At this point, it's hard to call what's going on anything other than a complete shit show. What should be a smoothly run operation has turned into constant confusion, mismanagement, and frustration for everyone involved. There's no clear communication, no accountability, and no sense that anyone at the top actually has control of what's happening day to day. Mistakes keep stacking up, problems go unresolved, and instead of fixing the root issues, everything feels reactive and sloppy. People are left guessing, cleaning up messes that shouldn't exist in the first place, and dealing with unnecessary stress because leadership refuses to adapt or acknowledge how bad things have gotten. When the same problems keep repeating, that's not bad luck that's bad management. Running something like this requires energy, organization, and the ability to evolve. Right now, none of that is showing. The result is a mess that reflects poorly on everyone involved and wastes time, money, and patience. At some point, self-awareness matters. If you're no longer able or willing to run things competently, the responsible move isn't to dig in harder it's to step aside. Honestly, it might be time to seriously consider retiring and letting someone else take over who actually has the drive, clarity, and capability to run things properly. Because what's happening now isn't sustainable, and pretending everything is fine just makes the collapse louder and more embarrassing when it finally hits. read more

It's too popular now. Good luck with parking, and having any room. I always feel safest at a gun show. They have some good vendors, but I've only purchased one pistol from here. Haggle like you mean business! Otherwise I find better deals at stores. Nice folks who run this, but I'm not enamored by a vendor or two selling authentic Nazi Germany merchandise. It's creepy. On a positive note, the gent who sends WW2 rifles is amazing. I forgot his name, but all you have to say is "World War 2 firearms." The man is an expert, yet humble and easy going. These crowds are large, although everyone is polite and respectful. Go for the experience, but be wary of pricing. read more

It was just amazing I was there with my son!! I'm a Desert Storm Veteran we went there and had fun bought a bunch of high capacity magazines and other stuff beautiful day love the show read more

I've been coming to this show since 2016. I've bought quite a bit from here to include weapons. All the vendors are nice and informative. Some vendors really display their political feelings and affiliations. I actually find it funny LOL!!! You can purchase more than just guns. Vendors sell tasers, knives, holster, all sorts of bags to carry weapons and ammo... they even have high end first aid kits. Lots and lots of body armor and old military gear and clothing is sold here too. You can do transfers to DC & Maryland and apply for concealed carry permits. Some vendors also offer weapons handling and self defense training courses Not a bad entry fee... and they offer a military/veteran discount. read more

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The Nations Gun show, Chantilly, VA, April 21-23, 2023 Great show! You can buy pretty much everything you need there, although the prices (mostly) aren't much cheaper than in the shops. Vendors are friendly and helpful. But not all of them, unfortunately. Below is my conversation with one of the guys, who was selling magazines, unpacked, in some crappy plastic bags. His vendor tables were close to the main entrance, with multiple signs on them 'magazines' in red font. The guy was in his late fifties, somewhat plump, with a prominent hooked nose and obscure facial expression. After I purchased mags from him and walked around the shopping center, I noticed that other vendors sell magazines in factory packaging. So I decided to go back to the guy and ask him if he sold me the used or new ones. The man unexpectedly got agitated and explained me that he unpacked them to fit many mags into smaller boxes on his tables. Although it did not make much sense to me (he could've kept factory-packed boxes under the table if not enough space), that explanation was adequate and I was going to leave. The guy, however, was not done talking. Here is our small chat as I remember it. You may find it disgusting: - "See, this is what happens when you grow up in some European countries like Ukraine or Russia where they teach you all kind of crap and then you get older and come to the free world and do not trust anybody. My grandfather was from one of those countries and I know what I am talking about." - the guy says. Well. I am not exactly from one of those countries but I do have a European appearance and some accent. "Where was your grandfather from?", I asked, trying to stay composed. It's a gun show after all. "He was from Lithuania, my grandfather", the man says." and they kicked you guys out". Feeling uneasy, I retaliated: "Do you know that during the WWII many locals and provisional government in Lithuania collaborated with Nazis?" "I do, - the man said, - we killed 80% of Jews there". He did a cutthroat gesture, drawing a finger across his throat. What else could be said? Being from Europe, I knew about this genocide and hundreds of thousands of Jews killed by Lithuanian collaborators. Looking at his crooked nose, I turned around and left. I wish organizers would do something to prevent haters like this guy from taking part in this fine event. But how would they know, right? Maybe some background check would help, Idk. Five stars for the Show and one star for this unfortunate experience. Three stars average. I hope this review is appropriate to the forum. This is a true story. read more

