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Gun shows are market events where licensed dealers and private sellers display firearms, ammunition, accessories, and related items. Shows range from small local events to major expos with hundreds of vendors.
01 // LEARN
Understanding this shooting discipline
Gun shows are market events where licensed dealers and private sellers display firearms, ammunition, accessories, and related items. Shows range from small local events to major expos with hundreds of vendors.
Gun shows are held year-round nationwide, offering opportunities to find deals, compare products, handle firearms before buying, and connect with the firearms community. Both FFL dealers and private sellers participate.
02 // START
Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners
Getting into gun shows doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.
What you need to get started
Know these before your first shot
Advice from experienced shooters
Realistic budget expectations
$8-15 admission
Basic equipment to begin
N/A
Quality gear for serious shooters
Hidden costs to consider: Budget for purchases beyond admission. Bring cash for better negotiating. FFL transfers typically cost $20-50 if needed.
03 // ASK
Common questions about gun shows
New to gun shows? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.
Find answers to common questions about gun shows. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.
FFL dealers must conduct background checks for all sales, regardless of location. Private sale rules vary by state - some require background checks for all sales, others do not. Know your state laws.
Most gun shows charge $8-15 for single-day admission. Multi-day passes and early admission may be available. Children are often discounted or free. Some shows offer free parking.
In most states, private individuals can sell firearms at gun shows. Some shows charge a small table fee or allow you to carry a "for sale" sign. FFL transfers can often be conducted on-site if needed.
Bring government-issued ID, cash (many vendors prefer it), and comfortable shoes. If selling, bring the firearm unloaded in a case. Research prices beforehand so you know good deals.
04 // FIND
Find gun shows events near you
The Hells Canyon Outdoor Adventure Expo brings together shooting sports, hunting, and outdoor recreation in one venue. This expo-style event features: Multiple shooting disciplines and demonstrations Vendor booths showcasing firearms, ammunition, optics, and outdoor gear Educational seminars and workshops from industry professionals Hands-on activities for visitors to try equipment and techniques Family-friendly outdoor recreation exhibits This event welcomes hunters preparing for season, shooting sports competitors looking to network, outdoor enthusiasts interested in new gear, and anyone curious about hunting and shooting disciplines. You don't need competition experience to enjoy the vendor booths, learn from demonstrations, or explore the latest equipment. As an exposition, the Hells Canyon Outdoor Adventure Expo combines vendor exhibits with interactive demonstrations. Attendees can walk the floor at their own pace, speak with manufacturers and retailers, watch shooting demonstrations, and attend informational sessions. Some areas may feature live shooting activities or skill-building stations. Held at the Nez Perce County Fair Building in Lewiston, providing a central venue for the Wallowa Valley and surrounding regions.
Collectible and hard to find ammunition only. No guns for sale, or allowed in the show. Note: The main days are Thursday and Friday but Saturday is also open from 8AM - 12PM with no admission while vendors are tearing down The St. Louis International Cartridge Show (SLICS) began in 2000 after moving from Chicago where it was known as the Chicagoland Show. This centrally-located show has been the largest and most attended show for cartridge collectors for over 40 years. In addition to collectors, the show is well-attended by those in the forensics industry as well as other government agencies across the world. For many people this is the only show they attend each year and many take days just to travel to this show from around the country and world. It is the premier event that everyone recommends and sets on their schedule for the week leading up to Easter every year. https://cartridgeshow.com/ The St. Louis International Cartridge Show will be held on Apr 2nd – 3rd, 2026 in St. Louis, MO. This St. Louis cartridge show is held at Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel and hosted by St. Louis International Cartridge Show & Cartridge Show.
Over 30 years at the same location, every spring. The Polk County Sportsmen Club Gun Show and Deer Expo will be held on Apr 3rd – 4th, 2026 in Dresser, WI. This Dresser gun show is held at Trollhaugen Convention Center and hosted by Polk County Sportsman Club.
The Wyoming Sportsman Gun Show – Cheyenne will be held on Apr 3rd – 5th, 2026 in Cheyenne, WY. This Cheyenne gun show is held at Event Center at Archer and hosted by Wyoming Sportsman Gun Show Circuit.
The Missoula Gun Show will be held on Apr 3rd – 5th, 2026 in Missoula, MT. This Missoula gun show is held at Missoula County Fairgrounds and hosted by Sky Blue Gun Shows.
The Kenosha Gun Show is a vendor marketplace where you'll find firearms, ammunition, and accessories under one roof. Freedom Firearms is running it April 3rd at the Brat Stop/Parkway Chateau, and it's the kind of event where you can walk tables, compare prices from multiple dealers, and find deals you won't see online. Shows like this let you handle products before buying and talk face-to-face with sellers. Eight bucks gets you in the door. This is a straightforward trading floor—the value is in the volume of inventory and the chance to negotiate directly with vendors.
05 // LOCATE
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline