IWA OutdoorClassics 2026: Our report from Day 2 of the Nuremberg trade fair

Destination: Nuremberg, Germany – or, in airline jargon, NUE. That’s where members of the gun and accessories industry are headed these days, flying in from all over the world to reach the German metropolis. The airport  named after the city’s most famous son, Albrecht Dürer or alternatively the main train station, today also served as the starting and returning point for the free shuttle buses operated by NürnbergMesse, which ran hourly to the exhibition center and thus to the IWA trade fair. Local public transportation is on strike, but that has not affected the number of visitors.

Anyone who wants to enter the four-day trade fair dubbed the “world’s leading  trade fair for the hunting and target sports industry” must provide credentials (you can find the rules here), because IWA is “made for trade” – meaning it’s dedicated exclusively to commerce in civilian products related to topics such as sports shooting, hunting, defense, knives, action sports, or survival. Accordingly, many international attendants (according to the show, around 88% of all visitors) come specifically to negotiate directly at IWA with both new and established manufacturers, suppliers, importers, and wholesalers.

Especially in the optic segment, electronics companies from Asia have been viewing the firearms market as a new target group for years. The legal regulations governing the use of technologies such as thermal-imaging aiming devices and lasers are still not standardized worldwide, but suppliers respond by offering country-specific versions of their products. And even in the firearms segment, there are always new developments that still show room for improvement despite all the highly advanced gun technology. So, on day 2 of IWA as well, here is a diverse series of short reports. You can also get plenty of information throughout the day on our social media channels.


Eratac T7, the gentle and low-weigh block mount

The Eratac T7 is a slim-design, one-piece block mount that provides a secure but gentle hold for your riflescope, with a low weight. Thanks to ERA Grip technology, hinged ring caps with belt-style clamping and large contact surfaces, low tightening torques are enough to guarantee a secure hold, even under heavy recoil – the torque values are laser-engraved. This also means less stress on the scope structure, especially for models with a thin main tube. Additional markings on the clamping jaw allow to easily check the tightening torque and ensure the right setting even without a torque wrench. The Eratac T7 needs no adhesive or bonding for installation, and multiple ramps and an adjustment wedge makes precise scope alignment easier. The extended design ensures a stable interface on the Picatinny rail and allows for flexible positioning of the optic. There are no protruding parts – so no snagging or catching on equipment, or restriction when using weapons with a side charging handle. Newly designed self-centering interfaces at the 9, 12 and 3 o'clock positions, as well as at 45”, can withstand extreme forces while providing max flexibility. The icing on the cake, the innovative design also comes with a reduced weight – up to 40% compared to similar block mounts.


Guide Orion C series clip-ons, compact and lightweight perfomance

At IWA 2026 in Nuremberg, Guide presented new updates at its booth for its Orion C series clip-on thermal imagers featuring ApexVision. The main message was a clear trend: more performance at less weight, a factor that’s becoming increasingly important for active hunting (stalking and frequent blind changes) and for modern, compact rifle setups. One standout is the compact 640-class clip-on within the Orion-C family: despite a 640×512 sensor and a 35-mm objective lens, the technology fits into a very small housing – weighing at around 285 g. In practical terms, that primarily means better rifle balance and handling, less front-heaviness, and at the same time reduced mechanical stress on the riflescope, mount, and adapter. Especially when users don’t handle adapter systems optimally or fail to check them after firing, every gram saved can help support repeatable zero / point-of-impact consistency in the overall setup. Length also matters: the trend toward short barrels combined with suppressors often leaves very little space between the silencer and the optic, and compact clip-on devices can become a real problem-solver here. In addition, reference was made to a new sensor family which, together with a new processor architecture and algorithms, is said to have the potential to set a new benchmark in image performance. More technical details on the Orion-C series and ApexVision are available on the Guide Outdoor website.  For the full rundown, it’s best to watch the video as well.


TriggerTech new ACE Trigger System for Glocks and new Tikka triggers

At IWA 2026 the US drop-in trigger specialist TriggerTech showed some already popular products – such as the Primary, Special and Diamond triggers for Remington 700 platforms – and some new interesting additions. These include the Diamond and Special triggers for Tikka T3, T3x and T1x rifles and the certified special ACE Trigger System for Glock pistols. 

The new Tikka triggers feature TiggerTech's patented Zero Creep Technology for a consistent feel in each and every shot, hardened 440C stainless steel internal components that ensure corrosion resistance and an extended service life. Prices in the US range from $224.99 (Tikka Special Trigger) to $324.99 (Tikka Diamond Trigger). 

The fully modular and fully adjustable ACE Trigger System for Glock pistols, on the other hand, is a monolithic trigger featuring a pivot safety for a clean engagement, encouraging consistent trigger breaks. You can adjust break weight and reset to your exact preferences with a pull weight range of 2.5-6.0 lb and it is USPSA approved, and permitted in IPSC Standard, Optics, and Open divisions. The manufacturer claims that the ACE Trigger System completely eliminates any parasitic movements. It also comes with the patented Zero Creep Technology for an exceptionally crisp break. The ACE Trigger System is ompatible with Glock Gens 1-5 in standard frame 9mm and .40 S&W only. The models are: 17, 17L, 19, 19x, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 34, 35, 45 and 47 – more info in the video, as usual. Price in the US is $274.99.


