[SHOT 2026] Year of the Clone - Top 8 Clones of SHOT Show 2026

Some years SHOT Show becomes defined by a particular trend - in the past we’ve seen lever actions and 5.7mm pistols dominate. While SHOT Show 2026 was definitely the year of the suppressor with many new manufacturers entering the game following changes to the NFA, for me, SHOT 2026 was the year of the clone.

We saw established manufacturers and plucky independent gunsmiths both bringing exciting clone builds to the market. Here’s my top 8, in no particular order, that I checked out at the show. Let us know what your favourites were in the comments below!

EM-85 from Murdoch & Co.

One of the most ambitious clones I’ve seen in a long time was the EM-85 series of rifles from Murdoch & Co. exhibiting at SHOT Show for the first time the US company is brining the much maligned but iconic British bullpups to market. They’re aiming to offer something for everyone; for collectors they have limited edition clones of the L85A1 and L85A2 which incorporate some original components and for those looking for a cheaper, more modern SA80 clone they announced a new production rifle, a clone of the latest variant the L85A3. For more info check out my article here.

PSA’s Sabre-25

The SABRE-25 from PSA is so authentic D aniel struggled to get it in frame when taking photos of it! PSA have taken the SABRE-10 and added the correct SR25 style gas block and muzzle device to accept Gate Lock silencers. PSA haven’t released much more information on these other than their hope to get them into buyers’ hands before the end of 2026. This could well be the SR-25/M110 SASS at home.

The Bronco ‘SPAS-12’

There has to be a shotgun on the list and Turkish gunmaker Bronco Arms had a very interesting one on display. The TAC SX at a glance looks very much like the original SPAS-12 there are some differences, the TAC SX does, however, have dual-mode operation - manual and semi-auto actions. The Bronco SPAS is awaiting ATF approval but Daniel has rounded up everything we know here.

US Armament Manufacturing’s De Lisle Carbine

Up at the Navy Arms booth a couple of De Lisle Carbines, these were built off of original Lee-Enfield No1 MkIII (SMLE) receivers and appeared to be pretty faithful clones with good attention to detail though the US Armament Mfg guys did not that there had adapted the iconic integral suppressor’s internals a little. US Armament has metered these guns at just 85 decibels with Federal ammunition. MSRP on the new De Lisle’s is $6,499. Daniel has a little more information on them here.

Auto Ordnance Lightweight .22 Thompson

Auto Ordnance brought along a fun little Thompson with an aluminum receiver, polymer furniture and clever mags based on the 10/22s. MSRP is set to be $999 and while that might sound steep it looks like a whole lot of fun and it’ll probably be the cheapest ‘Tommy Gun’ you can get your hands on! Check out Sam’s article  all about it here.

Tensei Type 100

Gear Head Gunsmith returned to SHOT with their Type 100 clone which feeds from PPS-43 magazines. They gave us an update on the changes and improvements they’ve been making over the last few months as they prepare to enter production. They’ll be launching a pre-order list in a few days. While the Tensei Type 100 may not be a fully authentic copy of the original Japanese submachine gun it is certainly a fun clone of a gun you’ll probably never own any other way! Find out more about it on their site.

Mosin Bramit Silencers

Our next entry isn't a cloned firearm but rather a clone of a relatively rare accessory - the Bramit Silencer. The Bramit was developed during World War Two and was based on wipe technology. US Armaments Manufacturing have adapted the original design and updated it by incorporating a new, modern baffle design. Externally, however, the silencers appear authentic to the original design. Clean, crisp machining is clear with a vintage-looking finish. For added authenticity the suppressors don't use a thread attachment, instead like the original Bramit, they slip over the front sight and lock in place like the M91/30 bayonet. Certainly one for Mosin-Nagant or classic can fans. More information here.

Pietta Python Clone

Pietta also unveiled their Blacktooth Colt Python clone. Sam got the full story earlier this week and reports that MSRP for the Pietta Python has landed at $1,104. This undercuts a new Colt Python by $200-500 and stays well below what original first-generation Pythons command on the used market. The Blacktooth replicates the internal mechanism of the original 1950s Python, not the modern CNC version and externally it looks great. More on the Pietta Python here.

Roswell Rifle Works Rock SHOT with a SR-3M

One of the hottest clones of SHOT 2026 was undoubtedly the SR-3M clone developed by Georgia-based Roswell Rifle Works. The US-made reproduction of the Russian SR-3M Vikhr rifle is the holy grail of 9x39 guns. Hrachya got a chance to examine the rifle and noted that the only changes are the addition of the M-LOK slots on the handguard, replacement of the original 3-lug suppressor mount with 14×1 LH muzzle threads, slight design alterations of some internal parts to simplify the manufacturing and, of course, being designed for the US civilian market, it is semi-auto only. Check out Hrachya’s full article here.

AKB-23 LSW

Finally, we have to touch on another SA80 'clone', last year Ally & Kaufman brought their AKB-23 kits that gave the BRN-180 the look and layout of an SA80. I had the chance to shoot my friend Nick's AKB-23 recently and loved it, a lot of fun. This year they showcased their latest variant of the kit an L86A1 Light Support Weapon (LSW) complete with the long sponson that projects out from the receiver and a recreation of the LSW's unique forend. Check out their site for updates on when it becomes available.

Honourable Mentions

And finally, I have to give a shoutout to KAK Industry who have teamed up with Lima6 to bring a Browning M1917 inspired water-cooled belt-fed AR-15 upper to the market. This project stems from a deep appreciation for the classic water-cooled machine guns like the Vickers and Browning. It may not be a clone but it does look like fun. Check out my full article on the KAK 1917-inspired build here.