There were no good deals, all guns were priced at what I could get them at just about any other store. Most of the guns were crap. Vendors are like vultures, you get 5 seconds to look at what you want, then they are all over you pushing for a sale...the last few years have been disappointing . We will try again next year....hope there are more deals and better guns. read more

Have been twice so far. October and December 2012. It's $12 just to get in, and EVERYTHING in here is way overpriced -- guns, ammo, etc. It's only worth the price of admission if you're going to make a day of it and are someone who can really enjoy walking around looking at and handling every gun and talking to some of the vendors who have older collections about the histories of the different ones. Definitely only worth going to once and only if you've never been to a good gun show. This one is so-so. It's the same one that you see all up and down the East Coast, even though when at the Dulles Expo Center it's called The Nation's Gun Show. It's the same one run by folks out of Blacksburg that you see in NC and the Salem Civic Center near Roanoke, Va., etc. If you're looking to pick up quite a few cheap mags at once, I will say you can find lots of mags, even AR 30-rounders, here for pretty cheap. But obviously you'll want to buy a few to ensure you save enough to offset the admission price. Mags, yes. Ammo and guns? Go to the local gun shop. read more

Been here a couple of times, make sure you print the coupon from their website for the $1 off admission. Lots of tables showcasing all different genres of weapons and accessories. Pretty much anything you are looking for regarding hunting, military, and sport shooting will be found on the floor somewhere. Be sure to do your recon before showing up and bring your calculator as deals are hard to come by as I found out. Be prepared to haggle and know the value of what you are looking for so you don't get swept up in the frenzy that is the Nation's Gun Show! lol. Best thing I discovered at the gun show resides on the back well adjacent to the ladies rest room. Ear Plugs by Debbie! Debbie runs a busy booth that makes custom earplugs. She makes insta-mold ear plugs on the spot. You pick your color and she injects the soft material into your ear. You can then return later for pickup after it has cured. One piece of advice would be to request different colored plugs for each ear so you can easily differentiate left from right. A week later I tried them out and they are an incredible fit and work exactly as advertised. A must buy if you shoot regularly or just want some great plugs for motorcycle riding, riding lawnmower, or have a really loud vacuum. $60, totally worth it! read more

While not the most cost effective means to get guns or ammo you can find some good deals if you take the time to. Been going about every 5 years, I always find some new accessory. Worth the visit if you have never been to one. I'd recommend not joining the NRA for any entrance discount. Your $ would be better served giving it to the VCDL or GOA. BUT if you want to supplement Wayne Lapierre's next beverly hills power suit shopping trip or his next summer vacation, by all means, give the NRA money! read more

