WELCOME TO OLD DOMINION GUN SHOWS!

Gun ShowGun shows are an interesting way for people to figure out what is available and learn about new technology as it pertains to guns. At Old Dominion Gun Shows, we specialize in organizing various large gun and antique shows that are open to the general public. They are hosted in both Virginia and West Virginia.

When Are Shows Being Held?

To find out when a gun show will be in your local area, you simply have to check our websites and look for fliers, direct mail, or sign up to receive an email about upcoming shows. We also advertise in brochures, popular magazines, and more. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who wants to know about a gun and antique show, knows that one will be in their area soon.

What You Will See When You Visit Us

At our gun shows you will find guns of all types and ages. There are antique weapons that are no longer available on the market and newer ones that you can purchase. We have a selection of gun sights for you to try out and of course, the most popular rifle scopes. In short, there are many things to see and a lot of things to enjoy at our gun shows. As an added bonus, we also invite you to try out some of the things you see at our shows. This gives you the ability to pick out the best stuff for your future adventures whether you enjoy hunting or target practice.

Our Location

We are located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Woodlawn, Virginia is where we call home, but our shows are spread out all over the surrounding area. To learn more about what the show may have in store for you, check out the video below. It is from one of our most recent shows and will give you an idea of the excitement that is in store for you.

July Show:

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Preparation for Upcoming Show

gun show boothsMost people do not think about what goes into setting up a flea market or gun show type area. This is because most people simply show up to see what they can find. However, for anyone who is hosting a gun show, you know that it can take a lot to get everything right. Preparation for upcoming shows requires pre-cleaning, setting up, and then everything that comes after the show has ended.

Before the Show

gun show tablesWhen you show up at a venue, you never know what you will find. Perhaps the person who held a show there before you did not clean it properly before they left, or you are the first to host a show and there are other complications to deal with. Either way, you will want to get there well ahead of the show to make sure that everything can go off without a hitch. This also means that you will have to make sure there are enough tables, chairs, and other supplies for those who want to come and set up a booth, unless you want everyone to bring their own.

Getting Everything Ready

gun show vendor preparationsIn most cases, it is not practical to set up days in advance. Therefore, the day of the event will be the busiest one for most people. Dirty tables will have to be cleaned before everything can be set up, you have to make sure that everyone knows where they are supposed to be, and then you have to wait on each booth to get set up. If you are in a hall or a covered area, you may even want to deep clean the floors to eliminate the mess that others may have left. Outdoor areas are easier, but there may still be deep cleaning to do the day of the show. The easiest way to handle the toughest grime on tables or chairs is to use Pressure Washer Power’s pressure washer foam cannon since it can wipe out even ground in dirt. Even if you do not need it before the show, chances are good, you will want it afterward since most people who bring their own tables will want to wipe them down before packing up.

Ending the Show on a Positive Note

If you are able to leave the show without leaving a mess behind or you are able to have vendors who are happy that they were a part of it; you will know that you have reached success. The chances of you being able to return to that area in the future are increased and the more you come back, the more customers you will have showing up to see what they can find. A first-year show may only pull a fraction of the crowd that a show will after multiple years. This is even true for vendors that may not show up the first time you are in the area, but may do so after you are established as a great show host. If you take the time to end everything at the show on a positive note, you will come out ahead the next time around. Isn’t a little effort now worth it?

Hovering Around the Shows in Style

largest gun showsVenture out to a gun show is an exciting time for everyone. Kids and adults can all have a great time exploring the things that are available, and they can learn a lot as well. However, the best experiences happen if you can go to a larger gun show. They have the most exciting things available and not all of them are guns. The downside is; they usually require you to spend a lot of time walking. This can be exhausting for the people who are not hovering around the shows in style.

