Hunting Washington Forum

Classifieds & Organizations => Contests, Events, Organizations, Charity => Topic started by: pd on January 28, 2013, 08:18:42 PM

Title: Gun Shows in the PNW
Post by: pd on January 28, 2013, 08:18:42 PM: I went to the Sportsmen's Show in Puyallup this weekend (actually, I went twice). I went with two different friends, and both of them asked me if "guns would be on display, or for sale." Never having been to such a show, I couldn't answer (well, for the first show I didn't know). That got me to thinking about gun shows.

In my professional life I have a lot of experience in participating in trade shows, and I know the routine quite well. So, I would like to ask, what is the equivalent of a trade show for the firearms industry? Specifically, is there a "gun show" held annually, somewhere in the PNW, which is worth visiting for a day or two?

I have Googled for this information, and I see that there are a couple of firms that put on a traveling road show, visiting many of the counties in Washington. Maybe this is all that is available?? To me a "firearms industry trade show" would be like a "car show," where the manufacturers display most of their lineup, and put emphasis on the newest models. And, makers of apparel and related equipment would also have significant booths. Also, visitors to the show would be free to "touch the goods" and check out all of the models on offer (much like a visitor to a motorcycle show gets to sit on the bikes, to see how they feel).

I ask this question in all honesty, as I have never been to such a show before, and would like to go. If, for example, the answer is "the only good show happens once a year in Vegas.." then I would plan to go there, but I would prefer to go to a show in the 3 states of the Northwest (I would happily go to B.C. as well, but a gun show there seems highly unlikely :chuckle:).

Thanks for your advice. Sorry if this is a painfully obvious question.
Title: Re: Gun Shows in the PNW
Post by: h2ofowlr on January 28, 2013, 08:29:58 PM: The shot show in Vegas is the big one everyone goes to or the one back east where everyone pulled out. Otherwise you have to hit the gun shows. The two large ones are the Puallup and Rose City Gun Collectors one. Rose City is a larger show in my opinion. But those shows don't typically have the big gun manufactures at them. More mom and pop along with gun shops.
Title: Re: Gun Shows in the PNW
Post by: kenlguy on January 30, 2013, 10:58:53 AM: Since the Shot Show is only open to dealers, Your best bet is the NRA convention. Every gun in current production is there to pick up and handle as much as you want to. I just wish it would come to Seattle more often but St,Louis is probably cheaper and easier.