I've only ever been to three gun shows in my life. One in Pennsylvania, one in Maryland, and now this one in Virginia. The Nation's Gun Show was by far my favorite! My boyfriend and I drove from Baltimore and it was around 1.5 hours. Worth the drive! 1. LOCATION: It's in the Dulles Expo Center, so there is a lot of space! There's also ample parking in front of the center and luckily, it's right next to a Walmart so you can also park there if spaces run out. 2. TICKETS/PRICE: We got there around noon and waited in line for under five minutes to get our tickets and go inside. It's $14 per person and you can print out a $1 off coupon online. When we first paid, the price seemed a bit steep, but after walking around, it was definitely worth it. 3. FIREARM VARIETY: Okay, so this is why Nation's Gun Show was my favorite gun show. There was just so much variety and different types of guns. On the website, it said there were 1500 tables! Usually, I get worn out after the first two very long rows of tables, but this gun show kept me excited. We saw tommy guns, uzis, machine guns, revolvers, shotguns, antique firearms, muzzle loaders, etc. Pretty much anything you were looking for. Also, there were A LOT of revolvers (my personal favorite). My boyfriend was looking for a double-barreled shotgun and there were a handful of tables that had them. He was also keeping an eye out for a reasonably priced Colt Python and we surprisingly saw quite a few. 4. GUN ACCESSORIES: There were also loads of tables that sold firearm accessories. I saw tables with personalized holsters, bulk ammunition, bulletproof vests, etc. There were also tables for shooting classes and self-defense classes. Pretty much anything related to firearms. 5. SURVIVALISTS: Another running theme - survival! For some reason, I saw multiple tables that sold items that could be used if you wanted to survive in the wild. Like water-making kits, camping gear, medical supplies, and even a DIY vasectomy kit. These tables were incredibly interesting and we saw so many items that we had never even heard of. 6. NON-FIREARM TABLES: Gun shows aren't just for people who love guns! They can also be for people who are friends of gun-lovers and want to buy other things. There were tables filled with clothing, jewelry, movies, posters, house decorations... 7. DOG FRIENDLY: We saw multiple people walking around with their dogs. Most of them seem well-behaved and there were even tables where the vendors had brought their own dogs. 8. OBSERVATIONS: Everyone is super friendly at gun shows. If someone bumps into you, they always apologize. I found this very refreshing. There are people walking around with their own signs and firearms trying to sell them. This might be useful if you are looking to find someone particularly unique or a good deal. 9. TIPS: a) Bring cash - All the tables were willing to lower their prices if cash is offered. b) Bring multiple forms of ID if you are hoping to make a purchase. c) As a MD resident, we were only allowed to buy rifles or shotguns. If we wanted to buy a handgun, we needed to have a HQL + Know a qualified MD firearms dealer where there handgun could be shipped. d) Keep an open mind! You never know what you are going to find. OVERALL- Such a fun time. If you are a gun enthusiast, you will likely find something new and interesting. If you are not, maybe this gun show will make you into one! read more

There is usually really good people watching at the gun shows and I am always happy to walk around and see what's available. Be sure to get there early on Saturday's or Sunday's to find parking, get in the ticket line and get in. The lines can be pretty long, but makes for good people watching. The show hosts vendors that sell almost everything. Guns, safes, jewelry and even various food items if you need a snack. If you're looking for medical supplies, there are also a few people sell items from tourniquets to quick clot supplies read more

Some things have changed in the last two years. Others have not. They still require a PRINTED COUPON, but the site now says so. They do make it impossible to print. The entrance fee of $14 a person is too high for what you're going to get inside. The vendor prices have drastically improved. The is symptomatic of the larger market not just this show. The vendors, as a whole, seemed much nicer this go around too as were the show staff. Overall, sticker prices are still high. Product quality varies widely from high-quality made in the USA to super cheap made in China junk. If you are looking for items or accessories for an older or antique gun, you will likely find this event helpful. Militaria collectors--especially of WWII--would also probably be pleased. Overall, expensive entry fee but an interesting show to look around. read more

