Minnesota Firearm News

DPMS Panther Arms made a splash at SHOT Show with the return of its iconic Kitty Kat AR-15 pistol and SBR, now produced under Palmetto State Armory. Once a staple among Minnesota law enforcement, the revived Kitty Kat blends retro styling with modern upgrades, including multi-caliber options, updated magazine patterns using Glock and CZ Scorpion magazines, and even wood furniture for a nostalgic aesthetic.

At SHOT Show 2026’s Staccato Range Day, 2 If By Sea Tactical had the chance to test Radian’s Ramjet + Afterburner system across several popular pistols, including Glock Gen 6 models, the SIG P365, and the Canik Prime. The upgrade immediately stood out for its ability to significantly reduce felt recoil without adding excessive length or upsetting the balance of the firearm—an especially important factor for everyday carry.

Rock Island Armory turned heads at SHOT Show 2026 with the debut of its new Pak-Out shotgun, a foldable pump-action design focused on compact storage without sacrificing familiar ergonomics. Available in both a full-length 18.5-inch configuration and a shorter, Shockwave-style variant, the Pak-Out folds down to fit easily into backpacks or duffle bags.

At SHOT Show 2026, Gestamen Arms unveiled the G9HSP pistol—an innovative new sidearm officially adopted by the Hungarian military. While Hungary is rarely associated with modern handgun innovation, the G9HSP breaks new ground with a modular design unlike anything currently on the market. Instead of a modular trigger group, Gestamen engineered a modular action system, allowing the pistol to be converted from striker-fired to hammer-fired in seconds without tools.

At SHOT Show 2026, some of the most exciting innovations weren’t found on the main floor, but in the basement—where small manufacturers push the boundaries of what’s possible. One standout was Gearhead Gunsmiths, which unveiled a civilian clone of the incredibly rare WWII-era Nambu Type 100. Originally developed by Japan in 1939, the Type 100 saw limited production, with fewer than 10,000 ever made and fewer than 20 known examples remaining in the United States today.

Now, with Harrington & Richardson under the Palmetto State Armory umbrella, the T48 is poised for a full-scale return to the civilian market. PSA’s manufacturing capability promises to make this historic rifle far more accessible, complete with classic wood furniture and period-correct styling. For collectors and history-minded shooters alike, the revival of the T48 represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of firearms history once thought lost to time.