Schmeisser PSR-9 and DRS-9: variations on the PCC theme

The 9mm Schmeisser PSR-9 pump action PCC. It uses Glock double-stack magazines.

At IWA 2026, the historic Schmeisser brand exhibited two interesting technical variations on the pistol caliber carbine theme. PCCs are enjoying considerable success on both the European and US markets thanks to a number of factors: they are fun and inexpensive to use, as pistol cartridges cost much less than rifle cartridges; they often have a very attractive appearance; they are less oppressively regulated than “black rifles”; and are normally very simple and rugged thanks to their blowback operating system. But the German manufacturer wanted to create some variations on the theme by introducing two models into its catalog, named PSR-9 and DRS-9 respectively.

The 9mm Schmeisser DRS-9 utilizes a delayed blowback mechanism that makes control during rapid firing easier.

The Schmeisser PSR-9 is a pump-action gun chambered in 9x19mm, which stands out for its tactical design and robust construction. It uses Glock-compatible magazines, a choice that guarantees wide availability and logistical convenience. The smooth-sliding handguard allows for quick shot strings even where the possession of semi-automatic firearms is restricted by local laws. The built-in Picatinny rail allows for the installation of modern optics and aiming aids. The telescopic stock offers ergonomic adaptability to different body types and shooting positions, while the pistol grip and manual safety replicate the layout of AR-15-style rifles. Barrel is 12” long, equivalent to 305 mm. The light alloy receiver is anodized in an attractive bronze color.

Now let's move on to the Schmeisser DRS-9, which shares the caliber (9x19mm) and general layout of the previous model, but differs in its delayed blowback system which, according to the manufacturer, makes felt recoil milder on your shoulder while reducing muzzle rise. The DRS-9 is also fed from Glock-compatible double-stack magazines, but in this case the fixed handguard features popular M-Lok slots and the barrel is 10.5 inches long, equal to 26.6 centimeters. The charging handle located on the front of the handguard is easily reversible from left to right. Both models feature a straight trigger, in line with market demand. As these are brand new products, no retail price has been announced yet.


Umarex Ruger Mini 14: airsoft replica of the “A-Team rifle“

The airsoft replica of the Ruger Mini 14 “A Team” semi-automatic rifle wielded by a convincing B.A. Baracus impersonator.

"I love it when a plan comes together”: full 1980s nostalgia at the Umarex booth at IWA 2026. The German-based world's largest manufacturer of over-the-counter firearm replicas and the largest importer of air guns in Europe showcased their airsoft replica of the 5.56x45mm Ruger Mini 14 stainless version with folding stock made famous by the popular TV show “The A-Team”, that in the US aired from 1983 to 1987. Even if many still think that the original rifles used in the series were fully automatic Ruger AC556 models, that's not actually true: the production used semi-auto Ruger Mini 14s and the actors just pulled the triggers as quick as they could... The Umarex version is a High-quality airsoft replica featuring full metal construction with real wood stock with skeletonized steel folding stock. The gun has an externally adjustable shoot-up, NPAS (Negative Pressure Adjustment System) blowback regulator and adjustable rear sight. It can also be disassembled like its live-fire counterpart.


Voere KKC: The American 180 strikes back

The Voere KKC semi-automatic rifle in .22 LR is inspired by the legendary American 180 SMG.

The American 180 was a submachine gun chambered in .22 Long Rifle, designed in the 1960s by Dick Casull – the same designer who would later attach his name to the powerful .454 Casull cartridge. The concept was relatively straightforward: compensate for the low energy of a single .22 LR round with suppressive, high-volume fire, made possible by a 1,200-rounds-per-minute rate and, above all, a huge ammunition reserve supplied by a 180-round drum magazine. It was never a major success, and over the years the design passed through several hands, until it ultimately ended up with the highly experienced Austrian company Voere. At IWA 2026, the firm unveiled the KKC, a thoroughly revised, technically updated and legally compliant take on the American 180.

Among the updated features is the Arca-Swiss interface, which allows the firearm to be mounted on a tripod.

In this new Tyrolean rework, the gun loses the hallmark full-auto capability and becomes a (so to speak) “normal” semi-automatic firearm; a bolt-action conversion has been also announced. For legal reasons, the drum magazine is offered with a capacity of just 28 rounds. The original 180-round drum is still available for countries where such limits do not apply. The buttstock is a fixed crutch-style piece. However, two additional options are planned for those who prefer either a tactical-style stock or a folding stock, which reduces the overall length from 92 cm to 62 cm for easier transport. The pistol grip is compatible with aftermarket AR-15 grips already on the market. The iron sights are complemented by a Picatinny rail that allows for the mounting of red-dot sights or conventional optics, while an Arca-Swiss rail enables tripod attachment. The rifle alone weighs just 2.1 kg, increasing to 3.4 kg with the magazine. The trigger is direct (single-stage), with a safety that blocks the firing pin. The prominent muzzle brake fitted as standard can be easily replaced with a suppressor, where permitted by law.