The Biggest Gun Shows


Some of the largest gun shows have 700 or more tables. Each table will be stocked with items that are for sale or display. They are filled with guns, knives, ammo, and even military artifacts that you can learn about. There are exhibits that teach you about hunting, fishing, and target practicing. There are airsoft guns and virtually every other thing that you can think of. At some shows, there are also other odds and ends for the people who are less interested in guns, but many shows, they stick to the theme and give everyone a chance to become a little more knowledgeable about the weapons that are available.

More Than Imaginable

Educational Gun Show DisplayThe idea of 700 tables may not seem like a lot when you are reading about it, but by the end of the day, you will have spent a day walking, exploring, talking, and learning. It is not something you will see all of in a short amount of time. You can speed it up and not feel as tired if you stroll around it leisurely or by taking a hint from others who go to large shows. They use a hover round or a hover board to make it easier on themselves and you can do the same by considering a single wheel scooter from Scooter Smarter. It may even make it possible for you to enjoy the show a little more and see more tables as well.

Relax and Enjoy Yourself

large gun show educationalWhen at a gun show, it is important to pace yourself. The single wheel scooter allows you to do more of that, easier. With this type of device, you may wonder if it is practical. You will be coasting around. Do you really need to from one table to the next? At times, you will not need to use the board or the scooters, but at other times, it will be very helpful to have. Just think about it. You see a table that you want to look at and then look around at nearby tables seeing nothing of interest. You can walk to it or you can coast to a table that is more interesting. It is also beneficial when you decide that you are hungry or need to answer nature’s call, but you are nowhere near the food court or the bathrooms. Which would you prefer? Walking, running, or riding to the nearest areas? They will simply allow you to relax and enjoy yourself.

Accessory Items You Can Find at The Show

gun showGun shows are a big deal for a lot of people. They are happening all over the world it seems. Some of the biggest events around are held in the U.S.A. These shows are popular not only because of the guns that they have available for you to see, but because of the accessory items you can find at the show.

Guns Galore

gun show scopesAt a gun show, you will have the opportunity to see all kinds of guns. You may see antique guns that are still able to fire or brand-new ones that have only been released in the last couple years. You may find airsoft guns, BB guns, and more. There are also pistols and rifles, shotguns and all other types of guns imaginable. Some vendors may let you hold them to see how they feel in your hand. This may help you decide if you want a small sized hand gun or something larger. They may talk to you about how to use it safely and how to use it effectively for hunting or self-protection. What you may not think about if you have never been to a gun show, is the fact that it goes well beyond guns. These shows offer you the opportunity to see what other types of items are available.

So Much More

gun show knivesAt a show, you will be able to discover every type of gun accessory available. These accessories include hunting gear and self-defense gear. You may find camo clothing, new rifle scopes, pistol sights, fuel for your air soft gun, cleaning kits for all types of guns, and much more. It does not stop at guns though as most people assume. Many gun shows also give you the option to explore all types of gear from a quality multi-tool to a horizontal carry knife. You may also find odd weapons that you may not have ever heard of before. Most of these things will be available for purchase, but you do need to find out whether you can legally buy them or not.

The Loop Hole

Most gun lovers who attend shows have most likely heard the term loop hole at some point. This is because some think that there is a legal loop hole which can be found at these shows. Guns are the most often associated with it. The deal with that terms is the idea that unlicensed sales can happen at a gun show. The law implies that only licensed dealers can sell guns and they must do background checks before selling to an individual. Unlicensed dealers are not held to the same standard and you can find many of them at a gun show who do not require a background check for any item that they are selling. However, most gun shows do have licensed vendors. Knives and multi-tools, scopes, and other items do not require the same considerations. Most often, you can purchase those items without having to worry about breaking any laws or finding any loop holes, especially since the loophole idea is a myth to start with.

Gun Show Shopping Sprees

gun showWhether you are browsing for a possible gun or just hoping to learn about new ones that are on the market, a gun show is a great way to go. You can learn and explore without ever having to take it home with you. There are also other items there and virtually every vendor on site is able to give you more information than your mind can hold. That is why there are so many people who enjoy going on gun show shopping sprees. However, you should venture out carefully and understand what you are getting into before you take something home.

