in the world. Ranked as the ninth-largest trade show in the U.S., the SHOT Show is the biggest event staged at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. This year’s sold-out show encompasses 830,000-plus net square feet, featuring the industry’s leading manufacturers, wholesalers, retail buyers, law enforcement/military suppliers, conservation organizations, media members and more.

As a trade-only event, show organizers advise the SHOT Show should not be confused with a traditional gun show and no firearms are transferred at the show. The products displayed in exhibit halls will be made available at the retail level throughout the year.

The SHOT Show is a boon to the Las Vegas economy, typically surpassing $88 million in non-gaming revenue annually. Nationally, the firearm industry’s total economic impact is significant, totaling $91.6 billion and supporting more than 383,000 jobs.

Numerous U.S. states place a high value on what firearm industry businesses bring to their economies. These benefits will be examined during the NSSF-supported fifth annual Governors’ Forum, where seven governors will discuss the importance of the firearm industry to their states. Additionally, NSSF’s third annual Attorneys General Forum will discuss the legal landscape related to state-level challenges to the Second Amendment.

Education is at the forefront for firearm retailers and shooting range operators, who have the opportunity to attend on-site SHOT University™ sessions and learn about revenue-generating ideas and practices, compliance tips, how to leverage new technology and much more.

For the first time at the SHOT Show, there will be a Suicide Prevention Town Hall — which is an extension of NSSF’s work to help reduce suicide deaths among veterans and non-veterans. NSSF has collaborated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and developed resources to equip individuals and organizations with knowledge to save lives — including the NSSF-AFSP “Have a Brave Conversation” suicide prevention program.

The SHOT Show may have officially launched today, but events associated with the show — known as SHOT Week^® — began earlier. Sunday, Jan. 18, the NSSF/HAVA Golf Classic served as a fundraiser in support of Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA), an industry-run organization that helps the healing and re-integration of disabled combat veterans back into normal life through participation in hunting and the shooting sports.

Yesterday, Industry Day at the Range featured more than 200 exhibitors providing hands-on experience for invited retail buyers and outdoor media members. NSSF is the title sponsor of the event. More than 2,500 members of the press — including international media — cover the SHOT Show.

A show-within-a-show, the two-day Supplier Showcase opened Monday, generating early momentum at The Venetian Expo, Level 5. More than 600 OEM third-party suppliers are available to meet with exhibiting manufacturers to provide solutions for extrusion, fabrication, fabric, machinery, metal, plastic, software, logistical support and tool needs.

Now in its third year, the Archery Business + Hunting Retailer Pavilion highlights both traditional and new technologies for archery products in Caesars Forum.

At a special ceremony later this week, NSSF will present the Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award, its highest honor, to an individual who epitomizes the very best of the shooting sports community.

The firearm industry is committed to promoting the safe use and secure storage of its products to prevent accidents, thefts, suicide and misuse. NSSF’s Gun Storage Check Week^® campaign will be very visible throughout SHOT Week with advertisements around the show, airport and local landmarks to encourage companies, organizations and individuals to share the message of “Make Sure It’s Secure^®” during Gun Storage Check Week (June 1–7 and September 1–7) and throughout the year.

NSSF works to keep guns out of the hands of prohibited persons at the retail level through its Operation Secure Store^®, Don’t Lie For The Other Guy™ and FixNICS^® initiatives. These efforts, along with the Project ChildSafe^®and Have a Brave Conversation programs, are collectively known as Real Solutions. Safer Communities.^® Together, they are helping to save lives.

The SHOT Show attracts buyers from all 50 states and 126 countries. Some 13.9 miles of aisles lead to exhibit halls of firearms, ammunition, optics, gun safes, locks and cases, shooting range equipment, targets, training and safety equipment, hunting accessories, law enforcement gear, hearing and eye protection, cutlery, archery products, GPS systems and other electronics, point-of-sale, compliance and e-commerce resources, holsters, apparel, leather goods, game calls, lures, decoys and more.

2026 marks a significant year for both NSSF and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI). Founded in 1926, SAAMI celebrates its centennial this year, while NSSF marks its 65th year since being established by SAAMI in 1961.

Anyone with an interest in the SHOT Show and new products can follow along during the show at shotshow.org or by tracking the show’s news updates on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and the SHOT Show Blog.

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About NSSF
NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.

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NSSF Media contact:
Bill Brassard
203-426-1320 ext. 212