Preview: What to Expect at the 2014 SHOT Show

With the 2014 Shooting, Hunting & Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show starting Jan. 14, we're just 4 days away from seeing some of the latest innovations in new guns, ammo and gear.

Here's an overview of the new products we expect to see revealed at the 2014 SHOT Show:

As more states enact right-to-carry laws, sub-compact pistols such as the Glock 42 and Remington R51 are dominating the attention of gun owners. Guns & Ammo will show you a parade of new carry guns from the show.

The AR-15 platform is evolving to include shorter, lighter carbines with ergonomic advantages. Look for announcements about short-barreled upper receivers chambered for the popular .300 Blackout cartridge. We also expect to report on more piston-driven operating systems than ever before.

Magnum-caliber rifles such as the Alexander Arms .338 Lapua Magnum, Colt M2012 and NEMO Omen are turning big-bore platforms into what could be described as long-range plinking guns. Precision machining, recoil reduction and modularity are enabling average shooters to operate large-caliber rifles with pinpoint accuracy. Expect to see a handful of new rifles that shine as distances stretch.

Optics have changed more than any other piece of gear in the firearm industry in the past decade. Holographic, range finding, night vision and thermal technologies are becoming commercially available from several optics manufacturers. We look forward to reporting on the newest scopes and sights from the 2014 SHOT Show.

Suppressors are coming in smaller form factors while still reducing sound decibels. Long delays in the NFA registration process are resulting in suppressors with the ability to multi-purpose on several weapon systems. Increased consumer demands for suppressors are also rising, as more states legalize the use of suppressors for hunting. Keep an eye out as we report on suppressors with longer lifespans and modular attachment configurations.

Shotguns like the Remington Versa Max 3-Gun and Benelli ETHOS are becoming specialized toward competition and hunting applications. We're expecting to see a large emphasis this year on specialized hunting shotguns, since waterfowl hunting has joined the mainstream spotlight.

Though many folks are still concerned about ammunition availability, the technology of ammo continues to deliver greater performance with less recoil and muzzle flash. Hornady is making new ammo for 2014 with personal defense, hunting and target shooting in mind. We also expect to show you brand new, specialized rifle cartridges that offer screaming velocities and punishing terminal ballistics.

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Be sure to follow along with daily up-to-the-minute 2014 SHOT Show coverage on Guns & Ammo, brought to you by Springfield Armory. We'll bring you exclusive first-look coverage of all the best new products from the show.