The Things You Will See

AR15

If you are visiting a gun show that has a great reputation for being a big show, you will get the opportunity to see a lot of things. You may see demonstrations, unique knives, antique guns, gun safes, and a variety of other things. There may be toys and real weapons, airsoft pistols and AR15s on the same set of tables. There are some booths that will allow you to pick up different things so that you can see how the rifle and other things may feel in your hands. It is designed to be more than a show. It is an educational experience that you can share with your family.

Gun Safety and More

gun vendorMost all gun show booths will have people who are happy to sell their merchandise. This is great for anyone who has been in the market for an affordable weapon that they can trust. It is perfect for anyone who would rather not have a pawn shop cast off. The thing is, you need to make sure that you have a basic knowledge of the gun laws in your area. Can you purchase a gun at a gun show legally or are you required to still go through the legalities? This includes background checks and more. In some areas, you may find that there are loopholes for anyone who wants to purchase from a gun show. They are known as gun show loophole states. If you are not located in one of those areas, you could have to wait on your purchase. Therefore, before you go and while at the show, you should take the time to learn all that you can.

Know Before You Buy

If you are like most people, you want to have a weapon either to protect your home or feed your family. This means you do not need complications once you walk out of the gun show gates. If you are new to visiting shows, you need to check the laws in your area to see whether you can purchase guns from a vendor at the show. You may also use this time to find out where you can go to get target practice, where to find gun safes that you can pick up locally, and more. Taking care of all the potential issues before you venture to the show is a great way to get peace of mind. Then you can go on all the gun show shopping sprees you want.

Protect Your New Guns

gun showsPeople visit gun shows to learn about weapons and sometimes purchase them. They enjoy seeing what is available. New weapons, antique weapons, and weapons of all kinds. The thing is, gun shows and gun purchases can lead to other troubles if you do not put a little effort into protecting your family and friends. This means you should protect your new guns as well, which will also ensure that they stay in proper working order for many years to come.

Caring for Your Gun

There are some people who say that knives need to be oiled and sharpened if you want them to stay in “like-new” condition. There are also those who say that knives do not need anything more than sharpened. Guns have universal rules for proper care. They need to be cleaned and if you have an air pistol, they need to be oiled. They need to stay free of rust and soot. They should also be put into a storage area that is designed for them which will protect them and the people you care about.

Storage Cabinets for Your Guns

diy gun cabinetGun cabinets can cost a small fortune to purchase. There are cabinets and safes. Cabinets are a little more decorative than safes, but both can be usable. However, if you want to avoid the expense, it isn’t hard to build your own. There are many people who say that if you can build a base cabinet kitchen island, you can build a cabinet for your guns. In many ways, it is true. You will have knowledge of how to build a box that fits perfectly together. The main difference is; inside the gun cabinet, you may want to line it with fabric and add dehumidifiers or fans to it to keep your weapons dry and rust free. A great thing about knowing how to build cabinets is that you can build any type that you want. A cabinet for under your couch, one that doubles as a coffee table, or one that can be used as a kitchen island are all within your reach.

Other Things to Consider

gun safetyVisiting a gun show is a great way to learn about gun safety, but before you take home a new weapon, you are encouraged to have knowledge of how to use it. For some, this is easy because they already know and have perhaps used a gun for many years. However, a lot of people who attend a gun show are there simply to satisfy their curiosity. They may have a mild interest in guns or other types of weapons and want to see what is truly available. Those people may also feel that they are good to carry a new one home. The people who have never held a gun in the past, need to purchase a gun safe or cabinet for their home and immediately make plans to attend a shooting range where they can practice. The gun should be left in a cabinet for protection until that person is confident they can get to the range. Otherwise, a cool weapon could end up being a bad mistake.