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Though Glock often gets credit for being the world's first polymer-frame, striker-fired pistol, the H&K VP70, which shares those attributes, actually debuted a full 13 years beforehand. A select-fire, high-capacity oddity, the H&K VP70 utilized design principles that were far ahead of its time. For more on this groundbreaking pistol, check out this "I Have this Old Gun" segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.
Despite the incredible array of polymer-frame, striker-fired, semi-automatic handguns on the market, the classic revolver not only refuses to die, it has seen something of a resurgence in recent years.
For 2026, the semi-automatic shotgun market has seen even more growth, with some manufacturers expanding their current offerings and other makers entering the marketplace with novel designs.
For the past 100 years, the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) has established the standards that ensure our safety when using modern shotshells, cartridges, firearms and more.