Gun shows are a great place to meet fellow hobbyists and enthusiasts. Furthermore, if you’re hoping to buy new guns, gear, and bullets to replenish your ammo supply, going to a gun show in Phoenix, AZ exposes you to a whole lot of choices from different dealers and sellers.
Gun shows give business owners and enthusiasts a chance to showcase and market their products and services. Meanwhile, it helps hobbyists expand their network and get their hands on items they’ve wanted to get. Gun shows are also an excellent way to learn more about the industry.
For those planning to go to a gun show for the first time or are new to the hobby altogether, such an event can be quite overwhelming if not intimidating. However, it’s an experience you should try at least once to realize how fun they can be. If you want to make the most of your first gun show attendance, it’s best to keep these things in mind.
Respect and follow the signs
Even before you enter the venue, watch out for signs that may contain instructions and warnings. For instance, if the organizers want participants to check in their firearms at the entrance, do not contest and just do it. If there’s a “do not touch” sign anywhere, respect it.
Remember the universal rules of gun handling
You probably already know these rules, but for the benefit of those who don’t, here are the four global rules of safe gun handling:
1. Always think that every firearm is loaded
2. Never point a gun to anyone or anything that you don’t intend to harm or destroy
3. Do not put your finger on the trigger until you’re sure of your target
4. Be aware of your target and what’s beyond it
Bring cash with you
You might be used to cashless transactions, but you need cash when you go to a gun show. You’ll likely need to pay the entrance fee in cash. Furthermore, most of the sellers may prefer cash and not have a mobile POS system with them.
Don’t be afraid to ask
If you found something you like and interests you but don’t know much about it, don’t hesitate to ask questions. It’s also best never to jump the gun (pardon the pun), pretend you know more than you do, and grab things without notice. Ask all the questions you have, and the sellers and other fellow enthusiasts will surely be glad to enlighten you. Moreover, if you also have some problems with any of your collection or you need some firearm-related service, this is the best place to get your questions answered and the services you need.
If you also have some problems with any of your collection or you need some firearm-related service, this is the best place to get your questions answered and the services you need. The gun show is the best place to get professional knowledge and advice regarding your hobby.
Bring along a bore light
In case you find yourself wanting to buy a used gun, a bore light will help you check for corrosion on its barrel. You should also check for missing parts, cracks, and bulges, among other signs of damage and irregularities.
Do your research beforehand
Above all, the best way to make the most of your first-ever gun show experience is to do ample research before the day of the event. Look up the sponsors, participants, and everything else that you can expect from it. You should also check program schedules so you won’t miss activities that you want to take part in.
