SHOT Show® Industry Day at the Range was pleased to have Steyr Arms as the 2026 Industry Day at the Range First Shot sponsor on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Boulder Rifle & Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nev. Christian Craighead, a highly decorated veteran of 22 SAS, the British Army's Special Mission Unit, had the honor of firing the first shot.
Industry Day at the Range created the First Shot tradition to honor one individual with the ceremonial opening shot to start the day. At this year's event, Craighead fired the First Shot in the Steyr Arms bay using the new Steyr Arms ATc Rock 5".
The ATc Rock 5" features a precision-engineered frame, extended barrel and adjustable sights delivering exceptional accuracy, reduced recoil and rapid target acquisition under pressure. More than a competition pistol, it represents Steyr Arms' dedication to innovation and performance, empowering IPSC shooters to perform and compete at their highest level.
In honor of the First Shot, Industry Day at the Range will make a donation to The Silent Warrior Foundation.
The Silent Warrior Foundation is a 100% volunteer run organization that supports U.S. Special Operations Forces veterans and their families. Its mission is to provide access to emergency assistance, mental health services, education and scholarships.
"Christian's distinguished career speaks to his leadership and courage, and it was an honor to have him fire the First Shot" said Kelsey Puryear, Industry Day at the Range co-owner and manager. "We couldn't ask for a better start to Industry Day at the Range as we kick off a great week for the industry in Las Vegas."
Craighead joined the British Army at 16, serving in the Parachute Regiment before selection to the elite Pathfinder Platoon and, ultimately, Tier 1 Special Forces. A highly decorated member of 22 SAS, the British Army's special mission unit, he conducted numerous high-risk operations and was wounded in action.
His extensive combat experience has made him a highly respected counter-terrorism and special tactics instructor. In 2019, his decisive leadership during a terrorist attack in Kenya helped save hundreds of lives, earning him global recognition, as well as personal gratitude and an invitation from the 45th and 47th President of the United States Donald J. Trump. After retiring in 2020, following 28 years of active service, Craighead conducts leadership and specialized training worldwide and is a sought-after keynote speaker.
Industry Day at the Range 2026 offers ample opportunities for businesses to connect, network and showcase their products to industry professionals and enthusiasts ahead of SHOT Show. SHOT Show is the nation's largest professional event for the sport shooting, hunting and outdoor industry industries and takes place in Las Vegas, January 20-23.
For more information about the 2026 SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range, visit ShotShowRangeDay.com.
STEYR ARMS — Masterpieces of Austrian weapon technology since 1864
Tradition. Innovation. Precision.
For more than 160 years, the name Steyr has stood for progress, engineering excellence and perfection. What began in 1864 with courage, inventive spirit and craftsmanship has developed into an internationally active high-tech group of companies with locations in Austria and the USA.
With the merger of the MANNLICHER and STEYR brands and the global brand orientation, the company became STEYR ARMS on 1 January 2019 — an institution that stands for the highest quality, state-of-the-art manufacturing and unrivaled precision worldwide.
Innovation as a constant — from industrialization to the high-tech age
STEYR ARMS continues the pioneering work of its founders with state-of-the-art manufacturing technology:
- Cold hammer-forged barrels made of high-alloy steels
- High-precision CNC manufacturing and state of the art quality control
- Modular systems for hunting and sporting needs
- Innovative silencer technologies
- Intensive testing according to NATO military quality standards
- Global cooperation with authorities, marksmen and hunters
Combining tradition and technology, STEYR ARMS.
Industry Day at the Range™ is owned and operated by CMG Marketing & Events and Triple Curl Advertising and PR. Held annually the day before the opening of SHOT Show®, Industry Day at the Range provides invited members of the press as well as retail, wholesale and law enforcement purchasing agents the opportunity for hands-on testing of firearms, ammunition and related accessories being introduced to the consumer market during SHOT Show. The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the title sponsor of Industry Day at the Range.