I caught up with Mark at the Umarex booth to check out a stack of new releases for 2026, ranging from backyard BB “fun guns,” to a major upgrade for the Thompson, plus a dual-fuel hunting/pest-control PCP concept and some serious less-lethal / training options.
Storm Line BB Rifle (dual CO2, full auto): A traditional, “tamer-looking” BB rifle that’s anything but tame.
Capacity: 400-round main reservoir + 25-round ready magazine
Action: Full auto
Vibe: Affordable, high-volume backyard fun, while keeping the styling less “tactical,” which could help for markets like Canada.
Ridge Tech Lever Action (CO2): Lever actions are hot, and this one leans modern while staying simple and budget-friendly.
Feed system: 8-round magazine + 120-round reservoir built into the mag
Use case: Tin-can plinking and family backyard sessions, “CO2 Red Ryder for adults” energy.
Thompson M1A1 Drum Magazine Upgrade: The #1 request finally landed: a drum mag for the Thompson.
Capacity: 400 BBs
How it runs: Wind as needed to keep feeding similar to Airsoft High cap magazines
Best part: The drum magazine is planned to be sold separately and should work with the older stick-mag Thompson versions too, so existing owners can upgrade without buying the whole gun again.
Outpost (25 cal) “Dual Fuel” PCP Concept: One of the most interesting items in the booth, a platform aimed at practical use over pure plinking.
Power source: Runs on a nitrogen cartridge or as a traditional PCP-style setup out of the box
Caliber: .25 only
Design notes: Side lever, folding stock for compact carry, onboard spare-mag storage (prototype shown)
Positioning: Built for small game / pest work and “preparedness” minded buyers
Canada angle: CO2 use (if supported) could drop velocity, but in this form it sounded like it may currently be on the “too fast for Canada” side, so detuned / CO2-focused variants were discussed as a possibility.
S68 (68 cal, CO2, ~16J): Compact launcher format with real punch for its size.
Power: 12g CO2
Magazine: 6-shot standard, extended option mentioned
Ballistics talk: Roughly ~360–380 fps with a ~46-grain projectile (as recalled in the interview)
Ammo pairing: Steel-core “core defense” style rounds were emphasized for hard impact; pepper options depend heavily on local rules.
HDX 68 “Shotgun Style” (68 cal): A higher-capacity, higher-energy format.
Capacity: 16 rounds
Energy: ~36 joules mentioned
Use case: Home / business defense in jurisdictions where these products and ammo types are legal.
HDC 68 (M4/Rifle Style, CO2, adjustable): A configurable platform that can run mag-fed or hopper-fed.
Tuning: Adjustable velocity
Feeding: Magazine or hopper (round ammo works well; shaped rounds can be used depending on orientation)
CO2 options: 88g CO2 or adapters for 12g
Why not nitrogen (yet): Too much pressure without regulation, risk of damaging projectiles in the barrel.
New Ruger-Branded 1911 (CO2 blowback): A dressed-up 1911 variant with extra detail.
Notable features: Flared magwell, two-tone finish, extended beavertail, competition-style touches
Appeal: A strong trainer option for 1911 fans, great feel, realistic handling, and that classic 1911 cycling character.
Competition-Style CO2 Pistol (single-shot): A purpose-built target/competition format with modern mounting options.
Loading: Single-shot
Ergonomics: Competition grip + competition styling
Mounting: Built-in rail (no “upgrade it just to mount stuff” hassle)
Caliber shown: .177, with the obvious question of a future .22 variant.
Watch the Full Interview Video: