Analytics and Reports, Optics Analytics, US Small Arms Market Analytics

SHOT Show 2026: Optics Announcements Before the Event

The impending commencement of SHOT Show 2026, scheduled for January 20–23 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, marks a pivotal inflection point for the small arms optics industry. Analysis of the pre-show announcements released between January 11 and January 18, 2026, reveals a sector in the midst of a radical architectural transformation. The era of purely passive optical systems is rapidly ceding ground to a new paradigm of “intelligent capability density,” where the distinctions between traditional glass optics, optoelectronics, and digital sensor fusion are irrevocably blurring.

Industry vendors are no longer merely competing on the basis of glass clarity or transmission coefficients. Instead, the 2026 fiscal year is defined by three aggressive macro-trends: the “Digitalization of the Analog Interface,” exemplified by the integration of heads-up displays (HUDs) and Bluetooth ballistics into traditional riflescope form factors; the “Resolution Revolution” in thermal imaging, which has seen commercial sensor standards leap from 640×512 to 1280×1024 in a single product cycle; and the “Closed-System Mandate” in pistol optics, where open-emitter designs are being systematically retired in favor of nitrogen-purged, enclosed architectures.

The announcements from this seven-day window indicate a bifurcated strategy among market leaders. Legacy optical powerhouses such as Nightforce, Leupold, and Vortex are leveraging domestic manufacturing and rigorous mechanical engineering to dominate the professional and duty-grade sectors. Their focus remains on ruggedization and optical precision, as seen in the expansion of the Nightforce NX6 family and the Vortex AMG 1-10×24. Conversely, agile innovators like EOTECH, Nocpix (formerly InfiRay Outdoor), and Olight are disrupting traditional form factors with radical departures in design—ranging from hoodless holographic sights to magnetic charging ecosystems and ultra-high-resolution thermal sensors.

This report provides an exhaustive, expert-level analysis of every optical product announced in the week preceding SHOT Show 2026. It dissects the technical specifications, market positioning, and strategic implications of these releases, offering a comprehensive roadmap of the technology that will define the small arms industry for the coming decade.

VendorModelCategoryKey FeaturesMSRP
AGM Global VisionRattler V3Thermal ScopeSub-15mK sensitivity, Image Boost 2.0, Video recordingTBD
Apex OpticsVAPOR 1-4x22mmPrism SightVariable-zoom prism, illuminated reticle$699-$799
Apex OpticsION 1x25mmRed DotRMSc footprint, AutoSleep, JOLT-AWAKE$350
BurrisFullfield Gen 5RiflescopeRedesigned chassis, lighter, modular Knob Synergy SystemTBD
BurrisXTR Pro 5.5-30×56RiflescopeLong-range competition, new reticle optionsTBD
BushnellR3 SeriesRiflescope3-9×40, DOA Quick Ballistic reticle$849.95
BushnellR5 SeriesRiflescope3-9×50, Crossbow/Multi-X options$849.95
BushnellR5 Broadhead 2Rangefinder0.3s ranging, ActiveSync display, +/- 0.3yd accuracyTBD
EOTECHVudu 4-12×36 FFPRiflescope“Super Short” (7.1″), XC High Density Glass$1,219
EOTECHEFLX-CEReflex SightClosed Emitter, heavy duty aluminum housingTBD
EOTECHHWS EXPS3 HDHolographicHoodless design, Shake-Awake, Rotary Dial$999.00
Hi-LuxMalcolm Gen IIVintage Scope6x mag, sliding dovetail, period aesthetic$799
Hi-LuxCMR8LPVO1-8×24, b-Dot fiber optic,.223/.308 calibration$399
HolosunIRIS-ARCLaser/IllumIntegrated laser/illuminator moduleTBD
Holosun507C 2026Reflex SightEnlarged window, based on 507C CompTBD
LeupoldVX-6HD Gen 2RiflescopeToolless CDS-SZL2 dials, new 3-18×56 modelVaries
LeupoldMark 4HDRiflescopeNew 2.5-10×42, 8-32×56 models, M5C3 turrets$999+
LeupoldBX-4 Range HDBinocularIntegrated TBR/W rangefinding, OLED display$1,599
NightforceNX6 1-6×24 F1/SFPRiflescope6x zoom, FC-DMx reticle, lightweightVaries
NightforceNX6 2-12×42 F1/SFPRiflescopeFieldSet™ turrets, Digillum, mid-range utilityVaries
NightforceNX6 3-18×50 F1/SFPRiflescopeFieldSet™ turrets, side parallaxVaries
NightforceNX6 4-24×50 SFPRiflescopeLong-range hunter, lightweightVaries
NightforceNX6 5-30×56 F1RiflescopeHigh mag, FieldSet™ turrets, 34mm tubeVaries
NightforceNX6 6-36×56 F1/SFPRiflescopeFine Varmint Reticle (FVR-1), 34mm tubeVaries
Nocpix (InfiRay)ACE S60RThermal Scope1280×1024 sensor, 60mm lens, LRF$7,700
Nocpix (InfiRay)ACE H50Thermal Scope640×512 sensor, 50mm lens$4,750
Nocpix (InfiRay)VISTA H35RThermal Mono640×512, LRF, Image Stabilization$3,000
OlightOsight XRReflex SightEnclosed emitter, Magnetic Charging Cover$299.99
OlightOsight CReflex SightOpen reflex, side-loading battery, budget$199.99
Primary ArmsSLx Compact 4-16×44RiflescopeShort body, FFP, ACSS reticlesTBD
Primary ArmsSLx 2-12×40RiflescopeSFP, ACSS NOVA reticle, versatility focusTBD
PulsarTelos LRF XL50Thermal Mono1024×768 HD sensor, modular upgradeabilityTBD
Rix OpticsLeap L12RThermal Scope1280 resolution, optical zoom focus$6,899
Rix OpticsDBH D6Thermal Scope640×512, 60mm lens, dual useTBD
Shield SightsOMSxReflex SightCompetition focus, translucent roof, wide window$489.99
SightronS6 ED SeriesRiflescope30mm/34mm tubes, ED glassTBD
SightronS1 SeriesRiflescope1-inch tube, lightweight, waterproofTBD
SteinerATLASLaser AimingMulti-emitter, 5 modes, Magnesium alloy~$4,024
SwampfoxRaider 1xPrism SightMicro prism, etched reticleTBD
SwampfoxWarhorse 1-6xLPVOFFP, push/pull locking turretsTBD
SwarovskiAT/ST BalanceSpotting ScopeIntegrated image stabilization, handheld use$3,839+
SwarovskiNL Pure 14×52BinocularHigh mag, wide field of view, ergonomicTBD
TrijiconCredo HX (New)RiflescopeToolless adjusters, 2.5-10×56, 2.5-15×42TBD
Vector OpticsContinental HuntingRiflescope2-12x FFP, 34mm tube, LPVO hybridTBD
VortexAMG 1-10×24 FFPRiflescopeUS Made, Class-leading HD optical system$6,399

1. The Premium Tactical Battlespace: Consolidation and Ruggedization

The tactical optics market, particularly the segment serving military contracts, law enforcement Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and precision rifle competitors, is witnessing a massive consolidation of capability. The “LPVO Arms Race”—the years-long contest to push magnification ratios from 1-4x to 1-6x, 1-8x, and finally 1-10x—has matured. The focus for 2026 is no longer strictly on increasing the magnification multiplier, which often comes at the detriment of optical clarity and eye box forgiveness, but rather on refining the user experience and enhancing mechanical reliability. The major players—Nightforce, Vortex, and Leupold—have all released products that signal a prioritization of “duty-grade” reliability over experimental features.

1.1 Nightforce Optics: The Strategic Realignment of the NX6 Family

Nightforce Optics, based in Orofino, Idaho, has long been the gold standard for rugged reliability, with their NXS and ATACR lines serving as the benchmark for military durability. However, a gap has existed in their product hierarchy between the legacy NXS line (beloved for durability but featuring dated optical designs) and the NX8 line (which offers an 8x zoom ratio but suffers from a notoriously tight eye box). The introduction of the NX6 Family 1 is a strategic masterstroke designed to dominate the “prosumer” and mid-tier professional market.

The decision to utilize a 6x erector ratio is significant. Optical physics dictates that as the zoom ratio increases, the complexity of the lens prescription rises, often leading to distinct trade-offs such as chromatic aberration, reduced light transmission, or a finicky eye box (the volume of space where the shooter’s eye can see the full image). By settling on a 6x ratio, Nightforce is prioritizing optical forgiveness and consistency—traits that are critical in high-stress environments where a shooter may not have a perfect cheek weld.

Detailed Model Analysis:

  • NX6 1-6x24mm (F1/SFP): This model is a direct competitor to the Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x, widely considered the king of the LPVO hill for general users. Nightforce’s entry distinguishes itself with the FC-DMx reticle in the First Focal Plane (FFP) version. The FC-DMx, originally developed for the ATACR 1-8x, provides a segmented circle for rapid close-quarters engagement and a precise milling grid for extended ranges. The inclusion of a Second Focal Plane (SFP) option is a nod to hunters and 3-Gun competitors who prefer the reticle to remain bold and visible at 1x magnification, regardless of lighting conditions.
  • NX6 2-12x42mm: This is arguably the most versatile optic in the new lineup. Weighing in at just 23 ounces with a length of 12.5 inches, it perfectly fits the “Recce Rifle” or “Mini-DMR” doctrine. It bridges the gap between a pure assault rifle optic and a precision scope. Its 42mm objective lens offers significantly better light gathering than the 24mm objectives found on LPVOs, extending the shooter’s effective time in the field during twilight hours.
  • NX6 6-36x56mm: Positioned as the flagship for the Extreme Long Range (ELR) and Precision Rifle Series (PRS) communities, this optic challenges the dominance of 5-25x scopes. The jump to 36x magnification allows for precise target identification and aiming at targets beyond 1,500 yards. Crucially, it features the Fine Varmint Reticle (FVR-1) in the SFP model, designed for small, camouflaged targets (like prairie dogs or coyotes) where a thick tactical reticle would obscure the impact zone.

Innovation Spotlight: The FieldSet™ Turret System

The defining technical innovation of the NX6 line is the FieldSet™ Turret System. Tactical shooters have long debated the merits of capped turrets (which protect against accidental adjustment) versus exposed turrets (which allow for rapid dialing). Nightforce has solved this dichotomy by engineering a turret that can be converted between both configurations in the field without specialized tools. This allows a hunter to keep turrets capped while hiking through brush, then uncap them for a long-range shot across a canyon. Furthermore, the system supports tool-less re-zeroing, a critical feature for field maintenance if a rifle is dropped or subjected to extreme impact.

1.2 Vortex Optics: The AMG 1-10×24 FFP and the Pursuit of Perfection

If Nightforce is consolidating the mid-tier, Vortex Optics is attacking the absolute zenith of the market with the AMG 1-10×24 FFP.3 The “AMG” (Advanced Manufacturing Group) badge is reserved for Vortex’s halo products, which are manufactured entirely in the United States—a rarity in an industry heavily reliant on Japanese (LOW, JOL) and Philippine (Kenko) OEM facilities.

The introduction of the AMG 1-10x is a direct response to the operational lessons learned from the deployment of the Razor Gen III 1-10x. While the Razor Gen III is a marvel of optical engineering, certain end-users in the special operations community noted issues with weight and the accidental unlocking of turrets during airborne or maritime operations. The AMG addresses these with a ruthlessly utilitarian design philosophy.

Key Technical Differentiators:

  • Mechanical Lockdown: The AMG features a locking fast-focus diopter and a locking illumination dial. In high-stress tactical environments, equipment rubs against gear, vehicles, and terrain. A diopter that shifts focus can render a reticle blurry at the worst possible moment. By locking these controls, Vortex ensures the optic remains exactly as the shooter set it, regardless of external friction.
  • The “Duty” Optical System: The glass-etched EBR-9 MRAD reticle is paired with a class-leading High Density (HD) optical system. Unlike the consumer-grade Strike Eagle line, the AMG’s glass is selected for maximum transmission of light in the near-infrared spectrum, optimizing it for use with clip-on night vision devices—a mandatory requirement for modern military optics.
  • Pricing Strategy: With an MSRP of $6,399.99 (and a street price likely around $4,000), this is not a mass-market optic. It is priced to compete with European heavyweights like Schmidt & Bender and Tangent Theta. This pricing signals Vortex’s confidence that their U.S. manufacturing capability has matured to the point where they can charge a premium for domestic production, appealing to “Berry Amendment” compliant contracts and purists who demand American craftsmanship.

1.3 Leupold Mark 4HD: The Resurrection of a Legend

Leupold & Stevens, the Beaverton, Oregon-based giant, has revitalized its legendary Mark 4 line with the Mark 4HD series.4 For decades, the Mark 4 was the standard-issue optic for U.S. military snipers. The new Mark 4HD updates this lineage with modern features while retaining the lightweight architecture that Leupold is famous for.

The 2026 additions, including the 2.5-10x42mm and 8-32x56mm models, feature the M5C3 ZeroLock® turrets. These low-profile dials provide up to 30-MILs of adjustment in three revolutions, with visual and tactile indicators to prevent the shooter from getting “lost” in the turret (forgetting how many revolutions they have dialed). The 2.5-10x42mm is particularly notable as a modern interpretation of the classic “medium range” sniper scope, optimized for the DMR role where a 1-10x LPVO might lack light gathering and a 3-18x might be too bulky.

1.4 EOTECH Vudu: Compressing the Envelope

EOTECH continues to push the boundaries of compactness with the Vudu 4-12×36 FFP.6 Measuring just 7.1 inches in length, this optic is an engineering anomaly. Traditional wisdom holds that to achieve high magnification (12x) and good light transmission, a scope requires a certain length to allow light to refract correctly through the erector assembly. EOTECH has utilized XC High Density glass and a complex lens prescription to compress this optical train into a footprint smaller than many red dot magnifiers.

This “Super Short” design is specifically tailored for use with clip-on thermal and night vision devices. On a standard rifle receiver, rail space is finite. A long scope leaves no room for a clip-on device like the PVS-30 or the new thermal clip-ons from Nocpix. By shrinking the day optic, EOTECH liberates rail space, allowing for the mounting of extensive night vision capability without bridging the handguard—a setup that maximizes zero retention and system balance.

2. The Electro-Optic Ecosystem: The “Closed System” Mandate

In the realm of non-magnified optics, 2026 will be remembered as the year the industry collectively decided that open-emitter reflex sights are obsolete for duty use. The reliability gap between open sights (where the LED emitter projects the dot through open air onto a lens) and enclosed sights (where the entire mechanism is sealed in an argon or nitrogen-purged box) has closed. With manufacturing costs dropping, vendors are rushing to update their flagship lines to the enclosed standard to prevent debris, water, or mud from blocking the aiming reticle.

2.1 EOTECH’s Radical Evolution: Hoodless and Closed

EOTECH has unveiled two products that represent the most significant update to their product architecture in over a decade.6

  • HWS EXPS3 HD (Hoodless Design): The classic EOTECH silhouette, defined by its rugged aluminum protective hood, has been iconic since the early 2000s. The EXPS3 HD discards this hood. This is a controversial but calculated move. The removal of the hood significantly reduces the visual bulk of the sight, eliminating the “tunnel vision” effect and enhancing peripheral awareness—a critical factor in Close Quarters Battle (CQB). Furthermore, the integration of “Shake-Awake” technology addresses the EOTECH’s historical Achilles heel: battery life. By powering down during inactivity and waking instantly upon movement, the holographic sight becomes a viable “always-ready” option for home defense and patrol, bridging the gap with LED red dots.
  • EFLX-CE (Closed Emitter): EOTECH’s initial entry into the pistol optic market, the open-emitter EFLX, was met with mixed reception due to its late arrival in a market shifting toward enclosed designs. The EFLX-CE corrects this. By sealing the emitter between two panes of glass within a heavy-duty aluminum housing, EOTECH ensures reliability in adverse weather. The use of a square viewing window, mimicking the aspect ratio of their holographic sights, provides a familiar sight picture for users transitioning from carbines to pistols.

2.2 Olight’s Disruptive Power Management

Olight, primarily known for illumination tools, is aggressively targeting the optics market by leveraging its core competency: battery technology.9

  • Osight XR and the Magnetic Charging Cover: The Osight XR introduces a novel solution to the “battery anxiety” inherent in electronic sights. Instead of requiring the user to unmount the optic or manipulate tiny battery trays to change cells, the Osight XR utilizes a Magnetic Charging Cover. This cover, which contains its own battery bank, snaps over the optic during storage or transport, inductively charging the sight. This ensures that every time the pistol is drawn from storage, the optic is at 100% charge. This ecosystem approach challenges the industry’s reliance on disposable CR2032 batteries and suggests a future where optics are treated like smartphones—charged daily or weekly as part of a routine.
  • Osight C: Targeting the budget conscious, the Osight C offers a side-loading battery tray and green reticle options, proving that features once reserved for $400+ optics (like multiple reticles and side-loading batteries) are now baseline expectations for sub-$200 products.

2.3 Shield Sights and the Translucent Architecture

British manufacturer Shield Sights continues to innovate in the competition space with the OMSx.10 While other manufacturers bulk up their housings for durability, Shield has gone the opposite direction. The OMSx features a translucent roof architecture. This design choice allows ambient light to pass through the top of the housing, reducing the “black box” effect that can obscure the target area during rapid transitions. By making the housing effectively disappear to the shooter’s binocular vision, Shield claims to offer the fastest target acquisition speed on the market, catering specifically to IPSC and USPSA competitors where milliseconds dictate victory.

2.4 Holosun’s Integration Strategy

Holosun continues to be the pace-setter for feature integration. The IRIS-ARC 7 represents the convergence of aiming and illumination. By integrating a laser aiming module and an illuminator into a compact package that presumably interfaces with their reflex sights, Holosun is creating a unified “night fighting” ecosystem for civilians. The 507C 2026 update builds on the success of the 507 Comp, offering an even larger window and likely enhanced solar charging capabilities, further cementing their dominance in the “carry optic” demographic.

3. The Thermal & Night Vision Frontier: The 1280 Resolution Era

If the day optic market is one of refinement, the thermal market is one of explosive revolution. In the span of two years, the industry standard for high-end thermal sensors has jumped from 640×512 to 1280×1024, effectively quadrupling the pixel count and, by extension, the detection and identification range. This leap is akin to the transition from SD to HD television—once seen, it is impossible to unsee.

3.1 Nocpix (formerly InfiRay Outdoor): The New Titan

The rebranding of InfiRay Outdoor to Nocpix 11 signals a concerted effort to establish a distinct western identity separate from its OEM roots. Their 2026 lineup is nothing short of aggressive.

  • ACE S60R: This is the flagship. Featuring a 1280×1024 sensor and a massive 60mm objective lens, the S60R is capable of detecting thermal signatures at ranges that were previously the domain of cooled, military-restricted systems. The integration of a Laser Rangefinder (LRF) directly into the lens housing (a feature also seen on their Finder series) streamlines the form factor. At $7,700, it is an investment, but it offers capabilities that simply did not exist in the commercial market 12 months ago.
  • VISTA & LUMI Series: Nocpix is not neglecting the handheld market. The VISTA H35R brings image stabilization to thermal monoculars. Thermal images, especially at high magnification, are prone to jitter. Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) smooths this out, allowing for effective scanning without a tripod. The LUMI line brings LRF capabilities to the direct-to-consumer budget market, democratizing the ability to accurately range thermal targets at night.

3.2 Pulsar’s Modular Future

Pulsar, a Yukon Advanced Optics brand, is countering the spec-sheet war with a philosophy of sustainability and modularity. The Telos LRF XL50 13 introduces the concept of hardware upgradeability. In a market where digital tech depreciates rapidly, Pulsar allows users to send their Telos units back to the factory to upgrade specific components—such as adding a laser rangefinder or upgrading the sensor sensitivity—without buying a whole new device. The XL50 model specifically features their new HD 1024×768 sensor, ensuring they remain competitive in the resolution race while offering a superior ownership experience.

3.3 Steiner ATLAS: The Multi-Spectral Powerhouse

On the active aiming side, Steiner eOptics has released the ATLAS (Advanced Tactical Laser Aiming System).15 Designed to replace the aging DBAL series, the ATLAS is a tour de force of miniaturization.

  • Material Science: The shift to a Magnesium Alloy housing reduces weight to under 7 ounces, a critical saving for soldiers carrying rifles laden with suppressors and lights.
  • Emitter Density: It packs five distinct emitters: visible green laser, IR pointer, long-range VCSEL IR illuminator, mid-range LED IR illuminator, and a wide-angle CQB illuminator. This versatility allows a single unit to handle everything from room clearing (wide flood) to sniper support (VCSEL precision) without changing devices. At ~$4,024, it targets the elite professional user who cannot compromise on capability.

4. The Hunter’s Core: Digitalization of the Analog Experience

For the traditional hunter, the 2026 trends are focused on simplifying the complex physics of long-range shooting. Manufacturers are embedding digital assistants into analog scopes to prevent ethical failures in the field.

4.1 Burris Veracity PH and Gen 5 Fullfield

Burris is leading the charge in “connected optics.” The Veracity PH (Precision Hunter) riflescope features a Heads-Up Display (HUD) projected internally.17 Coupled with the PeK (Programmable Elevation Knob) system, the scope communicates via Bluetooth to the BurrisConnect app. The user ranges the target, dials the turret, and the internal display shows the exact yardage the turret is set for, along with wind holds and rifle cant. This hybrid approach keeps the reliability of a glass-etched reticle but adds the data-rich environment of a digital device.

Simultaneously, the Fullfield Gen 5 19 updates their heritage line. It is lighter and shorter than previous generations, acknowledging that modern hunters are increasingly conscious of “ounce counting” for backcountry trips. The Knob Synergy System allows users to swap between hunting (capped) and tactical (exposed) turrets, offering modularity previously reserved for high-end tactical scopes.

4.2 Swarovski’s Stabilization Breakthrough

Swarovski Optik has dropped a bombshell with the AT/ST Balance spotting scopes.20 Spotting scopes are notoriously difficult to use at high magnification (30x-60x) without a heavy, stable tripod. The AT/ST Balance integrates electronic image stabilization directly into the scope body. This technology, adapted from their high-end binoculars, allows a hunter to hand-hold a spotting scope at 40x magnification and get a steady image. This effectively eliminates the need to carry a heavy tripod for many scouting missions, radically altering the weight calculation for alpine hunters.

4.3 Bushnell’s Return to Fundamentals

Bushnell is refocusing on its core demographic with the R3 and R5 series riflescopes.21 These optics eschew complex electronics for pure value, offering improved glass coatings (Ultra Wideband) and reliable mechanical tracking at a sub-$1000 price point. The R5 Broadhead 2 laser rangefinder, however, shows their tech side, boasting a 0.3-second ranging speed and ActiveSync display that changes reticle color based on background brightness—a crucial feature for bowhunters engaging targets in the dappled light of heavy timber.

5. The Budget & “Prosumer” Rebellion: Raising the Floor

The gap between “budget” optics and “mid-tier” optics has effectively vanished. Brands like Primary Arms, Swampfox, and Vector Optics are utilizing Asian OEM partnerships to deliver features—such as First Focal Plane reticles, locking turrets, and ED glass—that were the exclusive domain of $2,000 optics just five years ago.

  • Primary Arms: The SLx Compact 4-16x44mm 23 is a standout. By shrinking a 4-16x FFP optic into a “compact” chassis, they are enabling the “do-it-all” carbine concept. Their ACSS reticles continue to be a major selling point, simplifying holdovers for casual shooters.
  • Swampfox: The Warhorse 1-6x and Raider 1x prism 24 demonstrate a maturation of their design language. Moving away from generic housings, Swampfox is now investing in proprietary industrial design and features like push/pull locking turrets, signaling a move upmarket to compete with Vortex’s Viper line.
  • Vector Optics: The Continental Hunting 2-12×34 and Frenzy red dots 26 offer 34mm main tubes and fiber-optic illumination at aggressive price points. This pressure forces legacy brands to innovate or lose the entry-level market entirely.

6. Strategic Partnerships & Industry Movements

Beyond individual products, 2026 is seeing significant business maneuvers that will reshape the landscape.

  • Heckler & Koch (HK) + Vortex: In a major coup, HK USA has announced that their new pistol lines will ship with Vortex Defender series optics factory-mounted.28 This OEM partnership validates the Vortex Defender line as “duty ready” and provides HK with a turnkey solution to compete with the “optics ready” bundles from Sig Sauer and Walther. It signals a shift where optics are no longer aftermarket accessories but integral components of the weapon system at the point of sale.
  • Olight + Topdon: Olight’s listing of Topdon thermal products (OSelect) 9 suggests a strategic distribution partnership. By leveraging Olight’s massive direct-to-consumer marketing engine to sell Topdon thermals, this partnership could flood the market with affordable thermal tech, bypassing traditional sporting goods distribution channels.

Appendix: Methodology

This report was compiled through a rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis of primary and secondary source materials released between January 11 and January 18, 2026.

Data Acquisition:

  • Primary Sources: Official press releases from manufacturers (Nightforce, EOTECH, Trijicon, etc.) and direct exhibitor listings from the SHOT Show 2026 planning portal.
  • Secondary Sources: Industry news aggregators (The Outdoor Wire, Soldier Systems, The Firearm Blog) and pre-show interviews (The Late Night Vision Show).

Analysis Protocol:

  • Verification: Product specifications were cross-referenced across multiple sources to resolve discrepancies (e.g., verifying the “Hoodless” nature of the new EOTECH EXPS3 HD).
  • Categorization: Products were categorized based on their primary intended use case (Tactical, Hunting, Electro-Optic, Thermal) rather than simple magnification ranges.
  • Exclusion: Rumors without confirmed model names or partial specs were excluded to maintain report integrity.

Limitations:

  • Pricing: Many MSRPs are listed as “TBD” (To Be Determined). This is standard industry practice prior to the show floor opening, as manufacturers finalize pricing based on distributor feedback.
  • Availability: Distinctions between “Announced” and “Shipping” are often blurred during trade shows. This report treats all confirmed announcements as relevant market data, regardless of immediate shelf availability.

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Sources Used

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  2. Nightforce NX6 Riflescopes | Nightforce Optics, accessed January 18, 2026, https://www.nightforceoptics.com/riflescopes/nx6/
  3. New Vortex AMG 1-10×24 FFP High-End LPVO | thefirearmblog.com, accessed January 18, 2026, https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/new-vortex-amg-1-1024-ffp-high-end-lpvo-44825239
  4. Mark 4HD 2.5-10×42 M5C3 SFP Illum. TMR Riflescope | Leupold, accessed January 18, 2026, https://www.leupold.com/mark-4hd-2-5-10×42-m5c3-sfp-illum-tmr-riflescope
  5. Mark 4HD 6-24×52 M5C3 Side Focus FFP PR2-MIL Riflescope – Leupold, accessed January 18, 2026, https://www.leupold.com/mark-4hd-6-24×52-m5c3-side-focus-ffp-pr2-mil-riflescope
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  10. SHIELD Sights Announces the New OMSx Micro Red Dot Sight with …, accessed January 18, 2026, https://www.theoutdoorwire.com/releases/2026/01/shield-sights-announces-the-new-omsx-micro-red-dot-sight-with-competition-inspired-performance
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