Mike Boyle
P&SN Presents Its 35th Annual Roundup Covering New Firearms and Equipment of Most Interest to Law Enforcement
For almost 50 years, the SHOT Show has served as the launching pad for new firearms and related gear. This year’s installment was once again held in the Venetian Expo and Convention Center and Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas and included over 2,700 different exhibitors. With over 13 miles of aisles, it is impossible to take it all in and I try to stay focused on products of interest to the law enforcement professional.
As in recent years, law enforcement saw little in the way of entirely new firearm offerings; however, I noted the improvement and refining of a number of proven designs. The field of optics, lights and suppressors has exploded and performance of this critical gear is better than ever. One could spend the entire four days of the show checking out those new offerings. As we all know, ammunition is once again readily available as manufacturers have caught up with demand; however, prices are high and will continue to creep higher.
What follows is a rundown of a number of products which caught my eye and may appeal to the discriminating user. Perhaps, there is something here which might strike a chord with you.
Aimpoint®
Last year, Aimpoint rocked the world with their revolutionary COA® optic and A-CUT® system, a direct mount solution which offered unprecedented durability and consistency to the end user. The Achilles’ heel of red dot optics had long been mounting plates and the Aimpoint direct mount system simply takes this out of the equation. Initially, GLOCK® had an exclusive lock on the COA optic and this factory installed package was a huge success. By the end of 2025, demand exceeded the supply.
This exclusive arrangement has now expired and Aimpoint has now licensed other firearms and accessory manufacturers to market this product. In short, the A-CUT is an integrated mounting system which mechanically locks the optic to the slide, eliminating shear forces on the plate and screws which can lead to failure. Instead, the A-CUT/COA combo uses a front hook and rear locking wedge to secure the optic to the slide. The end result is a lower profile mount which is extremely durable.
The Aimpoint COA is a compact, enclosed pistol optic with a crisp 3.5 MOA dot. Aimpoint wrote the book on extended battery life and the COA can yield up to five years of service. When that time comes, a side loading battery compartment makes swapping out the battery a piece of cake. Windage and elevation are easily adjusted with a T10 TORX tool. Best of all, the A-CUT will allow the user to co-witness standard height sights on most pistols.
While walking the aisles of the SHOT Show, I did note an Archon Type B pistol outfitted with the Aimpoint COA and A-CUT. I would expect by the time you read this, a number of major manufacturers will be offering this as a factory direct option.
Beretta
In the police world, traditional double-action pistols have fallen from favor as striker-fired pistols have become king of the hill. Entire lines of DA pistols from major manufacturers have disappeared; however, Beretta’s classic M92 is still going strong. Rather than rest on their laurels, Beretta continues to upgrade the iconic M92 with features much in demand from law enforcement.
Among the many M92 variants on hand, there were indeed a few which I felt were standouts. I was especially impressed by the 92G Elite LTT II which features a number of enhancements made in collaboration with Langdon Tactical Technology. This pistol features improved frame ergonomics, a Vertec grip, an Inox barrel with a combat crown, and the LTT Low Mount Solution for fitting a red dot optic. If you favor a DA pistol, this one is top-shelf.
Beretta struck gold with the A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun a few years back and this 12-gauge autoloader quickly developed a legion of followers. While perusing the shotguns on display, I couldn’t help noticing one which was a little trimmer. On closer examination, I noted it was an Ultima Patrol in 20-gauge.
This is indeed a product which can fill a very useful niche. The 20-gauge variant offers lighter weight, a slightly reduced length of pull and reduced recoil. In the era of the patrol rifle, shotguns still have a great deal to offer and this new spin on the Ultima Patrol is easy to manipulate and well suited for anyone seeking greater comfort and control. This is especially true for small stature users.
Dead Air
In the not so distant past, suppressors were an exotic tool only seen in some spy thriller movie or in the hands of the tactical specialist. That is no longer the case and suppressors have now become mainstream. So, why the big flip?
I have been involved in firearms instruction for over four decades and spent roughly 100 work days per year on both indoor and outdoor ranges. To cut right to the chase, despite always using ear protection, my hearing has been severely impacted. This is certainly a road you don’t want to go down.