This is the only gun show I've been to so far. I visited in February of this year. Overall, I was pretty happy with it. I actually went with the intent of buying the best semi-auto AK-47 type rifle I could find, and I ended up getting a new Wasr (Romanian) AK type. It was pretty reasonably priced, came with three mags and a bayonet. This gun show is HUGE. There are about a million tables, but I was actually a little underwhelmed by the firearm selection. I expected to see far more options for the rifle I was looking for, but really ended up choosing between two or three competing tables (there were more folks selling AKs than that, but only a few good ones). The prices, though pretty good, were also not quite as good as I thought they would be. The ammo pricing was decent, but not better than what you can find online, though you don't have to pay for shipping or anything. If you think you might buy something there, I recommend doing a lot of research before you go so you know exactly what you're looking for, and how to verify that the product you're getting is good. I will probably return to the Nation's Gun Show at the Dulles Expo center again, especially if I'm looking for a decent deal on firearms or ammo. Whether you're familiar with guns or not, I recommend visiting. It's a lot of fun! read more

Get you tickets? to the GUN SHOW!!!! *flex* I had to say it :) Nothing makes me happier than making the trip to Chantilly and checking out the gun show. It's a small fee to get in (about $12) and for that fee you can be there all day long looking at every weapon that can be legally sold. I'm no collector, but I think its fun to just look around and learn about all that is out there. It's not just pistols and rifles here, we're talking about archery, blow darts, knives, sling shots...rubber ban guns....if it shoots something, they will most likely have it here. You'll also find kitchen gadgets and See-On-TV gadgets like the Furminator. Huh? These items are pretty discounted here. Ladies, if you think this is just a manly man thing to do think again......they have a lot of jewelry vendors in there. I got a bracelet made out of a S&W 500 round, peeled back to look like a giant flower with amethyst stones in it. You will not be disappointed in the jewelry selection. Think about it....if you're man buys a gun, don't you think you deserve a gun AND bling? well maybe at least the bling. I bought the cutest conceal carry purse there too! I suggest you come on Friday because by Sunday all the good stuff is gone will be gone by Sunday. They have a 3 day schedule published on their website. It is run by the C&E Gun Shows and they have a schedule published for the entire year. read more

Okay, so gun shows are never great, but this one is pretty good, assuming you go into it knowing you're probably not going to buy a firearm there. I'll go to this one twice a year or so, and usually find some accessories worth buying. Dealers of note include the military surplus dude always in the back right of the main building next to the art vendor, and the magazine guys usually in the front left of the main hall. Not sure of their name, but the Mennonite-run outfit in the center that builds ARs usually has obscure accessories at or just below online pricing, which is handy for something you might have forgotten that you wanted. Grey Gorilla Tactical has high-cut helmets at a good price for those into that kind of thing, and they seem to actually be Kevlar and made pretty well. Bring cash, so you can haggle and make that 2000s era Redi-Mag or Interceptor vest complete with soft panels that fell off the supply truck yours. I have to also commend the management for how they handled the August show with the COVID requirements. The line was well-snaked to ensure social distancing, masks were required to be worn inside and sold in line if needed, and the number of patrons allowed in at any time was limited to a reasonable number so it wasn't shoulder to shoulder like usual. read more

The nation gun show is the best i have ever attended in over 20 years. It has something for all gun owners. Sportsmen and outside types. Largest selection of gun, rifles, and ammo. Customization of your weapon, fast background checks, safety and mostly professional dealers, sellers, also some jewelry gold and coins. Go for it, get a coupon too. read more

During the weekend of August 22, 2020 the gun show reopened amid the China virus. I arrived on Friday at 11:45AM, told that tickets would go on sale at noon for a 1 PM opening. This didn't happen. Stood in line 1 hour and 15 minutes. Paid $11.00 to enter at 1:15 PM. They advertised plenty of ammo. This was a lie, there was nothing to be had. No reloading vendors in the smaller building where I entered. I could not go into the larger building on the right through the connecting garage door as this door was closed. Had to go outside and walk to the other building where I was told I had to go to the back of another line and wait in that line in order to enter the main larger building even though I had already paid my adminssion. There were well over a thousand people standing in the lines. I left. Totally feel ripped off and will never go back to another Nations Gun Show again. read more

