It’s the time of 12 months when commerce exhibits and conventions dominate the capturing and looking {industry}, and new merchandise are showcased for the approaching 12 months. Just a bit over per week after the SHOT Present was came about in Las Vegas, the annual Safari Membership Worldwide (SCI) Conference was being hosted in Nashville, Tennessee.
The occasion attracts 1000’s of hunters, conservationists, outfitters, and {industry} professionals from throughout the globe for a mix commerce present, academic discussion board, social gathering, and fundraising occasion that helps fund the promotion of worldwide looking and wildlife conservation. SCI constantly supplies a platform for producers to showcase their newest improvements, with a higher give attention to looking than at another commerce exhibits. The 2026 version was no exception, with a powerful array of latest firearms, ammunition, optics, and equipment charming attendees. Throughout my time there, I used to be capable of go “hands-on” with a number of new rifles, optics, and suppressors. Right here’s a glimpse into a few of this 12 months’s most fun debuts.
Looking Rifles
Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Capra: The Backcountry Capra redefines the light-weight mountain rifle and raises Weatherby’s commonplace for backcountry efficiency. Beginning at simply 4 kilos, the Capra options the Mark V 6-lug short-action machined from titanium, making it one of many lightest manufacturing rifles ever provided. Its thin-contour barrel options double-spiral fluting that kinds a double helix. This cuts weight whereas including rigidity to ship sub-MOA accuracy. A modified Peak 44 Blacktooth inventory shaves ounces on the path whereas preserving comfy ergonomics and efficient recoil management. The MSRP begins at $3,499. Study extra at Weatherby.
Bergara CIMA CF: The brand new Cima CF (Carbon Fiber) ship for hunters who admire the steadiness and really feel of a basic sporter-style rifle. It’s constructed for many who additionally demand fashionable innovation and diminished weight. Weighing in at simply 5.8 kilos, it’s the lightest rifle ever of their B-14 lineup. The inspiration of the Cima CF is its RTM sporter inventory, crafted utilizing a Resin Switch Molding (RTM) course of. This superior technique leads to a 100% carbon fiber inventory that’s not solely inflexible, but additionally extremely gentle—simply 18 ounces. Inside, an SMC carbon mini-chassis is precision-fit to supply the motion with a strong bedding platform. This ultra-light chassis provides essential stiffness and rigidity with out pointless weight, maximizing each structural integrity and accuracy. Paired with a Bergara CURE carbon barrel, each component of the Cima CF is engineered for max weight discount with out sacrificing efficiency. The MSRP begins at $1,849. Study extra at Bergara USA.
Christensen Arms: Christensen Arms expanded their in style Evoke rifle launched final 12 months with new cartridges together with Hornady’s 25 Creedmoor and 22 Creedmoor. The Evoke is Christensen Arms’ most reasonably priced looking rifle. It incorporates a precision-machined receiver, removable journal, hybrid grip angle, premium adjustable set off, 416R stainless-steel suppressor-ready barrel with an RFR-style brake, built-in Picatinny rail, swivel sling studs, adjustable cheek riser and optic-ready base on choose fashions. Its wealthy options at an reasonably priced value ought to make it a superb selection for quite a lot of looking eventualities. The MSRP begins at $999. Study extra at Christensen Arms.
HS Precision: One of many coolest new issues I noticed was on the HS Precision sales space. HS Precision is thought for its accuracy and innovation. Their Professional-Sequence® TTD (Tactical Takedown) Rifles present a novel resolution for any tactical scenario. One of many guys confirmed me a brand new prototype of this TTD rifle in an MDT chassis that hasn’t formally been introduced to the general public. With the patented interrupted thread design the TTD permits the tool-less meeting of a number of barrels in seconds to suit right into a a lot smaller case for ease of transportation and discretion. This rifle options H-S Precision’s legendary accuracy assure with a repeatability assure of 1″ MOA. Study extra at HS Precision.
Optics
Leupold BX-6 Vary HD 10x42mm: Leupold launched the BX-6 Vary HD 10x42mm Ranging Binoculars, a high-end, all-in-one rangefinding binocular designed for hunters and long-range shooters. The brand new unit is positioned as a top-tier providing of their lineup, combining superior ballistics, GPS know-how, and high-definition glass. The laser engine is able to ranging reflective targets out to six,000 yards, bushes to three,000 yards, and deer-sized recreation to over 2,000 yards. It options built-in Hornady 4DOF (4 Levels of Freedom) ballistic software program, together with a brand new Precision Lower Archery (PCA) software program for bowhunters. The unit consists of Precision GPS Pinning, which permits customers to drop a pin on a goal and share the placement with apps like onX, Google Maps, Apple Maps, and others by way of the Leupold Management App. This all-in-one rangefinding binocular fuses world-class optical readability with superior real-time ballistics and precision GPS pinning. The MSRP is $3,999. Study extra at Leupold Optics.
Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8×24 LPVO: Trijicon showcased their new AccuPoint 1-8×24. Developed with intensive suggestions from skilled hunters—from the Alaska backcountry to the plains of Africa—the AccuPoint 1-8×24 is engineered to present big-bore rifle hunters the flexibility they want for any scenario. Its new Hunter Holds MOA reticle permits most dangerous-game cartridges to be zeroed at 50 or 100 yards whereas offering intuitive 50-yard maintain factors out to 250 yards, guaranteeing assured shot placement from “too-close” encounters to extended-range alternatives. Like all AccuPoint fashions, the 1-8×24 options Trijicon’s superior tritium and fiber-optic illuminated reticle, delivering a vibrant, exact aiming level in any lighting situation—with out batteries. This dual-illumination system routinely adjusts reticle brightness to match ambient gentle, whereas the patented guide brightness override (fiber strip or fiber dial, relying on mannequin) provides customers extra management when wanted. A one-gun safari is now a actuality with the brand new 1-8×24 AccuPoint. The MSRP is $1,904. Study extra at Trijicon.
SIG Sauer Picture Stabilizing Binoculars and Recognizing Scope: Picture stabilizing binoculars and recognizing scopes are one of many hottest tendencies in optics nowadays. The SIG’s ZULU6 sequence of binoculars makes use of proprietary Optical Picture Stabilization (OIS) know-how to get rid of hand-shake and ship a tripod-level view with out the majority. That includes specialised HDX glass lenses, an IPX7 waterproof and fog-proof score, the ZULU6 HDX fashions characteristic two user-selectable stabilization modes: Scan Mode and Goal Mode. The ZULU6 HDX PRO mannequin routinely blends each modes collectively utilizing OmniScan. The HDX PRO optical system additional improves gentle transmission and reduces glare when in comparison with the usual HDX optical system. Now accessible in 10x, 12x, 16x, and 20x magnification, the ZULU6 HDX affords a full vary of prescriptions to match quite a lot of environments and functions. The MSRP begins at $999. Study extra at SigSauer.
SIG Sauer’s Optical Picture Stabilization know-how can also be now accessible within the OSCAR6 HDX PRO picture stabilized recognizing scope. That includes SIG SAUER’s next-generation OmniScan Optical Picture Stabilization know-how, the OSCAR6 HDX PRO makes use of a digital accelerometer to regulate the extent of stabilization utilized primarily based on the gadget’s bodily motion. Outfitted with Sig’s most superior HDX PRO™ glass system, the OSCAR6 HDX PRO options absolutely redesigned ED lenses and prisms to considerably scale back ambient glare whereas bettering total gentle transmission. With as much as 50 hours of runtime on simply two AA batteries, an built-in ARCA-SWISS base, and removable eyepiece for future adaptability, the OSCAR6 HDX PRO redefines what’s attainable in discipline. The MSRP is $2,199. Study extra at SigSauer.
Swarovski Picture Stabilizing Recognizing Scope and MIL Z5i Scope: Swarovski showcased its newest developments in picture stabilization know-how with their new AT/ST Stability recognizing scope. the Tyrolean household firm has launched a pioneering mannequin that mixes the excellent optical efficiency of SWAROVSKI OPTIK with state-of-the-art picture stabilization know-how in a single gadget. The result’s a recognizing scope that reveals a fully shake-free image – even with no tripod. The MSRP begins at $3,849.
Their Z5i scope sequence additionally featured a brand new MIL model of their 3-18x50mm scope, making it interesting to extra lengthy vary hunters. With a 30mm principal tube diameter, it supplies elevated adjustment vary for exact concentrating on. The Ballistic Turret and superior reticle choices guarantee optimum efficiency in any looking scenario. MSRP for the 3-18x50mm scope is $2,385. Study extra at Swarovski’s web site.