Like many outfits, we slowly bought into the concept of patrol rifles and we are now at a point where every officer other than the command staff is issued a rifle and a shotgun. Our training is probably more frequent and intense than many departments and I can assure you that having a full line of officers launching a high number of 5.56mm rounds downrange gets pretty loud. Over time, this takes a toll, especially if range duties are a big part of the job.
In the interest of hearing conservation, we purchased a number of Dead Air Lazarus 6 Sound Suppressors to use in training. To date, our experience has been very positive. For those unfamiliar with this technology, the report isn’t anything like what is portrayed in the latest action flick, but similar to that of a rimfire cartridge. When you are exposed to thousands of rifle reports per day, this is a huge difference.
New from Dead Air is the CT5P Patrol Silencer, an ultralight gas regulated, Triskellion baffled 5.56 NATO suppressor. This ultralight silencer builds on the lessons learned from the earlier Lazarus 6 and Sandman series and is designed for flawless operation in either direct impingement or gas piston guns. The CT5P measures 5.49 inches in length, generates low back pressure and minimizes muzzle flash and spark to nearly undetectable levels. In addition to 5.56 NATO rifles, the CT5P can also be used with those chambered for 6mm ARC. Needless to say, the CP5T would also be very useful in the tactical environment, particularly in confined spaces indoors. In my part of the world, noise complaints from homeowners in close proximity to the police range are hardly uncommon. Be a good neighbor and affix a CT5P to your rifle!
EOTECH
EOTECH has been turning out quality optics for many years and they remain one of the premier manufacturers in the industry. While visiting with EOTECH, I noted a few new products which would hold wide appeal.
Low power variable optics have come on very strong in recent years and can offer capabilities beyond that of a red dot. Brand new from EOTECH are the Vudu® 3-9×32 SFP and the 4-12×36 FFP. Both are short, lightweight optics crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum with an illuminated reticle and ten brightness settings. A CR2032 battery will provide 300 hours of runtime when set at level five. One can also mount an EFLX® on the front of the tube or in a 45 degree mount for close range threats.
The new EFLX CE also looks like a solid bet. This design is a fully enclosed optic complete with fully programmable sleep and shake awake modes. A switchable reticle can be set to either a 3 MOA dot, 42 MOA circle or a combination. The EFLX is rendered from heavy-duty 7075 aluminum to stand up to hard knocks and runs on a single, side loading 2032 battery offering 25,000 hours of runtime. The EFLX CE is configured for the Leupold Delta or Shield RMSc footprint.
FN® America, LLC
One of the few totally new pistols I saw at the SHOT Show was the FN 309™, a compact size 9mm with a very different trigger system. Although it does resemble the FN 509®, the new 309 is not striker-fired, but instead utilizes an internal hammer similar to the FN Reflex®. The single-action trigger trips when about five pounds of rearward pressure is applied and I would expect many users to be very pleased with it. The slide is very easy to rack with 25% less resistance compared to the FN 509.
The barrel on the FN 309 measures 3.8 inches in length and wears a target crown. At 7.4 inches in length and 5.4 inches tall, it is well within the limit for discreet concealed carry. The FN 309 is optics ready and the standard sights consist of a U-shaped rear notch and a green fiber-optic front. This pistol will ship with a 16 round and a 20 round extended magazine.
The FN SCAR® has been the Cadillac of gas-operated rifles for many years and this unique, modular semi-auto has been given 25+ upgrades for 2026. SCAR packages are available in light and heavy configurations and chambering includes 5.56x45mm, 7.62x51mm and 6.5 Creedmoor.
GLOCK
For 2026, GLOCK has totally overhauled their line and discontinued many of their popular pistols and added some new ones. This rebooting of the line started a few months ago with the launch of the V Series which is designed primarily for the commercial market. A short while later, we got wind of Gen6 which may be the most advanced pistol GLOCK has produced. To the casual observer, things don’t seem very different, but there are a number of very subtle improvements which will certainly make for a better shooting experience.
The grip frame features a palm swell, thumb rest and an improved texture which reminded me of a cat’s tongue. An extended beavertail is a bonus for shooters with large, fleshy hands and protects one from “slide bite.” There is also a slight flare to the magazine well for more efficient reloads. The Gen6 comes standard with a flat-faced trigger for consistent finger placement.
