IWA OutdoorClassics 2026: The firearms and outdoor equipment industry remains cautiously optimistic

On the fourth and last day of IWA OutdoorClassics 2026, show management delivered a cautiously optimistic assessment. With around 25,000 visitors, attendance remained largely steady, and true to the IWA motto “Made for Trade” a great deal of business was conducted. Personal, face-to-face conversations with business partners remain important – especially in times of crisis – and the show also helps companies find new distribution channels.

The Team of all4shooters.com01.03.2026

The final Sunday of IWA OutdoorClassics traditionally ends two hours earlier, and the corresponding “business rush” could be felt today across all eight exhibition halls. Many company representatives, however, also appeared relaxed, because negotiations with suppliers – and, of course, interest from the trade press – suggested that the chosen course was the right one. In times of new and barely predictable tariffs – especially with the US – this matters for many products across the IWA industry portfolio, as companies often have to find new routes to market, open up alternative markets, and rebuild trust. “Crises are also opportunities,” as the saying goes – not only in China. .

Asian countries, in any case, tend to prefer coming to Nuremberg rather than attending the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, not only for flight-related reasons; SHOT Show had already kicked off the 2026 trade show season at the end of January. That was also the key theme in an interview with IWA press spokesperson Georg Loichinger conducted by our colleague Dario Nothnick (see video above): after NürnbergMesse announced in January that the next IWA would be decoupled in timing from Enforce Tac, moved to April, and shortened to three weekday show days, that plan has already been scrapped. What happened? In the meantime, many conversations with exhibitors as well as with IWA’s institutional sponsors VDB and JSM (gunsmiths and manufacturers) made clear that a timeframe of just under a year is not sufficient for careful planning and further development of the show concept. As a result, next year’s IWA will take place from March 4 to March 7, 2027 – once again over four show days and, of course, still at the Nuremberg Exhibition Center. “Save the date,” as the signs above the hall exits suggest – ready to jot down or save to your phone.

The daily reports from the last three days and links to our social media channels can be found in the final section below this article. Enjoy reading and watching – and looking forward to more!

IWA OutdoorClassics 2026: 12-ga Armsan RS-XM Modular Pump Action Shotgun

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The 12-ga Armsan RS-XM can be used as standalone shotgun...

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...Or separated from its stock and mounted beneath an assault rifle using a Picatinny interface.

The 12-ga Armsan RS-XM Modular Pump Action Shotgun can be mounted on an Armsan modular stocks as a standalone platform, but has the unique feature of being able to be separated from the stock and quickly mounted beneath an assault rifle using a Picatinny interface, similarly to grenade launchers. A combination that is highly appreciated at short ranges, where the 12-gauge continues to be very effective, and even more so as a door breacher and in anti-drone applications for military use. Capacity with 10.25/26 cm barrel is 3+1 rounds, but the Armsan RS-XM is also available in other barrel lengths and with longer magazine tubes – that is, higher capacity. Weight is 3.1 kg. Unlike other similar products, it appears that Armsan RS-XM will be regularly available on the civilian market.

IWA OutdoorClassics 2026: Pard thermal imaging devices

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Pard Leopard 640 EX is the new top-of-the-range thermal imaging monocular.

At the Pard's booth, we were able to take a look at a range of thermal imaging devices that have been expanded and revised for this season. First up was the Osprey 2.0, a compact binocular thermal device that can be used for observation like binoculars, but with four functions: day and night vision, thermal imaging, and picture-in-picture for an RRP of €999.

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Pard Osprey 2.0 binoculars have four functions: day and night vision, thermal imaging, and picture-in-picture.

The NV007 SP2 Pro is based on the classic Pard 007 and comes as a dual-use device with a 4K CMOS sensor with 3840×2160 pixels, either as a riflescope clip-on or as a handheld device with a replaceable IR illuminator (850 nm or 940 nm wavelength). The PARD TA32 monocular is a one-handed observation device the size of a beverage can with all functions within easy reach of the holding hand, featuring a 384×288 sensor and either with (price: around $1,000) or without a laser rangefinder, in which case it costs just under $1,000.

The new top-of-the-range Pard Leopard 640 EX also has a compact design for one-handed operation of all functions, a 640 sensor and either a 50-mm lens (RRP €1,999) or a 35-mm lens (€1,699), each with an integrated laser rangefinder. All devices are expected to be available from stock within the next three months.

IWA OutdoorClassics 2026: Victrix Kinetic, for demanding precision shooters

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Engineered around a high-strength monobloc chassis in light alloy and available in both centerfire and rimfire configurations, the Victrix Kinetic is a refined precision rifle platform.

Also due to its natural finish with clear protective coating and the bronze accents in the form of the bolt handle and lateral forend weights, the Victrix Kinetic is an impressive competition precision rifle. It is engineered around a high-strength monobloc chassis in light alloy, with accessory attachment system, adjustable thumb rest, and integrated barricade stop. Needless to say, the Sporting Plus single-stage trigger system is adjustable too.

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The buttstock and insulated cheek piece equipped with a removable lower slider are adjustable in the Victrix Kinetic.

The rifle is available in both centerfire and rimfire configurations, in the following calibers: 308 Win Match, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6 Creedmoor, 6 XC and .22 LR. Barrel – 27’” long for centerfire calibers, 22” for rimfire – is match-grade, lapped and with heavy contour. Magazine capacity is 10 rounds. Buttstock and insulated cheek piece (the latter equipped with a removable lower slider) are adjustable. The EVO button folding system for optimized transport and handling is reversible. The lightweight alloy forend provides a lateral accessory attachment system and an integrated full-length central Anschutz-type lower rail with ARCA rail. The handguard cover also comes with a 420-mm Picatinny rail.

The action is built from billet AISI 630 steel worked through milling and turning with finish on grinding machinery and coated with a PVD surface treatment for durability and smooth operation. The Victrix Kinetic has an ergonomic and interchangeable zero angle flat top grip for standard AR platform, and a 20 MOA removable rail in light alloy. Prices for this beautiful shooting machine range from around $6,375 to $7,850.

IWA OutdoorClassics 2026: Bushnell unveils the new R7 hunting riflescope line

Bushnell is launching the R7 scope line, the new highlight of its completely revamped hunting optics range. Featuring premium clarity, reliable tracking, and rugged all-weather durability, you can choose between SFP (Second Focal Plane) fiber-Illuminated models or advanced FFP (Front Focal Plane) Glass-Etched configurations for precision aiming, all with 30mm main tube. SFP models in the R7 line include: 1-8x24 (with MOA or MRAD fiberglass illuminated reticle G4), 2-10x42 and 4-20x50 (with MOA fiberglass illuminated reticle G4), 3-15x50 (with MOA or MRAD fiberglass holdover illuminated reticle) and 4-20x50mm SFP (MOA). FFP models have exposed pop-up locking elevation turrets with Zero Stop for reliable return-to-zero shot after shot, and are available as 3-15x50 or 4-20x50 (with MOA or MRAD etched hybrid dot tree illuminated reticle) variants. All R7 models come with flip-up caps (see through rear), 3-position user selectable throw lever and side parallax (except 1-8x24 LPVO's) and elevation turrets with Zero Stop. ED Prime Glass delivers exceptional brightness and edge-to-edge sharpness, high light transmission and resolution. More info in the video.

IWA OutdoorClassics 2026: new Sightmark Strikon VMP 1-4x22 SFP riflescope and FMP 1x18 prismatic sight

Two new products from Sightmark: the Strikon VMP 1-4x22 SFP fiber riflescope and the FMP 1x18 prismatic sight – micro prism sight. The Strikon VMP uses a glass prism to give users a more compact design and a brighter image and is designed to be mounted on modern sporting rifles for rapid target acquisition at close- to mid-ranges. With a 22-mm objective lens and providing a wide field of view at low power, it features a true 1x magnification for close-quarters speed and 4x magnification for mid-range accuracy. It can be used for any dynamic shooting scenario, whether competitions or tactical/defensive situations. A second focal plane CRF-4 MIL fiber-optic-enhanced reticle provides bright, intuitive aiming points without batteries. The Strikon VMP offers variable brightness settings across 11 levels, including 2 optimized for night vision. The riflescope is equipped with Shake Awake technology that preserves battery life by putting the unit into sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity and instantly powering it on when motion is detected. Footprint is the popular Aimpoint Micro one. The Strikon VMP is priced at 419.99 euro.

The FMP 1x18, on the other hand, is a compact, low-power optic designed for fast target acquisition and rugged field use. It features a prismatic optical system with fixed 1x magnification and an 18-mm objective lens. Ideal for close-range engagements and quick sight picture transitions, the FMP utilizes the RTR-1 Rapid Targeting Reticle illuminated red with 12 brightness levels with 3 for night vision use, and is powered by a single CR2032 battery. (Runtime: from 100 hours on high to 10,000 hours on low, with Shake Awake function). Built on the Aimpoint Micro footprint, the FMP includes a 0.39” riser (1.54” centerline height) and multiple screw sets for height customization. Price is 299.99 euro.

Both the VMP and FMP optics have 6061 aluminum housings, are IP67 waterproof, shockproof and nitrogen-filled.

IWA OutdoorClassics 2026: new KJI K950 tripod for PRS shooting

At IWA 2026, KJI presented the new K950 carbon fiber tripod designed for PRS shooting and equipped with a Titan inverted ball head that allows for very precise and responsive rifle positioning, using an extremely comfortable knurled knob. The head has a load capacity of 27 kilograms. The tripod has a load capacity of 77 kilograms and can reach a height of 181 centimeters when fully extended. The leg twist locks are made of machined aluminum and contribute to making this tripod very sturdy and stable in all conditions of use. Find out more on the K950 and other KJI's tripods in the video.

IWA OutdoorClassics 2026: Savage Rascal in .22 LR: the modern “boy’s rifle”

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The Savage Rascal is a single-shot .22 Long Rifle rifle intended for junior shooters.

The Savage Rascal is a single-shot, bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle, designed for youth training and recreational shooting. Conceived to introduce youngsters to the sport of shooting, it combines very simple design and operation with high safety standards in a compact, lightweight package. Overall length is 80 cm, with a 16.1”/41 cm barrel and a weight of about 900 grams. Chambered in .22 LR, it delivers minimal recoil and is cheap to use – ideal for a shooter’s first range sessions. But the Rascal is not a toy, and it includes a few noteworthy features, such as the user-adjustable AccuTrigger, which delivers a crisp, customizable break to improve control and accuracy. The ergonomic, durable synthetic stock is sized for junior shooters and provides a secure grip. Savage lists multiple variants in its catalog, including models with colored polymer stocks or wood stocks. The adjustable iron sights consist of a peep sight paired with a dovetail-mounted front sight, for immediate out-of-the-box use. An optic can also be mounted via a dedicated base. Compact, safe, and accurate, the Savage Rascal is a smart choice for getting started in the world of sport shooting – obviously in countries where it’s possible to introduce young people to safe firearms handling. In its basic configuration, the Savage Rascal costs $179 in the US.

IWA OutdoorClassics 2026: Leupold VX-4HD series, affordable and user-friendly

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Leupold introduces the new VX-4HD series of hunting scopes.

With the new VX-4HD series, Leupold closes the gap between the VX-3HD and VX-5HD. Sven Monz introduced us to three riflescope models in the lineup that combine HD optics with well-thought-out, user-friendly ergonomics and an attractive price point. Three configurations are available for the European market: the VX-4HD 3-12x40, 3-12x50, and 4-16x50. According to Monz, the latter is especially well suited for predator hunters – such as those using .223 Rem. – as a capable, competitively priced option.

Optically, the VX-4HD series relies on Leupold’s Elite Optical System with HD lenses: the 4x zoom range (30-mm main tube) delivers high-contrast images with sharp edges well into low-light conditions. A screw-in adjustment lever (throw lever) enables rapid magnification changes without losing your position—addressing a weakness of the clamp-on designs used on older generations. Anyone running thermal or night-vision clip-on devices benefits from the side-focus parallax adjustment: combined with the diopter adjustment, it allows the clip-on’s display – positioned just a few centimeters in front of the objective – to be set razor sharp.

Leupold’s CDS turret system also allows VX-4HD scopes to be equipped with a custom-engraved ballistic dial matched to the ammunition in use. Pricing for the European launch has not yet been announced; in the US, pricing runs roughly between $799.99 and $1,199 as a general point of reference.