Written by Michael Thervil

[2026 NRA Meetings Exhibition] Yesterday marked the first day of the 2026 NRA Meetings and Exhibition Convention in Houston, Texas. This year's NRA convention is celebrating 250 years of service and advocacy for the second amendment in 14 acres and like always is featuring the top firearm manufactures such as HK, Smith and Wesson, Bersa, GLOCK, and FN herself. Alongside featured gun manufactures, there was a wide array of companies that were also in attendance. Rifle and handgun scope manufactures like Ameri-glow, aimpoint, and Holosun made big appearances yesterday as well. It should be noted that there will be a host of events and firearm-related training seminars that will be taking place during this conference as well.

Gun manufacture HK took us by surprise as HK representative Walter Raynor demonstrated a high degree of competency not on the history and weapon systems currently available for purchase, but he was able to enlighten us on which HK products would be best for which consumers. Then there was Rebecca Donnelly of "Mantis", a company that specializes in “shooting performance systems” and technology. She was able to not only articulate the Mantis products that are available on the market now, but how her company's products can make shooters of all levels safer, faster, and more efficient through the use of digital technology.

As will all NRA conventions, there will be activities and high-profile social events that will be occurring throughout the duration of the convention. Featured in this year's convention are various manufactures that specialize in ATV’s, hunting/outdoors gear and accessories, the finest knives and collectibles. Special events featuring the best music artist While a weekend pass for the 2026 NRA Meetings and Exhibition Convention is free for all NRA members and their families, the cost for the general public is $35 to obtain a weekend pass which can be picked up at the registration booth on the first floor of the George R. Brown convention center which is located at 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010.