Budget Finds at SHOT Show 2026: Quality Gear Under $800 header image
NewsJanuary 24, 2026

Budget Finds at SHOT Show 2026: Quality Gear Under $800

SHOT Show 2026 delivered quality firearms and gear under $800 across all categories: bolt-action rifles, semi-auto pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and suppressors. Budget-conscious shooters have more options than ever.

Key Takeaways

  • Affordable Suppressors: Lyman Sonicore series starts at $199 following the elimination of the NFA tax stamp, Hi-Point Hush-Point models at $259-$439
  • Ruger American Gen II Patrol: Multi-caliber bolt-action in 5.56/6mm ARC/.308 with adjustable stock and 16.1" threaded barrel at $729
  • Kimber CDS9 Classic: Compact 9mm pistol with tritium sights, flat-face trigger, and full ambidextrous controls at $795
  • Diamondback SDR-A: Lightweight 6-shot .38 SPL +P revolver with aluminum frame at $614

Plan Your Budget Build

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Rifles

Ruger American Gen II Patrol bolt-action rifle in Cerakote finish
Ruger American Gen II Patrol (Credit: American Rifleman)

Ruger American Generation II Patrol - $729

Ruger's American Generation II line adds a Patrol model available in 5.56 NATO, 6mm ARC, .308 Winchester, and .338 ARC. The rifle features a gray splatter synthetic stock with adjustable length of pull and comb height, sling studs, and grippy texture. Cerakoted action and 16.1-inch threaded bull barrel. Additional calibers coming soon include .300 Win. Mag. and 7mm PRC.

Ruger American Gen II Patrol Specifications

  • Calibers5.56 NATO / 6mm ARC / .308 Win / .338 ARC
  • Barrel16.1" threaded bull
  • StockAdjustable LOP/comb, gray splatter synthetic
  • ActionBolt-action, Cerakote finish
  • Price$729

Spandau Arms RL Bolt Action - $799

Turkish gunmaker Spandau Arms, represented in the USA by SDS Arms, introduced the RL Bolt Action, currently offered in .308 Winchester. Built around a Remington 700 short action, the base model features Turkish Walnut and black oxy nitride finish steel. Premium features include an oversize bolt handle and Picatinny rail on the pre-drilled receiver. Plans to expand caliber offerings this spring include 6.5 Creedmoor and more.

TriStar KR22 - $289

The TriStar KR22 is a .22 LR semi-auto rifle featuring a keyhole stock and Picatinny rail for optics mounting. At $289, it targets entry-level shooters and rimfire enthusiasts.

Pistols

Kimber CDS9 Classic 9mm pistol in black with stainless slide
Kimber CDS9 Classic (Credit: Freedom Armory)

Kimber CDS9 Classic - $795

Kimber America expanded its Covert Double Stack (CDS) 9mm line with the CDS9 Classic at SHOT Show 2026. The Classic is offered in two configurations with tritium sights, with or without an optic-ready slide, in stainless steel and black finish colors. Features fully ambidextrous controls and a flat-face trigger. The Classic models have a slimmer profile without an accessory rail on the dust cover, making them more suitable for concealed carry.

Kimber CDS9 Classic Specifications

  • Caliber9mm
  • SightsTritium
  • ControlsFully ambidextrous
  • TriggerFlat-face
  • VariantsStandard / Optic-ready
  • Price$795
Left-side view of a Diamondback SDR-A revolver
Diamondback SDR-A revolver (Credit: Diamondback Firearms)

Diamondback SDR-A - $614

The Diamondback SDR-A is a compact six-shot revolver with a concealed hammer for double-action-only operation. This represents the first hammerless model in the SDR lineup. Weighing just 15.6 ounces, the SDR-A features an aluminum frame, making it significantly lighter than the original all-stainless steel SDR model. Chambered in .38 Special +P and equipped with fiber optic sights.

Charter Arms Pathfinder II - $511

The Charter Arms Pathfinder II is an 8-shot DA/SA revolver chambered in .22 LR. Features a 3.5-inch barrel and adjustable rear sight. A solid choice for rimfire revolver shooters on a budget.