Suppressors
Useless Air Nomad TI OTB: Useless Air Silencers has constantly pushed suppressor design ahead, and their new Nomad TI OTB continues that custom. The Nomad TI OTB is 7.65 inches lengthy, however slides over the barrel’s previous couple of inches so as to add simply 4.6 inches to the rifle’s total size, successfully reclaiming that house with out compromising sound suppression. The titanium development additionally retains weight to simply 10.5 ounces regardless of the 7.65-inch total size. Useless Air’s proprietary quick-detach system locks the suppressor securely to a muzzle gadget whereas sustaining excellent concentricity, which is essential for OTB designs the place any misalignment might lead to baffle strikes. The MSRP is $1,049. Study extra at Useless Air Silencers.
Rugged Sub9: Rugged’s new Sub9 suppressor is a 9mm rated suppressor optimized for subgun and PCC platforms. The Sub9 will preserve your setup compact and impressively quiet with minimal gasoline blowback. It makes use of coaxial chambers in an effort to be as quiet as attainable for subgun and pistol caliber carbines, whereas having low blowback. It additionally has a taper lock for a stronger and extra concentric lock up than conventional spring type 3 Lug Mounts. The Common 3 Lug Mount is suitable with all HK Spec 3 Lug Adapters in the marketplace. At 6.8” the Sub9 supplies a compact bundle perfect for staying brief and quiet. The MSRP is $950. Study extra at Rugged Suppressors.
BANISH 556: The BANISH 556 is a devoted, hard-use suppressor engineered for shooters who demand reliability underneath sustained hearth. Constructed with an additive manufactured Inconel core and a stainless-steel blast chamber, it’s optimized for five.56 NATO/.223 REM and options controlled-flow know-how to cut back again strain. Compact and sturdy, the BANISH 556 measures simply 6.3 inches in size, 1.65 inches in diameter, and weighs 15.6 ounces. It makes use of an industry-standard HUB mount and features a 1/2×28 direct-thread mount. Completed in black or FDE Cerakote and backed by a lifetime guarantee, the BANISH 556 is constructed for shooters who want a devoted 5.56 suppressor that performs reliably underneath strain. The MSRP is $1,129. Study extra at BANISH Suppressors.
Ammunition
Hornady 22 Creedmoor: Hornady featured their new 22 Creedmoor ammunition. This cartridge was engineered for accuracy and velocity. By using right now’s lengthy, glossy, high-performance bullets, the 22 Creedmoor delivers ultra-flat trajectories, minimal wind deflection, and distinctive long-range efficiency. Not solely is that this spherical the brand new predator looking king, it’s equally succesful when pursuing small and medium recreation. 4 preliminary bullet decisions vary from the 69 gr ELD-VT to the 80 gr. ELD MATCH. With low recoil and excessive velocity, the 22 Creedmoor is an unimaginable cartridge for quite a lot of looking and long-range goal capturing duties. Study extra at Hornady’s web site.
Barnes 6mm ARC & Suppressor Sequence: Barnes launched their first 6mm ARC ammunition choices this 12 months, together with the VOR-TX in 90gr TAC-TX and 105gr OTM, in addition to the 100gr Sierra Sport King of their new Harvest line. Additionally they launched a brand new Suppressor sequence of ammunition together with .300 Blackout, .308 Win, and 9mm. This ammunition is designed to run cleaner and develop at decrease velocities. I’m significantly within the .300 Blackout ammo loaded with the Sierra 205gr GameKing. Study extra at Barnes Bullets.
Past the Present Flooring
The SCI Conference is greater than only a commerce present; it’s a celebration of looking and out of doors tradition. Attendees had the chance to attend seminars and workshops led by {industry} specialists, hearken to charming shows by famend hunters and conservationists, and join with like-minded people who share their ardour for the outside. It’s my favourite commerce present due to its give attention to looking, and it’s the fitting dimension and relaxed atmosphere for having actual conversations with representatives at every sales space.
Because the {industry} continues to evolve, one factor stays sure: the SCI Conference will stay an essential gathering place for hunters and out of doors fanatics alike. The revolutionary merchandise showcased on the occasion exhibit the continued evolution of looking know-how and producers’ unwavering dedication to offering hunters with the very best gear for fulfillment. Whether or not you’re an skilled hunter, a conservation advocate, or just inquisitive about looking and capturing sports activities, the SCI Conference presents an interesting glimpse right into a multifaceted {industry} and its constructive impression on the world and wildlife round us. Study extra at safariclub.org.
