The Industry Day at the Range has for years been regarded as one of the most exciting openings of the SHOT Show—and in 2026, this exclusive event once again lived up to its reputation. One day before the official start of the SHOT Show 2026, manufacturers, members of the press, and selected industry professionals gather at an expansive shooting range to not only see new products, but to test them under real-world conditions. The Range Day is therefore far more than a traditional product presentation: it is a hands-on experience that combines technology, emotion, and networking.
Exclusivity Through Restricted Access
The Industry Day at the Range is deliberately kept exclusive. Entry is only permitted with a special ticket, which is issued solely to accredited members of the press or registered exhibitors. Regular trade show visitors are not allowed access to the venue. This restriction ensures a highly professional environment and guarantees that all participants are genuinely part of the industry with a serious interest in the products on display. For manufacturers, this means receiving targeted feedback rather than casual curiosity.
In addition, attendance is strictly limited. A maximum of 1,500 participants are allowed on the grounds at any given time. There are several reasons for this limitation: safety is the top priority, especially at an event where hundreds of firearms are actively being used. At the same time, the cap ensures that individual booths do not become overcrowded, allowing meaningful conversations between developers, marketing specialists, and testers to take place on equal footing.
A Unique Testing Ground for Manufacturers and Testers
What truly sets the Industry Day at the Range apart is the enormous variety of manufacturers represented. Around 200 companies showcase their latest products here—from large, internationally renowned brands to small specialty manufacturers and innovative start-ups. For participants, this represents a rare opportunity: within a single day, they can try out, compare, and evaluate firearms from nearly every segment of the industry.
A major advantage is that the ammunition is provided by the manufacturers themselves. Testers do not have to worry about matching calibers or ammunition costs. This allows for spontaneous comparisons and makes it possible to focus entirely on shooting characteristics, ergonomics, recoil, and accuracy. For journalists in particular, this is essential in order to gather well-founded impressions for later reports and reviews.
From Rimfire to Heavy Caliber
The range of firearms available for testing is impressive. At the 2026 Range Day, models chambered from .22 LR all the way up to the powerful .50 BMG were present. This means the spectrum ranged from lightweight rimfire firearms ideal for training or sport shooting, to large-caliber precision and long-range systems that are rarely accessible to the general public.
This diversity reflects the full breadth of the industry: handguns, bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles, precision platforms, hunting firearms, and tactical systems are all represented side by side. For many participants, this direct comparability is one of the event’s greatest strengths. Differences in trigger feel, balance, muzzle blast, or recoil can be experienced immediately—something that would be impossible in a conventional trade show hall.
Distances That Set the Standard
Just as diverse as the firearms themselves are the shooting distances. Targets are engaged at ranges from just a few yards out to an impressive 1,000 yards. Short distances are particularly suitable for handguns and compact carbines, while the long distances are reserved for precision rifles and large-caliber systems. The long-range lanes are a particular crowd magnet, as they demonstrate what modern optics, ammunition, and firearm systems are truly capable of.
For manufacturers, this provides the ideal stage to prove the performance of their products. Hits at extreme distances are not only technically impressive but also emotionally powerful—they remain firmly in the testers’ memories and have a lasting influence on later evaluations.
Weather as an Unexpected Advantage
An often underestimated factor at outdoor events is the weather. In previous years, the Industry Day at the Range was not always fortunate in this regard: cold temperatures, strong winds, or even rain made testing more difficult and created challenging conditions. In 2026, however, the desert showed its friendly side. In contrast to recent years, the weather was sunny and pleasantly warm.
These favorable conditions noticeably contributed to the relaxed atmosphere. Participants were able to spend more time at individual booths, hold conversations outdoors, and complete longer test sessions without constantly battling cold or wet weather. The technology also benefited, as consistent environmental conditions make objective comparisons easier.
More Than Just Shooting: Networking and Exchange
Beyond the actual testing of firearms, the Industry Day at the Range is primarily a place for exchange and networking. Developers explain the background of new designs directly at the booth, marketing managers provide insights into strategic directions, and journalists gather information straight from the source. This close interaction between producers and users is unique and makes the Range Day an indispensable part of the SHOT Show.
Many collaborations, product reviews, and even design improvements originate here. Critical feedback can be addressed immediately, questions are answered on the spot, and new contacts are often made casually—while waiting for the next shooting slot or sharing a look at the target display.
Conclusion: A Must-Attend Event for the Industry
The Industry Day at the Range at SHOT Show 2026 once again demonstrated why it is considered the highlight of the show’s opening. The combination of strict access control, a limited number of participants, an enormous variety of manufacturers and firearms, and realistic testing conditions makes it an unparalleled event. This year’s good weather added the finishing touch and created ideal circumstances.
For members of the press and exhibitors alike, the Range Day is not just an opportunity to shoot firearms—it is an intense industry experience. Anyone who wants to understand where the firearms and accessories industry is heading will find answers here: loud, precise, and at distances ranging from just a few yards to 1,000 yards.
