Suppressors Lead the Show at SHOT 

SHOT might be one of the biggest gun shows in the world, but it is not always about guns. This year suppressors were in the lead with most folks, all because of the elimination of the $200 tax stamp that should have been never implemented. Of course, Congress should have removed suppressors and short barrels completely, but the people who make law don’t understand the law. And that’s all I’m going to say about that. 

Regardless, suppressors lead the SHOT Show, with short barrels coming in right behind, in my humble opinion. And while some of it was innovation, most of it was because suppressors are selling faster than any manufacturer can produce them. I talked to two or three companies who didn’t bring out anything new simply because they were selling out their catalogs.

There were, however, a few new items with a few more that might have just been new to me and a few thousand others whose feet hurt walking the show. The most interesting was a “cool” suppressor followed quickly by a price-point suppressor line at $300 and going down. 

Suppressors in the Lead

Ambient Arms EXO 5.56

The Ambient Arms booth was covered up, pretty much from the time the doors opened in the morning until they threw us out. And it was all because of the EXO 5.56. The company broke the cool factor by figuring out how to run cool air through right with the bullet. 

Called the Ambient Intake System, this technology features intake channels that harness ambient air to reduce shooting temperatures. It handles 5.56, .223 Wylde and 6mm ARC, and it is full-auto rated. While I didn’t see it, I was told that at the range event, the reps would run a full magazine and then reach up and grab the front end of the suppressor.

Lyman Sonicore Suppressor Line

Most suppressors start in the $500 range and go up. However, we knew someone would bring out some more affordable cans at some point. The first to do so is Lyman with its Sonicore line. 

The company took a European design but decided to build it in the U.S. It features abn engineered baffle system and stainless-steel cores to reduce sound at the muzzle. It also comes with an integrated muzzle-brake for faster follow-up shots. Modular construction makes cleaning and maintenance easy, and allows users to adjust length and performance to their needs. For 2026, the company will produce 11 models to fit a variety of chamberings. 

JK Armament SGX

Shotguns are harder to suppress but a few companies have done this, including JK Armament with it SGX. The SGX uses the choke threads to mount, while allowing the choke to attach on the end. 

The SGX is actually pretty light, at 21.1 ounces, and swings nice on the end of the gun. However, it is configurable, allowing shooters to adjust it to their needs. It works for everything from turkeys to ducks and doves. 

Suppressor sales continue to grow, and they will just keep flying out the door. This doesn’t mean, though, that companies aren’t still trying to make them better.