shooting-sports/gun-shows
Gun Shows
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 show tips
gun show guide
how to buy at gun show
gun show rules
FFL transfer at gun show
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01 // LEARN
#01
What are Gun Shows?
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.
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
APR
10
JTs Gun & Knife Show
Gun Show
The JT’s Gun & Knife Show will be held on Apr 10th – 12th, 2026 in Elizabethton, TN. This Elizabethton gun show is held at National Guard Building and hosted by JT's Gun Show.
Friday, April 10, 2026
National Guard BuildingNational Guard Building, Elizabethton, TN
View details
APR
10
Dodge County Gun Show
Gun Show
The Dodge County Gun Show will be held on Apr 10th – 12th, 2026 in Freemont, NE. This Freemont gun show is held at Christian Field and hosted by BK Promotions.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Christian FieldChristian Field, Freemont, NE
View details
APR
10
Flat Rocks NEW ERA Gun & Knife Expo
Gun Show
Youth
DatesMar 6th – 8th, 202603/06/202603/08/2026Flat Rock’s NEW ERA Gun & Knife ExpoMore Information:https://gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/flat-rocks-new-era-gun-knife-expo/Flat Rock, MI 48134New Era Gun ShowfalseApr 10th – 12th, 202604/10/202604/12/2026Flat Rock’s NEW ERA Gun & Knife ExpoMore Information:https://gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/flat-rocks-new-era-gun-knife-expo/Flat Rock, MI 48134New Era Gun ShowfalseAug 14th – 16th, 202608/14/202608/16/2026Flat Rock’s NEW ERA Gun & Knife ExpoMore Information:https://gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/flat-rocks-new-era-gun-knife-expo/Flat Rock, MI 48134New Era Gun ShowfalseNov 13th – 15th, 202611/13/202611/15/2026Flat Rock’s NEW ERA Gun & Knife ExpoMore Information:https://gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/flat-rocks-new-era-gun-knife-expo/Flat Rock, MI 48134New Era Gun ShowfalseDec 11th – 13th, 202612/11/202612/13/2026Flat Rock’s NEW ERA Gun & Knife ExpoMore Information:https://gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/flat-rocks-new-era-gun-knife-expo/Flat Rock, MI 48134New Era Gun ShowfalseCity/StateFlat Rock, MIHoursFriday:1:00pm - 7:00pmSaturday:10:00am - 5:00pmSunday:10:00am - 3:00pmAdmissionGeneral Admission: $10.00Kids under 13: Free accompanied by paying adult$5.00 for First Responders & Military with Proper IDDescriptionWhether you're new to firearms or just looking to learn more, the New Era Gun & Knife Expo is the perfect place to connect with a community that shares your interest in safety, conservation, and the outdoors. We are a growing Gun & Knife Expo and we are focusing our efforts on quality vendors that not only have a variety of new and used gear, but also are experts on the gear they have available. Our vendors are happy to answer questions and help find the perfect purchase for your lifestyle.It’s not just about buying gear. It is about finding a like minded community with specialty knowledge who can answer all your questions.Don’t know where to start? When you arrive, just ask for our organizer, Daryl Robinson. He’s here to hel
Friday, April 10, 2026
24250 Telegraph Rd.24250 Telegraph Rd., Flat Rock, MI
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APR
10
The Mukwonago Gun Show
Gun Show
The The Mukwonago Gun Show will be held on Apr 10th – 11th, 2026 in Mukwonago, WI. This Mukwonago gun show is held at Greenridge Mall and hosted by Freedom Firearms.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Greenridge MallGreenridge Mall, Mukwonago, WI
View details
APR
10
The Mukwonago Gun and Outdoors Show
Gun Show
The The Mukwonago Gun and Outdoors Show will be held on Apr 10th – 11th, 2026 in Mukwonago, WI. This Mukwonago gun show is held at Greenridge Mall and hosted by Freedom Firearms.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Greenridge MallGreenridge Mall, Mukwonago, WI
View details
APR
10
Dodge County Gun Show
Gun Show
The Dodge County Gun Show will be held on Apr 10th – 12th, 2026 in Freemont, NE. This Freemont gun show is held at Christian Field and hosted by BK Promotions.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Christian FieldChristian Field, Freemont, OH
05 // LOCATE
#05
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline