Loading...
shooting-sports/gun-shows
Gun Shows
Gun shows are marketplace 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 show tips
gun show guide
how to buy at gun show
gun show rules
FFL transfer at gun show
—————
01 // LEARN
#01
What are Gun Shows?
Understanding this shooting discipline
Gun shows are marketplace 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.
Types & Variations
Firearms sales (new and used)
Ammunition and reloading supplies
Accessories and optics
Collectibles and militaria
Hunting and outdoor gear
02 // START
#02
Getting Started with Gun Shows
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.
Essential Equipment
What you need to get started
1Government-issued ID (required for purchases)
2Cash (preferred by many vendors)
3Gun case or bag (if selling/trading)
4Reference materials (pricing guides)
5Comfortable walking shoes
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
1All FFL transfers require background check
2Firearms must be unloaded and action-locked
3No loaded firearms inside venue
4Check local show rules before attending
5Private sale rules vary by state
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
Arrive early for best selection
Walk the entire show before buying
Compare prices across multiple vendors
Bring cash - many sellers offer cash discounts
Know current market values before attending
What Does Gun Shows Cost?
Realistic budget expectations
Getting Started
$8-15 admission
Basic equipment to begin
Competitive Setup
N/A
Quality gear for serious shooters
Per event/match:$8-15 admission
Hidden costs to consider: Budget for purchases beyond admission. Bring cash for better negotiating. FFL transfers typically cost $20-50 if needed.
03 // ASK
#03
Frequently Asked Questions
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
#04
Upcoming Events
Find gun shows events near you
View details
MAR
19
Sportsman show
Expo
Huronia Handgun Club is hosting a sportsman show on March 19, 2026—a chance to see what's new in hunting, fishing, shooting, and outdoor gear all in one place. Vendors set up booths, run live demonstrations, and walk you through what's worth your time and money. This is a working expo, not a sales pitch. You'll find people who actually use this stuff, ask questions that matter, and get straight answers about gear and methods. It's the kind of event where you run into folks doing what you do and learn something practical.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Huronia Handgun ClubHuronia Handgun Club, Oqiton Township, ME
View details
MAR
20
Menomonie Gun Show
Gun Show
The Menomonie Gun Show will be held on Mar 20th – 21st, 2026 in Menomonie, WI. This Menomonie gun show is held at Stout Craft Co and hosted by Bearing Arms Gun Shows.
Friday, March 20, 2026
Stout Craft CoStout Craft Co, Menomonie, WI
View details
MAR
20
Waupaca Gun, Ammunition & Accessory Show
Gun Show
BUY-SELL-TRADE-BROWSE, WE PAY CASH FOR GUNS AND RELATED ITEMS. The Waupaca Gun, Ammunition & Accessory Show will be held on Mar 20th – 21st, 2026 in Waupaca, WI. This Waupaca gun show is held at VFW Post 1037 and hosted by Gun Buyer Gun Shows.
Friday, March 20, 2026
VFW Post 1037VFW Post 1037, Waupaca, WI
View details
MAR
20
Saint Cloud GUN Show
Gun Show
Mark Your Calendars, Invite All of Your Friends And Make Plans to Attend... You Don't Want to Miss This Event! The Saint Cloud GUN Show Has Become Known for Being “Bigger and Better” With More Tables, More Vendors, And More Guns Than Any Other Gun Show in the Area! Up To +180 Tables of Firearms: Rifles, Shotguns, Revolvers, Pistols, Ammunition, And Gun Accessories! HUGE Selection of Both New and Used Firearms and Accessories to Buy, Sell, And Trade in Person! Find Many Hard to Get, Collectible, Old, Antique, And Obsolete Firearms and Accessories! Concessions Will Be Available Both Days With: Great Classic Foods, Fresh Hot Coffee, Ice Cold Drinks, and Sweet Tasty Treats to Eat! The Saint Cloud GUN Show Is Held at the Army National Guard Armory - Saint Cloud, Minnesota and Hosted by Scepaniak Events LLC. All Federal, State, And Local Laws and Regulations Must Be Observed. More Information Here: https://www.saintcloudgunshow.com/
Friday, March 20, 2026
Army National Guard ArmoryArmy National Guard Armory, Saint Cloud, FL
View details
MAR
20
Sportsmen Hunting & Fishing Exchange
Gun Show
Your best source for hunting and fishing supplies, knives,vintage items and SO much more. This New Albin gun show is held at New Albin Community Center and hosted by Sportsmen Hunting &; Fishing Exchange. All federal and local firearm laws and ordinances must be obeyed. The Sportsmen Hunting & Fishing Exchange will be held on Mar 20th – 21st, 2026 in New Albin, IA. This New Albin gun show is held at New Albin Community Center and hosted by Sportsmen Hunting & Fishing Exchange.
Friday, March 20, 2026
New Albin Community CenterNew Albin Community Center, New Albin, IA
View details
MAR
20
Ozaukee County Spring Show
Gun Show
This is the Second of two planned Ozaukee county fairground gun shows brought to you by CJB Promotions. Plenty of parking available at the Ozaukee county fairgrounds. This is a buy sell trade event. All state and local laws will be obeyed. The Ozaukee County Gun Show! will be held on March 20-22, 2026 in Cedarburg, WI. This CJB gun show is held at Ozaukee County Fairgrounds Pavilion and hosted by CJB Promotions. All federal and local firearm laws and ordinances must be obeyed. The Ozaukee County Spring Show will be held on Mar 20th – 22nd, 2026 in Cedarburg, WI. This Cedarburg gun show is held at Ozaukee County Pavillion and hosted by CJB Promotions.
Friday, March 20, 2026
Ozaukee County PavillionOzaukee County Pavillion, Cedarburg, WI
05 // LOCATE
#05
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline