First Look: The Most Exciting New Pistols from SHOT Show 2026

SHOT Show 2026 delivered a real theme: more optics-ready slides, smarter ergonomics, modularity, and carry-sized performance upgrades. Below are the standout new pistols we’re most excited about—plus quick “who it’s for” notes and shop links to build a clean display.

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Jump to a pistol

• Staccato HD C4X
• FN 309 MRD
• Glock Gen6
• H&K VP9A1 Tactical + VP9A1 X
• Taurus TX9
• Zermatt Waltz 9
• SDS Inglis 2035
• Springfield Hellcat .380 OSP
• Kimber CDS9 Classic
• Tisas PX-9 Carry Comp / Tactical Comp
• Retay RXP22
• Rossi RS22 Pistol

What’s different about the 2026 pistol wave?

• Optics-ready by default: More slides are cut for popular footprints and include co-witness-capable setups.
• Carry gets “performance” features: Comped/ported ideas keep creeping into realistic sizes.
• Modularity: More chassis-style designs and swappable configurations show up at value price points.

The Most Exciting New Pistols from SHOT Show 2026

These picks are based on SHOT Show 2026 show-floor coverage, first looks, and manufacturer details. If you’re building a display, each section includes a fast “display match” so your setup looks intentional—not random.

Staccato HD C4X

A carry-sized HD-series 2011-style pistol that leans hard into modern usability: ambi controls, updated optic mounting, and magazine compatibility that’s easy to source.

• Best for: premium carry + range time
• Why it’s exciting: HD-series evolution in a practical size
• Display match: premium single-pistol stand + nameplate

Shop Premium Pistol Stands →

FN 309 MRD

A mid-size 9mm positioned for modern carry capacity and optics mounting, built around a hammer-fired system and value-focused pricing.

• Best for: carry with full-feature mindset
• Why it’s exciting: capacity + optic cut in a practical footprint
• Display match: everyday-carry stand + compact light-ready spacing

Shop EDC Display Picks →

Glock Gen6

A notable ergonomics refresh with an updated approach to grip shaping and optics integration—one of the most talked-about SHOT Show 2026 pistols.

• Best for: all-around workhorse builds
• Why it’s exciting: “Gen” changes that aim directly at shooter comfort
• Display match: minimalist stand + optic-forward angle

Shop Minimal Stands →

Heckler & Koch VP9A1 Tactical + VP9A1 X

Two new VP9 variants aimed at modern preferences—one leaning “tactical,” one emphasizing feature updates in the VP9 line.

• Best for: optics-ready builds + full-size handling
• Why it’s exciting: fresh VP9 options tuned to 2026 expectations
• Display match: full-size stand + optic showcase

Shop Full-Size Stands →

Taurus TX9

A new chassis-style platform with multiple size configurations and optics mounting—built to offer modularity without a luxury price.

• Best for: budget-friendly modular builds
• Why it’s exciting: serialized chassis + multiple sizes
• Display match: modular lineup stand (one base, multiple variants)

Shop Modular Display Bundles →

Zermatt Waltz 9

Precision machining DNA meets a full-size performance pistol concept—one of the more “left field” but genuinely interesting 2026 launches.

• Best for: performance-minded range builds
• Why it’s exciting: high-performance design with unique mechanics
• Display match: “feature card” stand + spec plaque

Shop Showcase Stands →

SDS Inglis 2035

A modernized Hi-Power-inspired direction with optics-ready intent and contemporary grip texturing—one to watch if you like classic lines with 2026 features.

• Best for: modern-classic collectors
• Why it’s exciting: classic profile + modern interface
• Display match: wood base stand + heritage-style placard

Shop Heritage Stands →

Springfield Hellcat Micro-Compact 3″ OSP (.380)

A new caliber option in a familiar micro-compact format, built with optics-ready capability—aimed at shooters who want easy carry with modern sighting options.

• Best for: micro-compact carry setups
• Why it’s exciting: optics-ready micro-compact option
• Display match: compact stand + “EDC lineup” bundle

Shop EDC Lineup Bundles →

Kimber CDS9 Classic

A compact single-action concealment direction with modern touches like ambi controls and an optic-ready option—designed for carry without feeling “basic.”

• Best for: refined concealed-carry builds
• Why it’s exciting: classic styling + modern readiness
• Display match: slim stand + “carry classics” plaque

Shop Slim Stands →

Tisas PX-9 Carry Comp / PX-9 Tactical Comp

Compensated performance flavor on a duty-capacity concept—built for shooters who want flatter tracking without stepping into a premium price class.

• Best for: value performance builds
• Why it’s exciting: comped setup + full-size capacity vibe
• Display match: angled stand to showcase the comp & slide cuts

Shop Angled Display Stands →

Retay RXP22 (.22 LR)

A rimfire option built with modern ergonomics and optics compatibility—ideal for training, range reps, and introducing new shooters to a “2026-style” interface.

• Best for: training + range fun
• Why it’s exciting: optics-ready rimfire convenience
• Display match: training-themed stand + “range kit” bundle

Shop Range Bundle Picks →

Rossi RS22 Pistol

A pistol-format extension of a known rimfire line—aimed at simple fun, practical training, and easy customization with rails and threaded configurations.

• Best for: rimfire range days + training
• Why it’s exciting: familiar platform in a pistol layout
• Display match: compact stand + “trainer” placard

Shop Compact Stands →

Build the display now

The fastest upgrade isn’t buying “more”—it’s making what you already own look intentional. Grab a stand style that matches your vibe (EDC, premium, heritage, showcase) and your setup instantly levels up.

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