Story by Shane Jahn

The 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas is a wrap and there were plenty of things that caught my eye to share with TOJ readers. They predicted over 53,000 folks would attend the event and I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more.

Industry day at the range offered excellent weather for a change and many of us were surprised it was not overcrowded. We wondered if the show attendance would be low but from my perspective it was as busy as ever with bustling aisles of firearms enthusiasts!

Y’all know I’m partial to revolvers and there are a couple this year I think you’ll find interesting. First is Lipsey’s Exclusive Smith & Wesson Night Guard Series. These guns are lightweight and are sure to find themselves in holsters of those looking for an everyday carry revolver that is at home in the city or in the hunting fields. Weighing just 24 ounces they are easy to pack in any style of holster, from traditional hip holsters to handy chest rigs. Chambered in .44 Special (Model 396) or .357 Magnum (Model 386), they are certainly up to the task as a woods gun and their three-inch barrels and good XS front sights allow shooters to accurately put rounds downrange.  These wheel guns will be placed in the stable of my daily packing guns as soon as my new Barranti holster arrives.

The next handgun is a classic in the double action revolver world. Colt’s Anaconda is a formidable handgun for hunting and is a good choice for those who wander the bear woods. The Anaconda has always been made of stainless steel, but this year Colt added blued guns to their line chambered in .44 Magnum. They are classy and the 8-inch version will be headed my way soon to cover a position as a double action hunting handgun.

Henry has added several rifles to their line this year. Shooters who prefer the curved lever gun profile have a variety of guns to choose from in centerfire and rimfire cartridges. Their Protector & Provider line features curved pistol grip lever rifles chambered in various handgun and rifle cartridges with 20-inch standard barrels or 16.5-inch threaded barrels for those wanting to add a suppressor.

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