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Your Guide to Gun Shows in Pittsburgh

For firearm enthusiasts, professionals and novices alike, gun shows are excellent venues to explore a wide range of items. Every vendor brings something different and you’ll have the opportunity to learn, meet other community members and buy a few new items. From ammunition for the range to military memorabilia to new and pre-owned handguns, you’ll find any supplies you need and pleasure purchases you want.

Luckily, Pittsburgh is an excellent area for gun shows of many sizes and varieties. There are plenty of opportunities each month, so you can attend different shows throughout the year. In this guide for gun enthusiasts, we’ll provide you with a roster of regular gun shows near Pittsburgh, PA.

1. Showmasters Pittsburgh Gun Show

One of the largest gun shows coming to Pittsburgh is the Showmasters Pittsburgh Gun Show. It’s held yearly at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania and hosted by Showmasters Gun Shows. The center has two halls with over 100,000 square feet of event space and the show features around 650 vendor tables.

Showmasters usually have five gun shows a year. They occur every few months, most of which are on the second or third weekend of the month. Make sure to check their calendar so you can catch at least one of their shows each year.

The Pittsburgh Gun Show is open to the public on these dates. You can visit anytime from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. If you pay for admission on Saturday, it also grants you entry on Sunday without paying again, as long as you have your hand stamped at the door before leaving on Saturday. Children under the age of 12 are allowed to enter for free with the accompaniment of an adult.

You must pay the fee with cash or a credit card at the door, so it’s best to arrive early. If you want a discounted entry price, you can print the admission coupon on the Showmasters Gun Show website and bring it with you to the event center. You can also join the email list and receive coupons for gun shows in your inbox.

To become a vendor, you have to register for tables in advance. Each table is six feet in length. There are also additional vendor costs, such as charges for electricity access and Wi-Fi use. The dealers also have additional times reserved for setup and doing business with other dealers, which include 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday before each show and 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday morning.

If you aren’t a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) but wish to join, you can do so at the show. Some perks of joining include free admission, discounted membership, a hat and a subscription to the NRA magazine. You can also enroll in defensive pistol classes that teach you about concealed carry, home defense, the justification for deadly force and shooting and cover tactics.

The event center also has plenty of free public parking and nearby hotels if you wish to stay overnight. Nearby hotels might offer discounted rates for gun show attendees, so check out the Showmasters Gun Show event page.

2. Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department Gun Show

Many local fire departments hold and host their own gun shows. While they typically aren’t as large or expansive as those held in convention centers, they still offer an excellent way to get involved in the community, meet other firearm enthusiasts, learn something new and do a little shopping.

The Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department Gun Show is usually during the second weekend of February at the Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department building. The show is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. There is a charge for general admission, but children under the age of 12 are allowed in for free with the accompaniment of an adult.

At the Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department Gun Show, vendors will bring firearms, gun-related items and accessories like hunting gear and various camping equipment items. There may also be an open kitchen with food available.

If you wish to register as a vendor, you must pay in advance. The tables are eight feet in length. Check their Facebook page for updates about all their regular events, including their gun shows. They don’t host as regularly as some of the other groups on this list, so you’ll have to keep an eye out for shows from this group.

3. Ellwood City Gun Show

Another local show is the Elmwood City Gun Show, held at the Wurtemburg-Perry Fire Hall in Ellwood City. It’s traditionally scheduled for the last weekend in February. The show typically opens to the public on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Like other events, there is a charge for general admission, but children under the age of 12 can enter for free with an adult.

If you wish to attend as a vendor, you must register in advance and purchase tables. Dealers may set up in advance on the Friday before the show starts. Follow their “gun show” tag on the city website for updates.

4. CSVFD Sportsman’s Gun Bash

Most gun shows are set up similarly — the event occurs in a large, open space filled with vendors. These vendors rent tables, set up the items they’re looking to sell and allow the public to enter and browse. However, the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department (CSVFD) Sportsmen’s Gun Bash is organized differently as a non-vendor show.

This annual event offers raffles and various prizes that attendees can win by purchasing tickets. It’s mostly an opportunity for gun enthusiasts to gather with the rest of the community, socialize and potentially win a few items.

The Sportsmen’s Gun Bash is regularly scheduled for the final weekend in October at the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department in Pittsburgh. While most shows span two or three days, this event is held on a single Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Read their events page online to spot the show date.

You can order tickets in advance online or over the phone or purchase them in person at the CSVFD office, Allegheny Arms, Pit Stop or Creek Archery. You can also buy them from CSVFD members. You must be at least 21 or older to enter the event and have your tickets and photo identification at the doors.

While you browse the various prizes and raffles and socialize with community members, you can also enjoy free food and drinks. You don’t have to be present for the main gun raffle to win, but you must claim any side raffles before the end of the bash. You must pick up any prizes determined by the entry ticket numbers within 30 days after the bash.

5. Pony Farm Gun Show

Among the shows held outside of event and convention centers, gun clubs also often host their own shows to draw new members. The Pony Farm Gun Show is one of these shows, hosted by the Pony Farm Trap and Gun Club. It’s scheduled once or twice a year on weekends and will be open to the public on both Saturday and Sunday. General admission comes with a small fee, but children under 12 are allowed in for free with the accompaniment of an adult. Stay updated with their Facebook page to ensure you don’t miss a show.

This event is relatively small and community-oriented. It’s a family-friendly space for people of all ages to explore and socialize and experienced individuals with the proper licenses can safely purchase, trade and sell guns and related items. Vendors and attendants may bring new and pre-owned rifles, handguns, accessories, gun-related items, military surplus and antiques, ammunition and knives.

If you’re interested in lessons for you or your family members, information will be available regarding shooting classes for new gun owners and beginners. A snack bar will also be available with homemade food throughout the show.

If you want to display your items for sale, you can register as a vendor. Each table is eight feet in length and you can reserve them for one or both days. There are about 70 tables, so be sure to register in advance to secure your spot. Membership information will also be available if you’re looking to join the club. There is plenty of free parking at the venue and a snack bar inside with homemade food.

6. Maumee Valley Gun Show

The Maumee Valley Gun Collectors Association holds several gun shows per year at different locations in Ohio and on several weekend dates. You can see their next show and its location on their website. If you’re a member of the Maumee Valley Gun Collectors Association or join before attending the shows, you will be allowed to enter half an hour earlier than the general public, and your admission will be free for all shows.

Vendors and attendees can purchase, sell and trade their items throughout the weekend and there will be free appraisals available. The show is open to include a wide variety of items, including guns, arms, any related equipment and accessories, hunting and fishing supplies, antiques and collectibles. The venue offers ample parking and the kitchen will be open and serving food.

If you wish to register as a vendor, table rentals are only available for current members. You can become a member of the Maumee Valley Gun Collectors Association by filling out an application form and bringing it to the next show or meeting. Some of the other perks included in a granted membership are free admission to the gun shows, free parking and early entry on Saturday dates.

7. Hidden Valley Sportsman’s Club Gun Show

Hidden Valley Sportsmen’s Club, located at 268 Gilkey Road in West Middlesex, PA, has been hosting its Gun & Sporting Goods Shows since 2005. The club has two shows per year, the spring show is at the end of March and the fall show is at the end of September. The shows are a two-day event open on Saturday from 9am to 4 pm and Sunday from 9am to 2pm. There is a charge for admission; children under the age of 12 are free and must be accompanied by an adult. Vendors and attendees can buy, sell, trade or just browse.

Vendors can display a wide variety of items including firearms, ammunition, shooting accessories and equipment, hunting and fishing supplies, archery equipment, knives, sporting antiques and collectibles. Vendors and attendees must comply with all federal, state and local laws. The club will have a table for accepting new or renewing memberships, and selling tickets for special firearm raffle.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle with hourly winners. The kitchen will be open with food and beverages available. For more information and show dates, call us at (724) 528-2700 and leave a message or visit our website at: hiddenvalleysc.com

8. Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Show

The Kiski Township Sportsmen’s Association hosts its Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Show at the Kiski Township Sportsman Club in Avonmore once a year. The event is a single-day show on Saturday — hours vary, so make sure to check out their event calendar to get tickets ahead of time.

While it is a gun show, it also includes various other sporting activities, meaning you’ll be able to buy, sell and trade anything from guns to fishing supplies to camping equipment. There will also be an all-day 50-50 raffle and a Birddog knife raffle open to willing participants. There will also be plenty of food available to guests.

If you’d like to register as a vendor for the show, you can reserve tables with a limit of two tables per individual. You can also rent any unreserved tables on the day of the show. Dealers are allowed early entry to set up on Saturday before the show.

Washington County Gun Show

9. Washington County Gun Show

One of the larger Pittsburg gun shows is the Washington County Gun Show, which features over 450 tables and plenty to browse. It’s hosted by ARH Sport Shop, who usually hold their shows at the Washington County Fairgrounds. They typically announce four shows a year, all on the weekend — standard hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. You can see their yearly updated calendar online at their website.

Vendors can display and sell all varieties of firearms, from modern models to military antiques, as well as all accompanying accessories and supplies. Visitors can buy, sell and trade items, and free appraisals will be available throughout the show.

General admission tickets cost a small fee and children 12 years old or under are allowed in for free with an accompanying adult. The venue has plenty of free parking and there will be food available in the event center. Local hotels also offer special gun show rates for those who wish to spend the night in town, which you can access through the ARH Sport Shop gun show information page.

If you wish to register for the show as a dealer, you must submit your reservation and payment two weeks prior to the event. Members and early reservations can benefit from a reduced reservation cost. Dealers will be allowed into the venue to set up on the Friday before the show from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Gun Show Etiquette

Whether you’re attending gun shows in the Pittsburgh area or exploring venues across the country, there’s a general etiquette among regulars and vendors you need to follow. From common courtesies to regulations and laws, they’re essential to keep in mind as you attend any PA gun shows.

Pre-Show Preparation

Whether you’re a vendor or visitor, always plan to arrive prepared. Know ticket prices and have all payments on hand and ready. If you’re a vendor, you should arrive early or when the event hosts direct you to arrive. This way, you have plenty of time to set up without feeling rushed. Visitors can arrive early if they want, but you should have credit cards, cash and IDs with you when you get to the show.

Additionally, check laws and venue rules about carrying. Check whether they allow open or concealed carry and ensure you abide by their rules while on site. Avoid pulling out concealed weapons at the check-on unless asked by event staff — you might attract unwanted attention and cause a stir if you pull out your concealed weapon unprompted. Any firearms you bring that you plan to purchase items for should be unloaded and not concealed on your body.

Be Respectful

When you attend as a visitor, be sure to converse with the dealers and ask permission to touch, pick up or inspect their items. You shouldn’t handle other individuals’ firearms without express permission. As a courtesy, keep all drinks and food off the display tables unless permitted by the dealer. Additionally, don’t place bags or jackets over or near items, as it’s a common tactic for theft and may cause suspicion.

Anyone with children should keep them supervised at all times. Make sure they walk instead of run, and don’t let them touch items unattended. Prepare them ahead of time and go over any safety concerns, rules and other points you want them to know. This helps prevent any damage — whether by concessions or accidental mishandling — from occurring on the event floor.

If a dealer does allow you to pick up a gun, keep it pointed at the floor at all times and place your fingers away from the trigger. While all firearms on display should have an empty chamber and a locked-open action, you can never be too sure. If you bring young children, ensure they follow the same rules. The overarching rule to remember is: ask permission first.

Follow Safety Regulations

Vendors should also observe regular safety rules and courtesies. Most gun shows require sellers to ensure all firearms are unloaded and have their actions open prior to the show and inspectors may double-check throughout the show. Keep a watchful eye on individuals handling your guns to make sure they’re observing proper safety. Show hosts also typically require vendors to stay for the entirety of the show, from open to close, so be sure you can commit to the times before reserving tables.

In addition to general courtesies and show rules, all attendees and vendors must obey all federal, state and local firearm ordinances and laws. Certain firearms may require specific paperwork for sales and registration, such as a Federal Firearms License. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has more information on state laws, including details about the National Firearms Act.

Get in the Game With Keystone Shooting Center

Get in the Game With Keystone Shooting Center

If you’re looking to get more involved in the Pittsburgh gun shows and firearm scene, Keystone Shooting Center has everything you need to become an active pro. At Pittsburgh’s premier shooting destination, we offer gun safety courses, private training for beginners and advanced shooters, firearm rentals and sales, smithing, cleaning services and more.

Our facilities feature a climate-controlled range with 24 indoor lanes open to walk-ins and reservations. Keystone Shooting Center is owned and operated by veterans and professionals, meaning you’ll have top-notch customer service and assistance and we encourage men and women of any experience level to visit.

Become an active member of our community — for more information, contact us or stop by the range.

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