I had the opportunity to fire a Gen6 GLOCK 19 and 17 at the Las Vegas Metro Police Department range the day before the show. I can’t say the Earth moved when I pressed the trigger, as performance was straight-ahead GLOCK. However, they did indeed feel very different in the hand and the texture was a big improvement over my first issue “pebble grip” GLOCK 17 39 years ago.
Kimber®
Kimber is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of 1911 pistols and showcased what I felt was the “sleeper” of the show. I picked up a Kimber Desert Warrior over 20 years ago when it made its debut and that pistol has never disappointed. I can’t ever remember having a stoppage of any type with it and, while some may feel it’s a bit old-school, the all steel construction tames even the hottest .45 ACP loads.
While perusing the wares at the Kimber exhibit, I stumbled across the new Warrior 1911DS which, to my thinking, represents a great value. As the name implies, the DS Warrior is a double-stack, high capacity variant built around the John Browning classic. It merges the classic Kimber design with other in demand qualities to create a pistol born to perform.
The DS Warrior is crafted entirely of stainless steel and wears a tough black DLC finish. Each DS Warrior is assembled by a single firearms technician who pays particular attention to the details. The frame, slide and barrel are made in Kimber’s state-of-the-art plant in Troy, Alabama, and the final product is held to very tight tolerances. The barrel is ramped and crowned and a MIL-SPEC guide rod, which I prefer, is standard. Like most modern service pistols, the DS Warrior is optics ready. Other desirable features include an ambidextrous frame mounted safety and an accessory rail. A proprietary carbon fiber and glass filled grip completes the package.
The Kimber DS Warrior is available in 9mm, .38 Super, .45 ACP, and 10mm all boasting generous magazine capacities. Best of all, the price point is significantly less than the 2011 variants available from other premium manufacturers.
Mossberg®
To my thinking, the Mossberg 590® is the best pump-action police shotgun in today’s market. Years ago, I ran a 590 as a training gun and also as a loaner and rounds digested equaled that of a high mileage pistol – and it kept working!
Last year, Mossberg introduced the 590R™ variant which uses a receiver mounted, ambidextrous rotary safety instead of the tang safety found on the original. This new combination is optimum for the latest variant, the 590R Chisel. The Chisel stock affords the end user eight different adjustments to fine-tune the length of pull and the stock can be folded when the gun is not in use. Magpul® MBUS® adjustable sights are standard and a top mounted Picatinny rail accepts optics. Models with an 18.5 inch barrel and a Class 3 11.5 inch barrel are available.
Mossberg hit a home run with their 940® Pro Tactical SPX autoloader, but this year they have followed up with something a bit different. The new 990 SPX Magpul uses a completely different gas system and comes with a wide range of features in demand from law enforcement. First of all, consider the Magpul SGA adjustable LOP stock with spacers, a QD port and M-LOK slots. A ghost ring rear sight is standard and a direct cut allows the mounting of RMSc footprint micro dots. Additional adapter plates are available for the mounting of other popular optics.
Ruger®
The Ruger RXM® has been on the market for a little more than a year now and it is the best centerfire pistol the company has ever made. Ruger collaborated with Magpul to create a pistol with very wide appeal and met with great success in the marketplace. Although its similarity to a Gen3 GLOCK is obvious, it does have a few key features of its own. The biggest difference is the removable Fire Control Insert which can be switched to another Magpul EHG™ RG9™ grip to create a larger or smaller pistol.
For this year, Ruger has expanded the RXM family and is now offering a full-size GLOCK 17-size pistol along with another variant with a compact-sized slide and barrel mated to a full-size frame. Both of these new pistols are outfitted with 17 round magazines. By the time you read this, Magpul will have a subcompact GLOCK grip frame available for more mix and match.
Ruger has also launched a couple of new rifles which will no doubt hold some appeal. The Harrier is a completely new spin on the AR pattern modern sporting rifle loaded with features such as a nitride bolt with a staked gas key, Magpul M-LOK accessory slots and a partial Picatinny rail. Best of all, the Harrier is available at a very attractive price.
Smith & Wesson
One Smith & Wesson’s bigger success stories is the rise of the M&P® pistol. I frequently encounter M&P pistols in my classes and the 2.0 version is indeed a proven commodity.