Value-Priced Accessories

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Optics & Sighting • $389

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 Gen IV

  • 1-6x magnification
  • Second focal plane
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Optics & Sighting • $399

Sig Sauer Tango MSR 1-6x24

  • 1-6x magnification
  • MSR-BDC6 reticle
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Optics & Sighting • $349

Primary Arms SLx 3x MicroPrism

  • Fixed 3x
  • ACSS Raptor reticle
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Optics & Sighting • $379

Holosun AEMS Core X2

  • 2 MOA dot
  • 50,000 hour battery
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Optics & Sighting • $149

Sig Sauer Romeo5

  • 2 MOA dot
  • MOTAC
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Optics & Sighting • $179

Sig Sauer Romeo 5 Gen 2

  • 2 MOA dot
  • MOTAC shake-awake
Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Shotguns

Dickinson Sidelite Series - $790

Dickinson's Sidelite Series offers side-by-side upland shotguns in 12/20/28-gauge and .410 bore. Features figured walnut stock and traditional double-barrel design at $790.

Suppressors

Lyman Sonicore suppressor displayed on a table
Lyman Sonicore suppressor (Credit: The Firearm Blog)

Lyman Sonicore Series - $199-$299

Following the elimination of the suppressor tax-stamp to $0 on January 1, 2026, Lyman Products filled a gap in the suppressor market with Sonicore Suppressors, bringing a well-regarded European design to the U.S. market. MSRP ranges from $199 to $299, depending on the model.

Beginning in 2026, Sonicore introduces eleven suppressor models across four distinct product families: Rekkr (for semi-automatic rifles in .223 and .30 caliber), Paradox (lightweight hunting suppressors), Skarv 22 (modular rimfire suppressor), and Valor 9 (9mm handgun suppressor). Sonicore suppressors feature engineered baffle systems and stainless-steel cores. Modular construction across the line simplifies cleaning and maintenance while giving hunters and shooters flexibility to tailor length and performance.

Lyman Sonicore Product Families

  • Rekkr.223 / .30 caliber rifles
  • ParadoxLightweight hunting suppressors
  • Skarv 22Modular rimfire suppressor
  • Valor 99mm handgun suppressor
  • Price Range$199-$299

Hi-Point Hush-Point 22 - $259

The rimfire model is 6.19 inches in length and weighs only 4.9 ounces, with compatibility listed as 22 LR, 22 Short, 22 WMR, 17 MACH 2, 17 HMR, and 17 WSM. Body made from 7075 aluminum.

Hi-Point Hush-Point 9/45 - $439

Compatible with 9mm to 45 ACP, with a body made from 7075 aluminum as are the muzzle cap and monolithic monocore baffle. Hi-Point positions these products as affordable options in the newly expanded suppressor market following the elimination of the NFA tax stamp.

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What This Means

SHOT Show 2026 demonstrates manufacturers are prioritizing affordability without compromising core features. The elimination of the NFA tax stamp created a new market segment for sub-$300 suppressors, with Lyman and Hi-Point leading the charge.

The Ruger American Gen II Patrol and Spandau Arms RL deliver precision bolt-action platforms under $800. Kimber's CDS9 Classic brings tritium sights and ambidextrous controls to the $795 price point. Diamondback's SDR-A offers a lightweight aluminum-frame revolver for everyday carry.

Budget shooters have access to complete builds across rifles, pistols, shotguns, and suppressors, with manufacturers prioritizing value without sacrificing essential features.

Check our Platform Catalog as these new products become available, or use our Interactive Builder to configure your own setup.

Complete Your Build

Essential accessories to round out your setup

Scroll
Illumination • $119

Streamlight ProTac HL-X

  • 1,000 lumens
  • 50,000 candela
View on Amazon
Slings & Retention • $75

Magpul MS4 Dual QD Sling

  • Dual QD swivels
  • Convertible design
View on Amazon
Backup Iron Sights • $99

Magpul MBUS Gen 2

  • Polymer construction
  • Spring-loaded flip-up
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Slings & Retention • $22

Magpul QD Sling Swivel

  • QD swivel
  • Manganese phosphate
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Slings & Retention • $69

Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling

  • Padded
  • Quick-adjust
View on Amazon
Slings & Retention • $25

BCM M-LOK QD Sling Mount

  • M-LOK
  • QD socket
Check Price at OpticsPlanet

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