SHOT Show 2026: The biggest new air rifle releases from Las Vegas

It’s that time of year again. I leave the frigid sub-zero climes of the far north and head down to the Arizona desert for SHOT Show in Las Vegas. As the name implies, this is the annual exhibition for the shooting, hunting and outdoor trade, where a vast array of products for virtually any shooting activity can be found, from tactical and military to big game and airgun hunting. To bring the readers of Airgun World the most current news, I’ve spent the first two days making the rounds to provide an early look at new air rifles for 2026.

SHOT Show in numbers

The numbers behind SHOT Show are quite impressive: 2,700 exhibitors from 119 countries and all 50 states converge on Las Vegas for the event, which has been on an incremental upswing since the first event in 1979. The exhibitors are found across 820,000 square feet (18 acres) of exhibit space spread over several exhibition halls. That’s almost 14 miles of aisles, and I can tell you that I’m already feeling it.

Airgun companies represent a relatively small but growing contingency of exhibitors that are distributed across this expanse of exhibition space. While airguns used for competition and hunting are still relatively new to the mainstream shooting community in the US, they nevertheless continue to gain visibility and interest.

What are the differences between US and UK airgun markets?

SHOT Show is an international exhibition, though many companies focus on the domestic US market. When it comes to airguns, the US and UK markets vary based on applications, regulations (such as the UK sub-12ft/lb limit), and traditions. In this article, I will provide an overview of the products I saw, along with information related to UK airgun distribution.

Going walkabout: new Hatsan PCP rifles

I stopped by Hatsan early on because there were two rifles that I was very interested in looking at: the Hatsan Repex and Hatsan Zylox PCP rifles.

• The Hatsan Repex: A compact rifle (800mm LOA) weighing just 2.25kg. It is available in .177, .22 and .25 calibres and generates 18 to 27ft/lb of energy.

• The Hatsan Zylox: Available as a base model or the regulated Zylox RG. At 3kg, it meets the criteria for a lightweight hunting gun and will be available in both sub-12ft/lb and FAC versions.

What’s new from Umarex Airguns in 2026?

My next stop was Umarex to see two new releases: the updated Umarex Notos G2 and the Dual Fuel Outpost. The Notos G2 has been improved with a larger air tube, integrated suppressor, and a new 15-shot rotary magazine while maintaining an attractive price point.

The Dual Fuel Outpost is a powerful .25 calibre platform spec’d to generate approximately 40fpe. The “Dual Fuel” technology allows the rifle to be filled from a standard tank or accept Umarex NitroAir cartridges, providing a versatile power source for hunters.

Signs of innovation: Air Venturi OmniStorm

Next was the Air Venturi booth to see the OmniStorm break-barrel rifle. This rifle features an innovative gas piston design based on OmniPiston technology.

How does the Air Venturi OmniPiston work?

The OmniPiston powerplant can be tuned to increase or decrease power by adjusting the pressure driving the piston via a small hand pump. This allows the rifle to be optimised for indoor target shooting at low pressure or “tuned up” for hunting. This gun is slated for a UK release in mid-2026.

Big Bore Airguns: The AirForce Tex Rex

The AirForce Airguns booth featured the Tex Rex Brush Gun. This compact big-bore is a monster, available in .457 and .50 calibre, generating over 650ft/lb of energy. It incorporates an M-Lock forestock and a threaded barrel for accessories.

Transatlantic challenges and RAW Accessories

I also spotted a brilliant accessory for the RAW HM1000 MicroHunter: an aftermarket kit that converts the standard side-lever into a pump-action. It is fast, smooth, and perfect for fast-action pest control.

Are AirForce Airguns available in the UK?

AirForce guns were previously marketed in the UK under the GunPower brand but are currently harder to find. However, RAW (Rapid AirWorx) and Theoben products remain available through International Sports Brand (ISB) in the UK.

I’d wrap it up by saying that even though things have slowed a bit this year due to global tariffs, airgunning as a sport continues to grow, and the visibility of airgun-related products continues to gain traction.