I come to this show once a month because everyone is super friendly & there's no gun shops in DC. Most vendors will help with questions or they will tell you who can answer your questions if they don't know it. I bought my 1st pistol here & the dealer shipped it to the only FFL dealer in DC & I had it about 2 weeks later. Living in DC, I can't just go to Walmart & pick up 9mm ammo so I come here & buy in bulk & just got 1000 rounds for $165. Will keep coming back every month! read more

Don't bother going to the gun show in Chantilly. It is completely mismanaged. Standing in line for hours even though we prepurchased tickets. No information being supplied to those waiting in line. We suspect building occupancy has reached its max. There are two showrooms but no way to get from one to the other without going outside and waiting in another long line. Staff is rude and not well informed. Hundreds of angry customers are wishing they stayed home. read more

After going to this show a couple times you realize that it's just the same people selling the same overpriced junk. Go to a local flea market for your cheap knives and tasers and get your guns online they are way cheaper. This show is good to actually hold the gun you plan on buying and then go home and buy it online. Waste of time, not for the real collector but it's good for the newbies who don't know any better read more

Always an excellent array of merchandise and a friendly, knowledgeable group of vendors and visitors.

Depends why you go. If you are looking for your one self defense gun and a couple of boxes of ammo, this may very well be the place for you. If you are looking for the latest addition to your gun collection and bulk ammo, this is not the place. You'll find the prices, generally, too high. Though, you'll find exceptions. I have a collection and go simply because I like to handle different firearms, and the dealers are usually nice to talk to. Arrive 45 min to 1 hour AFTER it opens, otherwise there is often a wrap-around-the-building line. read more

Not bad. Not fantastic, but not bad at all. The thing about these shows is, you either have to know about what you're shopping for, or be able to suss out whether what you're paying is a decent value (or not). Don't make the mistake of thinking that just because it has a "yard sale" atmosphere that the deals are all great. Many are not. At all. So, either know what is reasonable to pay for what you're getting (and keep in mind that most of the vendors are small businesses, so their prices may run slightly higher than Bass Pro and other large outlets), or talk to someone who knows. Keep your smartphone handy, and you'll be better positioned to know if you're getting a good deal on your purchase. read more

Do not go to this show expecting to save yourself money... Everything that is available here can be found for the exact price or cheaper online? Don't think you are saving by not having to pay for shipping charges online, it cost $10 to get in, so there is no price benefit whatsoever. Unless however, you are purchasing firearms, they will be the same price as online, but you will not have the hassle of transferring and associated fees. With all that being said, this has to be one the best gun shows out there. The size and selection is amazing. The main benefit is actually being able to touch and feel products that you may be interested in. read more

Largest selection for a gun show in the state, but could be so much better. This is not what to expect if you're used to gun shows where someone buys a table for 10 bucks and sells his shotgun and daddy's rifle and a few pistols. At least half of the tables are not actual GUNS for sale - jewlery, jerkey, accessories, holsters, militaria (at least 1/4 of the tables are patches, medals, helmets, etc) stun guns, coin dealers, etc. I can see some ammo dealers, or kitchen table FFL's, but there's just a whole lot of crap there. I know many people who would love to get a table there to actually sell a gun or two, but with all the other crap there, it's impossible to get a table unless you've already been a customer. Saturday can get very, very crowded, and lines at Trader Jerry's to buy a gun can get 20 deep. Some of the areas are hard to move through, because there's just not a lot of space. Parking is a nightmare, especially since they closed off a part of the lot for the wal-mart expansion. It's not all bad though. it's got an amazing selection on new and used guns. If you can't find it there, it doesn't exist, or you need an international arms dealer. Cost is 12 dollars, but you can download a 1 dollar off coupon. It's so big, you can spend 5 hours there and still not go through the entire place. Many of the kitchen table FFL's are very good, and have great prices on used guns. Ammo can be had in bulk at good prices, but it sells out fast. read more

It's a great show worth seeing. I love seeing the old vintage firearms such as the WWII carbines, M1 Garands, Mosin Nagants, etc. You'll find a good number of classic firearms like Sig P238s, Glocks, AR15s, Ruger Americans - basically a wide spread from small CCW to tactical to hunting. You will see a few NFA items, which are cool. My personal favorite is actually the small military surplus and utility items. The few typical flea market stands (generic antiques / jewelry) seems out of place though. read more

I typically go every time its in town. On new guns, prices are about the same as local gun shops, benefit being you get to handle a lot of different models to find out what fits your hand best. I typically comparison shop at the show then buy local to support the small brick and mortar shops. Used guns are hit/miss, some dealers have fair prices, some want way over Blue Book and wont barter. Accessories are a bit pricy. Do your homework and know what fair price is before purchasing. This show is WAY bigger then any of the other shows in the area and has everything. If you go on Sat, your hand stamp will get you free admission on Sun. And if you join/renew with the NRA you get free admission. Food court is barely edible but there are plenty of eateries nearby. As for bathrooms, its a step up from 3rd world but not much of one. With several thousand folk using 4 stalls it gets messy quick. read more

I've been to this gun show many times over the years, but I won't be back. Aside from the outrageous $16 admission fee, the vendors were not especially good for what is ostensibly a gun show. There were people selling pickles, fudge, jerky, dog treats, kids toys, and clothing along with "tactical gear," fantasy swords and jewelry. As for firearms, the vast majority were AR variants or polymer frame high capacity 9 mm's. If that is where your interest lies, by all means, attend this show. I will look elsewhere. read more

Went to the gun show 4/20/13. Bought a knife, pepper spray and took a VA concealed permit class for 75 bucks. They kinda got me, because I found out later that there are online classes offered for as little as 25 bucks but just glad I finally got it done. Can't wait to get my license and purchase a gun. I will be back at this gun show. But much earlier, got there at 12pm and it was packed. I would show up at 9am next time to avoid the crowd and look in peace. read more

Bring your walking shoes, and proper ID! Ok, I have attended shows all over the state of VA and even a couple in MD, on a regular basis since 1996. This show is fantastic for what it is. This is the opportunity to handle multiple firearms in multiple configurations, chat with other shooters, pick up ammo and or accessories, and meet some craftsmen. L.T. Wright always has a booth of their amazing knives, and good luck finding then in a store locally outside of OH. On prices, it is what it is, I personally have had over a dozen transactions with Trader Jerry and always have been pleased, the guy can get almost anything and bring it to the next show. The parking can be kinda crazy, so park far and walk, then stand in line and wait, and the. Spend the next several hours walking the isles. Our wonderful VA State Police are always there, as well as a sprinkling of undercover LE/Feds...so it is well enforced. Seen a couple of gun dealers hand suspicious paperwork to them for a closer look (which I personally love). Let me just say that Friday's are the best as the crowd is often much less. Saturday's can be very crowded, so leave the big strollers at home. Can you find cheaper online, maybe, can a local shop do better, maybe, but never on selection, and convenience. Also do consider that for ammo/powder/primers there is a stiff hazmat shipping charge which is avoided by buying in person. Also I am always bettered by the chance to meet so many of our Veterans, especially our elders that so often feel neglected or forgotten. So to sum up...if you are looking to handle a wide selection of guns, meet interesting folks, and maybe buy some stuff (always bring cash and your id's in case that deal of a lifetime is there), check it out, and have an open mind for goodness sake! read more

As a previous reviewer stated there are no deals to be had at this gun show. Ammo, guns and accessories are way over priced. You can get better ammo deals at Dicks or Walmart now. $13 bucks to get into an overcrowded, overpriced show. Buy online or at your local gun store. Will not ever go again. read more

I've attended the Nations Gun Show probably five times and will attend again this fall. I will say this is the best show in the area regardless of the naysayers (try any of the smaller local ones - even Richmond and you will see). There are lots of vendors, there are a myriad of goods (accessories, tazers, bags, lock-boxes, self defense equipment, outdoor equipment, archery, knives, jewelry, collectibles, antiques, guns and ammo), the pricing can be good and one does have to weigh in the time spent on-line plus shipping plus taxes plus FFL fees but if you come in with good research you might be able to walk out with good deals - I did with a Sig for my wife and a XD( for me last go around and I do buy ammo in bulk there usually. Some things I do recommend, there are a ton of fast food restaruants there so eat at those and use the bathrooms before you go in :-). If you buy a big item have them hold it and then ask if you can borrow a handtruck (they will probably hold onto your license). If you plan on buying make your decision at least 3 hours before the close of the show that day because the processing through the State Police can take time. Go and enjoy the show - print out the coupon (a dollar off) and there is some savings when you renew your NRA membership - if you are a member. read more

I had a lot of fun here, found a lot of deals, bought what I wanted compared to shopping online. Parking was a bit of a problem but you gotta figure that everybody and their brother is gonna be there due to all the new gun laws and crazes lol, so show some patience and you'll enjoy yourself. Make sure you walk around and see/compare whatever it is your looking for so that you will have an idea of what stuff is worth and then go back to your vender of interest to strike your bargains. read more

1,000 tables make this the premier gun show in the Washington DC area. Everything gun connected seems to be there. I have been attending for over 15 years, there is always something new/different. read more

I attend the national gun show regularly and it is the best show outside the Shot Show in PA. There are deals on high-end and low-end weapons, knives, and other miscellaneous. The cashier staff in the past has been cranky men with bad attitudes but things have improved with the new annex. It is less crowded with the new annex. Overall, the vendors are pleasant, answer questions with a smile, show respect to the customer except a few. The venue is clean, well lighted, and easy to access from Route 28 North, Route 50 N/S. I get the three day pass for $20 - $1 with the paper coupon. The parking is a pain and add BS time to your visit. The knife selection is also great, and the prices are equally good if you know your pricing. Ammo is no bargain but there is bulk ammo to be had. You can find a lot of 7.62 x39 rounds for a good price both steel jacked and brass. I enjoyed my time there and had more pleasant experiences than bad ones. You get to know the vendors and you can get your guns customized at the show while you wait. Shop around first, then negotiate a price for the item, then buy it! I had bargains on items you could not touch outside the show, and I have returned items without a hassle, thanks to the show management. Go for it, you won't regret it. read more

I have no connections at America's Gun Show. I enjoy going. The cost to get in is about the same as a movie and is a pleasant alternative. The best food the venders offer are the hot dogs and popcorn and a bottle of water - same as a movie. If you like to people watch, this could be fascinating. The biggest surprise is the number of families, including Moms and the kids. Mom/the girlfriend can shop for a pink gun or some jewelry, plus interesting clothing. The Robertson family would feel right at home here but the Gun Show is not about Rednecks; it's about guns and history. Many cool antique guns and sometimes there may be a celebrity gun owner or Veteran there. Lots of Veterans, including me. Another cool facet is that NRA and VCDL have booths there to sign up or renew. If you're new to this, it could be very educational. Most of the vendors are pretty cool and their families help them. They are usually very patient and helpful. If not, move on to the next vendor. If you don't have a neighborhood gun store, this is the place to buy stuff and get educated., because just about everything related to guns is offered here. Be patient when considering buying a gun. If you see something you like, it will be offered again at the next show, or shop around at guns stores and consider buying on line (Only buy from reputable sellers). A good time to go is usually during the Redskin game, but remember, the Skins' year is over for this year. Another benefit is self-defense gizmos and accessories, like holsters and magazines, as well as bulk purchase of ammo. I bought a great holster from a guy who specializes in holsters and am very happy with my high quality purchase. read more