The SHOT Show 2026 is kicking off in just a few short days in Las Vegas, and if you’re into firearms, hunting, outdoor gear, survival, or self-reliance, this is the biggest event of the year. From January 20 to 23, 2026, the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum will transform into the epicenter of the shooting, hunting, and outdoor trade industry. Hosted by the NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation), SHOT Show is trade-only—no public access—but for professionals, buyers, media, and industry insiders, it’s where deals get made, innovations launch, and connections that last a lifetime happen.
This marks the 48th annual SHOT Show, with Las Vegas hosting it continuously since 2010 (the 27th time in Sin City). The event has exploded since its humble beginnings in 1979 in St. Louis, with just 290 exhibitors and 5,200 square feet.
Fast-forward to 2026:
- Expect over 2,800 exhibitors (including the growing Suppliers Showcase with more than 600 participants) across more than 830,000 net square feet—that’s roughly 19 acres of floor space. To put it in perspective, that’s enough room to park over 2,586 M1 Abrams tanks! Attendees will walk 13.9 miles of aisles—more than half a marathon—just to see everything.
- The show draws massive crowds: last year’s event saw more than 54,000 people from all 50 states and over 126 countries, plus more than 2,500 media members covering the action. It pumps over $88 million in non-gaming revenue into the Las Vegas economy, underscoring its status as the 9th largest trade show in the U.S. (and 7th biggest in Vegas).
The Industry’s Pulse: Firearms Production and Economic Impact
The broader firearms world remains strong and resilient. Recent NSSF data (covering 2023 production) shows an estimated 506.1 million firearms in civilian hands since 1990. While total domestic production dipped to about 8.5 million in 2023 (reflecting a post-2020 normalization), the Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR)—think AR-platforms—continues its reign as America’s favorite centerfire rifle, with over 32 million now in circulation since 1990. Handguns lead availability numbers, highlighting strong demand for self-defense and recreational shooting.
The industry supports 383,000 jobs, generates $91.6 billion in total economic impact, and contributes over $1 billion annually in excise taxes to wildlife conservation, range development, and hunter education. SHOT Show itself fuels NSSF programs that protect and promote the Second Amendment and outdoor traditions.
What’s Hot for 2026: Innovation on the Horizon
This year’s show promises exciting reveals, from advanced thermal imaging and on-board ballistic calculators becoming more mainstream in optics, to potential big handgun updates like the Glock Gen6 family. Ammo manufacturers are leaning into suppressed and compact designs, with new subsonic and high-pressure options. Expect fresh loads from brands like Speer, crossbow innovations from Barnett, and tactical lighting previews from Fenix. Suppressors are normalizing further, with more user-serviceable, modular designs. The law enforcement section has grown massively (from 7,000 sq ft two decades ago to over 170,000 sq ft today), showcasing gear for protection and performance.
Whether you’re hunting for the latest survival knives, tactical apparel, optics, or off-grid essentials, SHOT Show is where trends are set.
Beyond the Floor: Networking, Parties, and After-Hours Action
SHOT Week (January 18–23) includes Industry Day at the Range (Monday, January 19—invite-only live-fire demos), SHOT University sessions, the Suppliers Showcase, and plenty of networking. But the real fun often happens after 5:30 p.m. (or 4 p.m. on the final day) with receptions, happy hours, fundraisers, and unofficial meetups.
OffGrid Survival has you covered with our comprehensive SHOT Show 2026 Party List—a live-updated guide to the best networking events, exclusive mixers, and after-parties. From the Gundies Awards and Law Enforcement & Armed Forces Kickoff on Monday, to sponsor-backed events like the Industry Welcome Reception, Under Armour x Tactical Gear Happy Hour, and late-night hangs at the Venetian Circle Bar (a recurring unofficial spot for real talk), our list helps you maximize connections without missing the action.
Here are some highlights from the list:
- Monday, January 19: Industry Day at the Range, Gundies Awards, Law Enforcement Kickoff Meet & Greet.
- Tuesday, January 20: Industry Welcome Reception (sponsored by Fiocchi), Molon Labe Experience, After Dark Welcome Mixer.
- Wednesday, January 21: Networking Reception, Recon & Sniper Foundation Fundraiser, 5.11 Adventure Vehicle Night.
- Thursday, January 22: Industry Happy Hour, 5.11 Salute to Service Night, SHOT Show Singles Mixer.
- Ongoing: Late-night Circle Bar meetups for organic conversations.
Check out the full, day-by-day list and updates here: https://offgridsurvival.com/shot-show-2026-party-list-networking-events-parties-and-meetups-at-shot/. Bookmark it and check back often—new events get added as announcements drop!
From Strip-adjacent spots for quick sessions to desert adventures with exploding targets and post-shoot burgers, Las Vegas has options for every skill level and thrill seeker. For a full breakdown of the best experiences, packages, and booking details, check out this comprehensive guide:
Outdoor (or Outdoor-Focused) Shooting Ranges
- Bullets and Burgers Address: Corporate/Office – 4670 Polaris Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103 (actual outdoor range in the Mojave Desert area, with shuttle pickup) Website: https://bulletsandburgers.com/
- Adrenaline Mountain Address: Mojave Desert location (climate-controlled outdoor firing line; exact address via booking) Website: https://adrenalinemountain.com/
- Gun Blast Vegas Address: Outdoor desert range (details provided upon booking) Website: https://www.gunblast.vegas/
- Battlefield Vegas (currently offering outdoor experiences during renovations; grand reopening February 15, 2026) Address: 2771 Sammy Davis Jr Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Website: https://www.battlefieldvegas.com/
Indoor Shooting Ranges
Off-Strip Vegas: Live Music, Dive Bars & Hidden Gems to Unwind After SHOT Show
While SHOT Show 2026 keeps you busy at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, Las Vegas offers plenty of ways to gave fun off the Strip after a long day of gear hunting and networking. Venture into the real local scene—downtown’s Fremont East Entertainment District and the surrounding Arts District—for a more authentic, laid-back Vegas vibe with live music, dive bars, and unique experiences that feel worlds away from the tourist crowds.
Downtown and Fremont East shine for live music lovers, with intimate venues hosting everything from indie rock and post-punk to goth nights, local bands, and eclectic DJ sets. Spots like Artifice (a go-to for dark wave, industrial, and long-running goth events, plus artistic performances) and Backstage Bar & Billiards deliver affordable drinks and energetic shows. The area often features free or low-cover live concerts on stages along Fremont Street Experience, where local artists perform nightly under the iconic canopy. Check schedules for hidden gems like the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center for open-air concerts or smaller clubs in the Las Vegas Arts District for emerging talent.
For dive bars, honky tonks, and local haunts, head to classics that locals swear by for cheap drinks, quirky vibes, and no-frills atmosphere. Standouts include:
- Double Down Saloon — A legendary, windowless spot with punk tunes on the jukebox, nuclear waste cocktails, and a wild, eclectic crowd that’s been a Vegas institution for decades.
- Frankie’s Tiki Room — 24-hour tropical cocktails in a dimly lit, kitschy paradise packed with Polynesian decor, strong mai tais, and a laid-back, locals-only feel.
- Dino’s Lounge — A retro neighborhood favorite with vintage charm, affordable drinks, live music on weekends, and a true old-school Vegas dive vibe.
- Stage Door Casino — Super close to the Strip for quick, budget-friendly beers and people-watching, with a no-nonsense casino-bar setup that attracts both locals and savvy visitors.
- Sand Dollar Lounge (Chinatown) — One of the last true old-school dive bars in Vegas, known for its live blues and rock bands most nights, pool tables, cheap wells, and a welcoming, unpretentious crowd that feels like stepping back in time.
Beyond bars and music, the off-Strip scene delivers unique hidden gems: Explore the Arts District for street art, galleries, and First Friday events; hit Downtown Container Park for open-air shopping, dining, and live vibes under a fire-breathing praying mantis sculpture; or check out the Neon Museum for a nostalgic night tour of vintage Vegas signs. For nature lovers, a quick drive to Red Rock Canyon offers stunning desert hikes and views. These experiences capture the creative, gritty side of Las Vegas that many visitors miss—ideal for balancing your SHOT Show intensity with some local flavor!
OffGrid Survival’s On-Site Coverage
Our team is hitting the ground running in Vegas all week, bringing you live updates, gear spotlights, interviews, and insights tailored to the off-grid, survival, and preparedness community. We’ll focus on what matters most: Good, reliable tools for self-sufficiency in high-stakes situations. Follow us on social media for real-time coverage, and if you spot us on the floor, say hello—we’ll have free shirts, stickers, and books to give away!
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