We had such a great time at the Las Vegas Shot Show last month that it reignited our travel bug and got us excited for the year of exciting events to come! Gun shows offer a great opportunity to connect with other enthusiasts and industry professionals, while learning about the wide array of products available for shooting, hunting, self defense and law enforcement.
We’ve been to dozens of gun shows over the years, and believe it or not, there are certain rules of etiquette that apply—such as always asking for the vendor’s permission before you handle or test a firearm. Here are some more suggestions for making the most of your next gun event.
Tip 1: Safety always comes first.
Since gun shows are typically full of experts and responsible owners, you’d probably assume that all the firearms you’ll see are unloaded—but that is not always the case. One of the “golden rules” of safe shooting is to NEVER rely on someone else’s safety check, even if it’s someone you generally trust. You never know when you’re going to encounter a less experienced person who treats a firearm irresponsibly assuming that it’s unloaded. That’s why “Always Check” is part of our slogan at Muzlstik. When you see an item that you’d like to dry-fire, first check carefully to make absolutely sure that it is unloaded.
Tip 2: Do your research in advance.
If you’re looking to spend some money at the gun show, the worst thing you can do is go into a conversation with a seller unprepared. Most vendors you meet will be honest, but it’s not unheard of for a buyer to be taken advantage of by an unscrupulous seller. That’s why it’s important to do some upfront research on the items you’re interested in. In most cases, you can learn a lot with just a simple internet search, but when in doubt, check multiple sources or get advice from someone you trust.
Tip 3: Know the rules and guidelines for the show you’re attending.
Some events are free if you belong to certain clubs or organizations, but most charge a small entry fee—so be sure to carry cash. That will also come in handy when making purchases, since many sellers are unwilling or unable to accept checks and credit cards. If the show allows you to bring your own gun, be sure to keep it holstered for the duration of the event.
Tip 4: Be respectful of other people’s space.
As you move about the event, you’ll undoubtedly hear a lot of interactions between sellers and potential buyers. And though you’ll be tempted to join the conversation—especially if you have experience with the topic at hand—it’s considered rude and unprofessional to jump in uninvited. Unless you want to irk fellow attendees and vendors, your best bet is to mind your P’s and Q’s and stick to conversations that you initiate or that someone else initiates with you.
Tip 5: Expect some paperwork.
It’s a common misconception that buying and selling at a gun show is completely hassle-free. But be aware that most lenders are licensed dealers who, at minimum, require buyers to show a valid state-issued ID and complete an ATF Form 4473. In addition, many shows require attendees to pass all necessary background checks, either in advance or with the specific seller they’re purchasing from. Rest assured that these measures are in place to ensure safety and promote responsible gun ownership.
Planning to head to a big gun show in 2022? Connect with us here! We love meeting other enthusiasts, hearing about great industry events, and expanding our safe shooter community.
