Shadow Systems Debuts Its First AR Platforms at Shot Show 2026

At Shot Show 2026, Shadow Systems officially stepped into the AR market, unveiling its first rifles with the 16-inch U526 rifle and the 11.5-inch E526 AR pistol. This move marks a significant expansion for a company best known for its performance-driven pistols, signaling Shadow Systems’ intent to apply its system-focused design philosophy to one of the most competitive firearm categories in the industry.

According to the company, these rifles are the result of more than three years of research, testing, and design refinement. Shadow Systems approached the platform from the ground up, engineering everything from its hybrid barrel to its handguard, trigger, and furniture. The goal was familiar: deliver a cohesive, well-balanced system built for reliability, durability, and consistent performance at all levels.

Below is Shadow Systems’ full press release, which outlines the design philosophy, features, and specifications of its new AR lineup in detail.

Press Release

Plano, TX (January 20, 2026) — Shadow Systems, the American firearms manufacturer known for its performance-driven pistol designs, today announced the launch of its first semi-automatic rifle platform, offered in 16-inch and 11.5-inch configurations. The Shadow Systems rifle reflects the same system-driven engineering philosophy that has guided the company’s pistols for over a decade.

Rather than assembling a parts-bin carbine, Shadow Systems engineered the rifle end-to-end: from furniture to barrel and gas, trigger, and rail, all with the goal of delivering consistent reliability, smooth operation, and exceptional performance. Both configurations share a common foundation built around a hybrid-profile, chrome-lined 4150 CMV barrel, a tuned gas system, and a highly rigid handguard interface designed to support modern aiming devices.

“Our goal was not to build another ‘me-too’ AR,” said Trevor Roe, CEO of Shadow Systems. “We approached this rifle the same way we approach our pistols: as a complete system. Every design choice was intentional, focused on reliability, shootability, and durability where it actually matters.”

The 16-inch rifle configuration utilizes an intermediate-length gas system to reduce recoil impulse and improve reliability across a wide range of ammunition and conditions. The 11.5-inch pistol configuration was selected deliberately for its meaningful velocity and performance advantages over shorter barrels, while maintaining compact handling.

Additional features include a pinned, military-grade gas block, a proprietary Maelstrom flash hider with Plan B suppressor interface, a true two-stage duty trigger, premium bolt carrier group coatings, modern ambidextrous controls aligned with current military standards, and proprietary furniture designed for comfort and control under hard use.

The Shadow Systems U526 16″ rifle and E526 11.5″ pistol will be available through authorized dealers nationwide with prices starting at $2,199 for the rifle and $2,179 for the pistol, depending on configuration.

About Shadow Systems

Shadow Systems Corp. is a privately held firearm manufacturer based in Plano, Texas, specializing in premium pistols designed for everyday carry, duty use, and competition. Every product is engineered, machined, and assembled in the USA by a team of veterans and former law enforcement officers. From internals to externals, Shadow Systems builds hard-use tools that perform under pressure.

Looking Ahead

Shadow Systems’ entry into the AR market is ambitious, especially at its stated price point, placing these rifles squarely in a highly competitive segment dominated by well-established names. Whether the U526 and E526 can distinguish themselves long-term will ultimately come down to real-world performance, durability, and how well this system-driven approach translates outside the pistol space.

This is very much a wait-and-see moment but an intriguing one. Potentially, we’ll be taking a closer look at the platform in a future piece, diving deeper into the build, design choices, and how Shadow Systems’ first ARs stack up once they start landing in shooters’ hands.