SHOT Show 2026: Introducing the All New 5.56mm U526 Utility Rifle and E526 Braced Pistol

Описание: Live from SHOT Show 2026: Introducing the 5.56mm Rifle and Pistol platforms, new releases from Shadow Systems!

We are releasing two versions of this new 5.56mm platform, the 16” U526 rifle and the 11.5” E526 pistol. The U526 is your Utility carbine; it does most things quite well. The E526 is an Entry pistol, designed for Close Quarters Battle (CQB) where a short barrel is essential. We are also manufacturing 11.5” SBR models under the E526 model name.

The rifle and pistol are built around a hybrid contour, 5.56mm 4150 CrMoV (MIL-B-11595E) steel barrel with a 1:7 twist. This is the traditional U.S. machinegun barrel steel produced to current military requirements. The barrel is stress relieved before and after machining, precision button rifled, and then chrome-lined. Our bore process leaves a super smooth substrate for the chrome, meaning the subsequent chroming process has negligible impact on accuracy.

We use an intermediate gas system on 16” rifles (carbine on pistols) which lowers peak port pressure and offers longer dwell time. This makes the gun recoil less sharply while also offering reliable function across the wide range of operating pressures found in the commercial market, suppressed and unsuppressed.

The Maelstrom is a lightweight, low-profile muzzle device engineered to reduce flash without adding unnecessary mass. Its open-prong geometry disrupts, cools, and disperses the exiting gas plume, breaking up unburnt powder and significantly reducing visible muzzle flash, particularly in low-light conditions. The integrated Plan B suppressor interface uses a tapered mounting surface to maintain concentricity, resist carbon lock, and provide broad suppressor compatibility including with our proprietary RS625 titanium suppressor.

The rail system was designed to maximize stiffness of the rail for mounting aiming devices. We began with a longer barrel nut to give the system greater rigidity. We then designed an interface with the barrel nut that did not require the rail to be “split” at the bottom as is often seen in competing designs. Ours is an inherently stronger solution because the band at the rear is unbroken. The system then adds large vertical fasteners and a clamping block to preload the rail directly against the barrel nut, while separate lateral fasteners prevent extrusion opening. This creates a multi-axis load path that is significantly more rigid than side-clamping designs.

The trigger in our rifle is NOT yet another mil-spec
trigger disguised with nickel boron coating. This is a true 2-stage trigger, very similar in performance to some of the most expensive triggers on the market. It features a light 1 lbs. take up followed by a 2.5 lbs. break for a total of 3.5 lbs. The trigger passes SAAMI drop safety testing protocol.

Our bolt release is manufactured from super tough S7 tool steel and can withstand the rigors of duty use. We believe the military’s adoption of the M7 now settles the question on what the new standard is for ambi bolt releases. Right-handed firers – bolt release is accessible with the firing hand trigger finger meaning the support hand can stay on the forend to control the weapon. The left side bolt release functions as a standard mil-spec release. Left-handed firers – bolt release is similarly accessible with the trigger finger giving lefties all the same advantages as right-handed firers.

We also have a true ambi charging handle where both sides of the lever independently move the latch. The wings are large, textured, and prominent but will not dig into your body and gear on road marches or wear a hole in your gloves.

The ambi safety lever gives the user options to be configured for either a 60 degree or 90 degree throw. Comes with two lever options included, one that mimics mil-spec, and one that is a unique ergonomic design that allows faster disengagement and reengagement with less hand shift.

The rifle features our proprietary texture on the pistol grip and foregrip.

Our stock was designed with four things in mind: efficient strength for weight, shooter comfort with beard resistance, reasonable anti-rattle without extra clamping mechanisms, multiple sling mounting locations. An insert in the front of the stock which continuously contacts the buffer tube and prevents both the infiltration of beard hair and excessive rattle. A single rubber overmold that
adds the rubber contact surface on the cheek area and the butt pad in one operation.