If this is your first time attending, it’s understandable not to know what to expect at a gun show. After all, many media reports paint gun shows as near lawless wastelands where arms deals happen away from the watchful eyes of law enforcement. This image couldn’t be farther from the truth. While there is gun show etiquette that should be followed, the community you will find at Eagle Shows are warm, welcoming, and as ready to accept first time attendees as they are to see the regular faces they’ve come to view as friends over the years. If this is your first time, take a deep breath, read on, and rest assured that once you experience Pennsylvania’s Largest Gun Show, it probably won’t be your last.
Where A Community Gathers
The first thing you can expect at a gun show is wide open spaces, lots of tables, proper lighting, and a comfortable environment. Gun shows are family-friendly events held in ballrooms, ag barns, convention centers, and banquet halls that might be rented out the week prior for a church social and have a dance on the calendar the following week. These are familiar buildings in the local communities where friends and neighbors are used to gathering.
A gun show brings some of the biggest retailers in the region to your home town. Along with retailers come tourists, sightseers, and people from out of town who are just looking for something to do. They’ll shop at local small businesses, eat at nearby restaurants, and many will book local motel rooms, putting money back into the community that’s hosting them. For many areas of Pennsylvania, an Eagle Show is a can’t-miss event they mark on their calendar months in advance. One of the smartest gun show tips is to get your tickets early, as this not only secures your admittance but gives you access to early entry.
Safety First
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive at the gun show is the very visible law enforcement presence. What you may not expect at a gun show is that many are there to shop, just like you. Our heroes in blue are welcomed VIP guests at our shows. They enjoy early access to the show, giving them time to browse the vendors along with other VIPs. On-site security is there to enforce safety and security, ensuring an environment where everyone can feel comfortable while shopping.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility, however. As the organizer, we work closely with site management to make sure all our venues are clean, sanitary, well-lit, and in good repair. All firearms are inspected on entering the building and verified to be unloaded and tied to prevent use. While we can be sure the weapon isn’t loaded, gun show etiquette still included basic firearms safety, like not pointing a gun at another person, placing your finger on the trigger, or using it in an irresponsible manner.
All Sales Are Legal
Far from shady, back-alley deals, what to expect at a gun show is open, honest transactions in accordance with Federal, state, and local firearms laws. Whether they’re a large multi-state gun dealer, a small local gun shop owner, or a local citizen who needs to clear out their safe before they’re allowed to bring “another” gun home, gun trades and purchases conducted at Eagle Shows are completely legal. It’s not just gun show etiquette–it’s the only way we do business.
Freedom Loving Americans
One thing you can expect at a gun show is what most would call true patriots. Americans who are knowledgeable and concerned about their Constitutional liberties, including their Second Amendment right to self-defense as well as the promotion of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Many of the attendees aren’t just law enforcement. They’re fire fighters, active duty military, veterans, EMTs, and other engaged members of their local communities. Our attendees come from all walks of life, cross all ethnic and demographic boundaries, and are united in the enjoyment they find when their local gun show rolls into town.
More Than Just Guns
While guns are definitely what you should expect at a gun show, there is so much more to be found. One of the best gun show tips is to enter the event with an open mind and clear eyes, because you are entering one of the most unique sales floors you will find anywhere in the country. There will be good food, outdoor equipment, arts, crafts, knives, military souvenirs, collectibles, reenactors, toys, and organizations from the area that want to meet and talk to you. There is something at the gun show for your whole family somewhere among the hundreds of tables in the exhibit hall.
Great For Small Businesses
If you own a small business that’s running a vendor booth, what to expect at a gun show is access to throngs of people who want to see what you have to offer and are ready to spend money. Attendees come from all over the region to visit an Eagle show, and while some know exactly what they’re looking for, most just want to find that certain something they didn’t even know they were looking for. Whether you’re an independent marketer for an established product line or need space to sell your crafts, Eagle Shows can’t be beat for the comfort and attention you get for the price of a vendor table.
Get Tickets To Your Local Gun Show
Now that you know what to expect at a gun show, it’s time to make your plans. As Pennsylvania’s Largest Gun Show, we have an upcoming show near you. It’s time to make your plans, book your hotel, and secure early access. Get your local gun show tickets from Eagle Shows today.