Recently, S&W® began offering variants of the M&P with a metal versus a polymer frame. Although this variant was developed for competitive shooters, it may also generate some interest among law enforcement professionals who, for whatever reason, are adverse to polymer frames and prefer the additional weight and control of a heavier pistol. The M&P 2.0 Full Size Series does indeed have a very different feel than my polymer frame copy and the additional weight of this five inch copy would no doubt dampen muzzle flip and recoil.
Two new models of the M&P FPC are now available. The FPC is a very handy carbine which can be folded to an overall length of 16 3/8 inches for storage. New variants include 10mm and 5.7x28mm and these new spins on the FPC take the same magazines as like caliber M&P pistols.
In police duty handguns, pistols are now the universal choice, but revolvers are often encountered for backup and off duty carry. This year, S&W is reintroducing two much improved versions on the Night Guard, built on a scandium alloy L-frame with a three inch barrel. The M386 is a seven shot .357 Magnum, while the M396 is a five shot .44 Special. Sights and trigger action are much improved over the original Night Guards and I’ve got my fingers crossed that we might see a smaller K-frame variant down the road.
Springfield Armory
Springfield Armory introduced the Echelon™ pistol a few years back and, since that time, it has played to very positive reviews. I picked up an Echelon 4.0C which is the compact version and it quickly became a personal favorite. New this year is the Echelon 4.0FC which combines a full-size grip module with a compact slide assembly. It may not sound like a big deal, but this combo is ideal for either duty or plainclothes carry. The slightly reduced slide and barrel length are a moot point, particularly if you are running an optic. Drawing from the holster might also prove faster than with the original service-size Echelon.
For those who favor premium grade 1911s, check out the new 10-8 Performance Master Class pistol. Developed in collaboration with retired FBI Agent Hilton Yam, founder of 10-8 Performance, this pistol includes premium grade components and is built on specially selected forged carbon steel slides and frames. The Agency optics system, which includes an integrated rear sight and series of plates for popular optics, is part of the package. Models will be available in both 9mm and .45 ACP
The micro-compact Hellcat® has been a very hot ticket in the Springfield line and new this year is a variant in .380 ACP. The .380 copy offers a softer shooting impulse and incorporates all the positive features of the original 9mm Hellcat. The Hellcat OSP .380 is purpose-built for optics with a direct-mount RMSc/SMSc footprint which allows true co-witness with its U-Dot sights. It offers class leading capacity with an 11+1 flush magazine and an included 13+1 extended option.
Steiner
Steiner enjoys a well-deserved reputation for turning out some of the world’s finest riflescopes, binoculars and spotting guns and they have now entered the red dot sweepstakes with the MPS-C micro pistol sight. The MPS-C is an enclosed optic created for concealed carry and is roughly 40% lighter than comparable optics from other firms.
The fully sealed optical system which resists sweat, dirt and moisture is designed to stand up to the rigors of everyday carry. As expected from Steiner, quality is top-shelf and I was able to quickly define the 1.6 MOA dot against different background conditions. When the stakes are high, a “hobby grade” optic doesn’t make the cut and it pays to go with quality like the MPS-C.
Staccato
More than any other firm, Staccato has been the prime mover in the surge of double-stack 2011-style pistols for personal defense. High capacity 2011 pistols have been around for well over 30 years, but were primarily used by competitive shooters. Staccato flipped the paradigm and their pistols are in use by a number of elite law enforcement agencies.
New this year is the Staccato HD C4X, an all steel compact-size pistol perfect for concealed carry. The HD C4X features a four inch barrel, a single port compensator and ambidextrous controls. Staccato’s HD optics mounting system is included in the mix and the pistol feeds off of a GLOCK pattern 15 round magazine. Considering that a great many cops have a bunch of these on hand, that is a big plus. It is indeed a great gun, but a MSRP of $3,499 will limit its appeal.
Captain Mike Boyle served with New Jersey Fish & Wildlife, Bureau of Law Enforcement, and has been active in use-of-force instruction for over 40 years. He is an instructor in multiple firearms and less-lethal disciplines and has been a police academy assistant director, instructor and rangemaster. He is the author of three books; three training videos; and hundreds of magazine articles on firearms, training and tactics. Mike served 21 years on the Board of Directors of IALEFI and is a member of NLEFIA and ILEETA. He continues to work part-time as a law enforcement training specialist and resides in Forked River, NJ.