doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Best Gun Shows in the World

I will be retiring shortly and for the first time in a number of decades will be able to go (within reason) wherever I want. What are the best gun shows to check out? Primarily interested in quality shotguns and wingshooting operators, but not averse to other gun/military related stuff as well. Not too (actually not at all)interested in travelling long distances to view Norinco knockoffs of AK-47s or similar, which is the typical fare of Northeastern gunshows. When I say reasonably able to travel, please understand that I live in NY and can make some, but not every gun show, so I would appreciate qualitative judgment; i.e. Las Vegas v. Reno, Tulsa v. Louisville, etc. Thanks for your tips.

Not including auctions- Probably Las Vegas is number one in the US. For you in New York, the Vintagers would be good and the National Gun Day Gun Show in Louisville several times a year is the largest east of the Mississippi. And by the way-I have been retired since spring of 2006, so enjoy your retirement; take it easy. You will love it.

These days Tulsa beats Vegas hands down. The Vegas show has been in a decline for a number of years (IMO). But these are strictly gun shows. For a real blend of contemporary shotguns and wingshooting venues I strongly suggest the SCI show in Reno. I agree the Vintagers at Pintail Point is a "must" for you yankees. Southern side by side in April wouldn't be bad either.

Joe,
Care to provide some details of why Tulsa beats Las Vegas for double gun enthusiasts? I don't want to wade through a bunch of assault guns to see some nice antique doubles.

Lakeland FL.

As you mentioned the World, the Gamefair in the UK could be on your radar.

http://www.gamefair.co.uk/

The Tulsa show (which is this weekend) can be overwhelming to a newbie, unless you have been to a 10 acre gun show before? Just making in through the show can best a test of endurance due to the crowded isles, but if you have an eclectic taste in guns this will be the show for you. You can generally find one of anything and several of most!! This last show seemed to have a reoccurance of participation by some of the higher end dealers that were missing in previous years. Don't really know how the economy will affect this years spring show but the other local shows in the area have had good attendance.

Do not rule out the NRA Convention for handling just about every worthwhile gun currently manufactured.-Dick

Ken, This Tulsa show can be kinda overwhelming to a old codger too!!
The great thing(s) about this 4,000 tables show is most near all of it is gun/hunting related. It ain't 3,750 tables of wore out camo, beef jerky and jewelry. There is a little bit of that stuff there, and that's fine to me because it don't plumb overwhelm the show like at some places. My ol' Uncle Loren and I used to always try to make the Wanenmacher shows because for a couple of ol' country boys we could see more good doubles at one show there than we could see all the rest of the year and shows combined.
Where you gonna be Ken? I'm gonna try to go Saturday morning.

I am a native of tulsa, I have been going to that show since I was a kid. it is, after all these years still unbeleivable to go too and try and see all there is to see. 3800 to 4000 table in one eleven room!!!

everything from a 200.00 skeeter to 150,000 purdey. if you are into fine doubles, it is a great place to handle and see high dollar guns in one location from several high dollar dealers.


bring cash - atm fees are outrageous in the show. get there early otherwise you will be parking in egypt and have to take one of the shuttle buses.

have fun
H&H