Former thread title was Which guns hows are better in the state? Current Shows &  detailed  descriptions needed.... *UPDATED*  Instead of making a new thread, I've been adding to and editing out shows that happened dates to a post on page 2 and keeping review information closer to the top with current upcoming dates, so a retitled seemed in order.


Below you will find a listing of show dates(collected from all the sources i found, so please check before driving) for NC and SC with reviews about the show and venue. Originally I created the thread to find out about some shows and I hoped to have a go to source for schedules, show/venue with general reviews and day of the show reports. Since day of show reports can be a deciding factor if it is worth driving time and admission. Only to find  conditions that are not desirable if you make a trip without it.   A big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write reviews and include information  such as your cellphone will not work inside, ATM issues, parking fees and discounts. The oddities for each venue that would not be thought of until out of town guests were experiencing the issues first hand for the first time. every venue has its own special quirks.

*previous text & guide for what to write up a new show or one that hasn't been reviewed in awhile*
I'm wondering which gun shows are  the best for various parts, military surplus(is this really in the past), ammo, reloading supplies, gunsmiths who install parts,  and of course the AR/M16 parts & clones family? Are there any special niches besides  the cheap swords, jerky, and flea market crap?  I know the grass always seem greener on the other side when visiting out of town  for different dealers and selection than your local show.  For sake of discussion, since some of us live near border towns,  lets include say roughly a 60-90 minute drive from home city to the location.  Given the drought  and panic are dieing down someone what, hopefully a more current view than the common status quo  answer of "why/don't bother" lately might not apply anymore.

If there are any to be avoided, feel free to mention them also.  Like how Columbia SC has two shows and one is worth driving to while the other isn't. Especially if leaving after church on Sunday with a 4 pm show close time.  NC's shows often close at 5pm on Sundays   SC's shows often close at 4pm on Sunday please plan driving time and show shopping time accordingly.

Should there also be a guide by promoter included? Some being bigger and/or better than others, some promoter shows in cities are better than there other cities for size and dealer /table numbers.   Negative reviews are fine however I don't want a slagging fest, this is in Hometown not GD please remember that. The goal is a better guide to help people decide if travel for a show is worth it. A one time sampling trip may not have given a fair picture of the cities' show quality due to competition from other shows & events in the region of  the state(s). Any shows that have a higher number of individuals renting a table with friends to sell off their personal stuff verses just dealers?  Are there more Pawn shops,  Mom and Pops, friends teaming up and renting a table common type  sellers verses  mega stores that just move their retail and raise rates to cover costs...    While everything is negotiable, are the shows more haggle over prices or fixed prices with no wiggle room.



******Note Charlotte show folks, the Metrolina Expo is going away shortly and has two final gun shows by a C&E instead of Dixie as the usual promoter********* Concord shows are still happening and Dixie is moving to the Park Expo and Conference Center   by Ovens Auditorium on independence blvd/HWY 74.



Upcoming NC shows to rate


  Upcoming shows


For the day/weekend  of coverage of South Carolina's shows,  do not forget their hometown forum http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_8/65_South_Carolina.html

Promoter links for  extra show information and coupons

C& E Gun Shows http://www.cegunshows.com/

Gem Capitol http://gemcapitolshows.com

Dixie Gun and Knife  http://dixiegunandknifeshow.com/

S&D  Show Promotions http://www.ncgunshows.com

SCACA  South Carolina Arms Collectors Association http://www.SCACA.net

Mike Kent shows    http://www.mkshows.com/cgi-bin/shows.asp




Aug 20-21 Charlotte, NC  Park Expo      Dixie Gun and Knife   venue location change  Park Expo and Conference Center   by Ovens Auditorium on independence blvd/HWY 74
Note location change from Charlotte  Metrolina

Aug 27-28 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center    Greensboro Gun & Knife Show http://greensborogunshow.com/

Sep 3rd - 4th Wilmington   Wilmington Gun & Knife Show   S&D Show Promotionshttp://www.ncgunshows.com


Sep 10-11 New Bern NC Craven County Jaycee Fairgrounds  S&D http://www.ncgunshows.com

Sep 10-11  Salisbury,NC   Salisbury NC Rowan County Fairgrounds  Salisbury Gun & Knife Show Possible New location see below

Sep 10-11 Salisbury,NC   Salisbury Gun and Knife Show  Old Salisbury Mall – West End Plaza 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd West Salisbury, North Carolina 28147 North Carolina Gun Collectors Association  http://ncgca.info/


Sep 17 - 18 Hickory, NC  Hickory Metro Convention Center C&E Gun Shows   http://www.cegunshows.com/

Sep 17-18 Jacksonville NC American Legion   S&D http://www.ncgunshows.com


Sep 24 - 25 Concord, NC  Cabarrus Arena & Events Center   C&E Gun Shows  http://www.cegunshows.com/

Sep 24-25 Goldsboro, NC  Goldsboro National Guard Armory   S & D http://www.ncgunshows.com



Oct 1 - 2 Fayetteville   Crown Expo Center  C& E Gun Shows http://www.cegunshows.com/


Oct 8-9 Asheville    WNC Ag Center  Mike Kent Shows  http://www.mkshows.com/cgi-bin/shows.asp


Oct 8-9 Greenville NC Greenville Convention Center   S&D http://www.ncgunshows.com


Oct 8-9 Lumberton NC  Southeastern Ag Center   Dixie Gun and Knife http://dixiegunandknifeshow.com/


?? Oct 14-15 Eden Kings Way Plaza  Gem Capitol  conflicting data from websites some list other do not  see http://gemcapitolshows.com/ for latest Questionable for happening

Oct 14-15  Newton , NC  Air gun Show  North Carolina Airgun Show Tmac’s Air Gun Service   http://www.tmacsairgunservice.com/   Airgun shows need a review badly from someone with any experience with airguns  rifles and pistols .Along with which type of air compressed gas, Airsoft, BB/pellet gun style, ect. )



Oct 22-23 Charlotte   Park Expo      Dixie Gun and Knife  http://dixiegunandknifeshow.com/

Oct 22 -23 Winston-Salem    Winston-Salem Fairgrounds  C&E Gun Shows

Oct 22-23 Wilmington, NC    Wilmington National Guard Armory   S&D


Oct 29 - 30 Concord    Cabarrus Arena & Events Center C&E Gun Shows

October 29 & 30 - Waynesville, NC   Haywood County Fairgrounds Gem Capitol shows


Nov  5 - 6 Hickory    Hickory Metro Convention Center  C&E Gun Shows

Nov 5-6  Jacksonville,NC   American Legion  S&D


Nov 12-13 New Bern, NC  Craven County Jaycee Fairgrounds  S&D

Nov 12-13 Rutherford, NC  Old Green Hill School  promoter  American Legion - Post #74 https://www.facebook.com/post74gunshow?fref=ts    [b]Need show reports on promoter and venues badly[/b]

Nov 12 - 13  Franklin Gem Capitol Franklin Gun Show Gem Capitol  Shows

Nov 12-13th  Salisbury, NC   Rowan County Fairgrounds, Salisbury, NC   [b]double check location online conflicts.[/b]



Nov  19-20  Raleigh  NC State Fairgrounds    Dixie Gun and Knife

   

Nov 26 - 27    Winston-Salem    Winston-Salem Fairgrounds  C&E Gun Shows

Nov 26th - 27th  Monroe   Gem Capitol Monroe Gun Show  at Union County AG Center  Gem Capitol  Shows


Dec 3 - 4       Fayetteville    Crown Expo Center  C&E Gun Shows

Dec 3-4     Lenoir     "LenoirNC Gun Show"  Caldwell County Fairgrounds   Gem Capitol  Shows

Dec 3-4 Fayetteville   Fayetteville Gun Show C&E Gun Shows


Dec 10-11     Charlotte   Park Expo     Dixie Gun and Knife   venue change

Dec 10-11  Wilmington   Wilmington National Guard Armory   S&D


Dec 17 - 18    Raleigh NC  "Capital City Gun Show" Graham Building   C&E Gun Shows

December 31, 2016 - January 1, 2017Hickory, NCHickory Metro Convention Center C&E Gun Shows

 2017 show dates for NC *note above for the January 1st


Jan 28th - 29th  Greensboro    Gun & Knife Show  Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center   by  http://greensborogunshow.com/


South Carolina 2016 (longer drives since there are so few listed )


Next SC show    

SC Promoters for quick reference and coupons.

AR Gun Shows http://argunshows.com/

Mike Kent Shows http://www.mkshows.com

South Carolina Arms Collectors Association  http://www.scaca.net



Aug 20 & 21  Greenville Gun Show – SCAC  Greenville, SC TD Convention Center South Carolina Arms Collectors Association  http://www.scaca.net http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_65/603988_.html


Sept 10-11 Charleston, Exchange Park Fairgrounds     Mike Kent Shows http://www.mkshows.com


Sept 17-18   Florence, SC  Florence Civic Center  Mike Kent Shows http://www.mkshows.com

Sep 17th - 18th Greenville   Greenville Shrine Club Gun Show  AR Gun Shows http://argunshows.com/



Oct 15-16   Greenville, SC     Greenville Gun Show – SCAC  Greenville, SC TD Convention Center South Carolina Arms Collectors Association  http://www.scaca.net


Oct 29-30 Myrtle Beach, SC  Myrtle Beach Convention Center Mike Kent   Shows http://www.mkshows.com


Nov 5th - 6th Charleston Gun Show – SCACA Charleston, SC   South Carolina Arms Collectors Association  http://www.scaca.net


Nov 12th - 13th   Columbia Gun Show – SCACA Columbia, SC Jamil Shrine Temple  South Carolina Arms Collectors Association  http://www.scaca.net

Nov 19-20  Greenville    Shrine Club Gun Show  at Greenville Shrine Club    by AR Gun Shows[b]NEED INFO on Promoter and venue[/b]

Nov 26-27 Charleston, Exchange Park Fairgrounds  Mike Kent Shows


Dec 10-11 Columbia, South Carolina State Fairgrounds  Mike Kent Shows


Dec 17-18 Greenville Gun Show – SCAC  Greenville, SC TD Convention Center   by South Carolina Arms Collectors Association


[b] SOUTH CAROLINA 2017 Listings [/b]

*none as of 7-26-2016*

TENNESSEE
? Recon intel needed
Dates not known,   but  in Nashville,  "Bill Goodmans Gun and Knife show in Nashville , its HUGE, if there is something you want, chances are it'll be there. Multiple trips" -thank you perk-a-cola for the tip

VIRGINIA
? Recon intel needed

Knob Creek      Machine Gun Shoot and Gun Show  West Point, Kentucky    NFA folks please weigh here with info.
April 9, 10 & 11 2016  info http://www.knobcreekrange.com/ is the first one listed this year

I am not familiar with  Virgina and Tennessee  shows' schedules and the locations well enough for the Northerners and Westerners Arf'comers driving times to list them. Make a comment and I'll add the info. If you know of any and /or shows for NC & SC that I missed, please reply and I'll add them. The goal is a guide for city/promoter, especially where there are two promoters operating in the same  city.   Because I want to check our Fayetteville NC for surplus and AR parts, with an eye for retro but have no clue if the 3.5 hour drive is worth it..... Figure others might like a go to thread for the same type of information.

*Plus show reports help keep this thread going and help others decide if a show is hit or miss of that weekend. If it is crowded or a ghost town. When  certain big vendors and/or certain  things like  reloading supplies are missing. So a quick post about you are there and vendors and crowds are..... is help to many.

Do we need an entry for shows that moved locations? or cities/towns with random one offs? Promoters who keep scorching the earth,like  when you feel ripped off with 8 bucks(maybe + parking) cover for 40 tables/dealers or less type show business models. Always someone trying to make a buck  and run it seems.  Suggestions welcomed for improving thread information welcomed.

*edited for show missed, promoter's names, and typos*
*2nd edit for rest of year's schedule and added details)
*continued multiple edits for newer  info*
*thank you Quantico Tactical for help with show and venue verifications in 2016
Last show update March 6th  2016 for  clean up and removal of past dates from top post,  show additions, and promoters changing venues.

In the Charlotte area - the only one worth going to is the Metrolina show - There are about 10 dealers I look forward to seeing including: Quantico (Magpul & AR parts), DPH (AK/AR parts & installation on site), Village Pawn (about as cheap as you'll find firearms - besides mail ordering from Bud's or PSA), Dean's guns (good handgun prices), Georgia arms (factory & factory reloaded ammo) & the guys in the back buildings with skids of Wolf bulk ammo. I make a list with what I think I need to pay for each item (to keep my ADD for knocking me off task), make a couple laps, then buy what I can find in the price range on my list - until I run out of cash. There are still plenty of jerky, sword, jewelry, coin/gold, wonder cleaning product sellers. A pair of lightweight folding aluminum hand trucks can be a + if your buying a couple cases of ammo.  

Cabarrus/Concord has been pretty lame the last 4-5 years. Went last fall for the 1st time in a while, not worth the $ 7 or 8 bucks.

Charlotte Park Expo (not on you list) pretty much blows too. Have avoided it like the plague for 4-5 years too.

Went to Statesville once a few years ago, also not worth my drive.

Hickory, NC show sucks for reloading supplies most of the time.

Charlotte Metrolina was awesome for reloading at the last show.

I'll go with

"E. NONE OF THE ABOVE"

Not on your list but Greensboro NC is worth going to.  They only have 2 shows each year.  The next one is in Aug. 2015.
Roughly 350 to 400 tables.

IMO, the dixie show from this past weekend is the only good one.  there were a lot of tables this weekend.  i went to one back in march i think and there was nobody there.  i think it was S&D.  i rarely go for guns though, just mags, ammo, gun parts, etc.  i usually find everything i need and for a good price.

The Charlotte Park Expo gun show was a C&E show and they have moved to Concord/ Cabarrus County  Center.   I be willing to bet the move  was for lower rent and less hassle over parking. Plus the Metrolina Expo is hard to book with a full schedule of regular clients/promoters/events every month already. Gun shows normally don't charge parking. Which some venues(in other areas of entertainment especially ) charge a parking fee per ticket so if you carpool, you are paying double,triple,etc  which is an extra profit scam fee.  

At least we aren't being hit with that at every show but  should I add that to the chart above ? Since I know the SC fairground show charges(iirc $5?) to park  are there any others?  Because when added to ticket prices that changes the value of deals and  makes it a matter of convenience.

Thank you and added in to the list.
Do you have any info on the date,  venue,   and/or  promoter ? Does twice a year means one in August and one in February?

For the Charlotte show @ Metrolina Expo  (Dixie Gun and Knife), print out the coupon from promoter's website for discount on admission.  Parking is free although the surface is gravel or dirt/mud depending on where you park.

You can usually expect the same vendors filling up building 1,  2 and 3 (very little churn for location and companies/stock selection) + the space in between buildings 2 &3.  Which is a new space/expansion to have more sellers.  Private sales are few and far in between.
A plus if shopping at  Quantico , by mentioning your arfcom screen name, you'll get you a discount. Which  Quantico has brought certain merchandise not normally present if you put in a request.
 As mentioned above,  for several good dealers and if you're willing to leave a deposit,  the larger bulk/case ammo dealers may let you borrow their hand trucks if you buy multiple cases.   Pineland is great for the M-18 smoke lovers.   I can't recall the older guys/vendor's name but there will be a dealer with older rifles & older pistols with small(20-50 rounds) bags of the specialty ammo and clips for the C&R and historical firearm crowd.  He is your best bet for some of the older off the wall stuff no longer made.

Usually there is Georgia Arms selling higher performance and small quantity to bulk ammo and the 1-2  pmc,wolf,etc  bulk  ammo sellers.

Reloading supplies are available pending the market but has a good selection.

You'll find a few AR, Garand , 1911,etc type plastic divider case style parts sellers. Along with a selection of retail priced uppers. Last show was the first time I saw 80% kits for the AR family. Accessories range from cheap to high dollar.

Prices are often retail or higher. Especially given we have 2 discount companies near us.

This a large show expect a 1 hour to a 1.5 hours to walk all the way through looking. The facility is older and will suffer for temperatures. Handicap accessible , asphalt begins at the  front gate for those in wheelchairs. Due  to age bathrooms and water fountains are lacking but useable for disabled people(one handicap stall per kinda deal).   Aisles are just wide enough to allow two way traffic with wheel chairs unless people are bunched up on ether side shopping/yakking.  You'll find vendors packing up 30 minutes before the close time @ 5pm on Sunday and some even pretty much are packed and out the door by the "warning of closing" announcement 15 minutes out. So if you go to church on Sunday and plan on going out after, don't expect the vendors to be held to that 5pm closing time.


There are the flea market vendors of toy(low quality, not historic/antique/well-made) swords & weapons, coins, along with the sauces and jerky but the number is low and they are spread out . So the flea market aspect is reduced. Most seem to be placed of to the side or filling in a small hole.

Surplus military items selections are often lacking. You won't find a dog tag maker... .  You'll find more new than used or C&R firearms.  Facility has an ATM which may run out by Sunday but is refilled. Venue food vendors are only in building 1st/main  but one on each end, standard high prices for venue hamburger,hotdog,fries,soda type fare.

Parking lot is patrolled by police on motor bikes and has their scissor-lift skybox aerial camera watch tower, which has cut down on break ins(increased arrests) but bothers some people for tag reading and facial recognition software aka Big Brother....     Police presence is there in a good way.

Overall worth driving to for about the 90 minute range for selection and hands on, especially if you don't have the options locally.    Close by is Concord Mills(major mall) and a Bass Pro Shop. Which you'll want to avoid if there is a race or major concert.

Concord  @Cabaruss County Center ( C&E)  doesn't charge for parking but with dual events(multiple building on site) you may be asked which one you are attending and that effects if you're going to be charged to parked.  Check the promoter's website for coupon for discount admission. Parking is on a fully paved lot. Handicap spaces are often taken up by dealers, you can see their names on the outside of the vehicle. They could pull up when the show is done but hog the space from people the whole two days instead.

The hall isn't used fully and is about 3/4 of the 1st building at Metrolina Expo for size comparison.  The dealers are different  vendors from the Charlotte show  for a decent percentage. Prices are retail and up. Due to the smaller space you have less dealers and less competition. Bulk ammo vendors can be hit or miss for being there at all. You will find more  C&R and used firearms here. Although the selection will be small.  The AR/ak parts resellers usually new magpull offerings stand out  more as the big tables/islands. There have been AR parts & assemblers booths based on crowd and purchase.  The aisles are wider for people to look both sides and traffic to pass in between both directions. Concord is a nicer experience but lacks the selection of  the Charlotte show due to size.  Which also is more of gamble for the bigger vendors going to larger shows elsewhere, so check what is going on around the state and across the border if close. Vendors that would drive in instead drive the same distance elsewhere.

The dealers tend to label and price their items so you can see them more clearly,  than the Charlotte show's tables. Packing up early is a problem but not as blatant or as early as the Charlotte show.

Due to the limited number of firearms/ammo/parts dealers the people selling jewelery,coins,jerky ninja secret weapons tend to stand out more here.

The facility is newer so that translates into better heating and air conditioning, bigger and cleaner bathrooms.The facility is very handicap accessible in most aspects. Has an ATM outside that often is out by Sunday (unknown fee level but expect a hit).  Venue food and beverage  is open.  

If it is more than a 30 minute drive than I would say pass and wait for the Metrolina Expo gun show. Concord is the little show that could....

Even  closer  by is the same option of going to Concord Mills(major mall) and a Bass Pro Shop with a huge fish tank and an archery range..  Although if there is a NASCAR race or major concert  you'll want to avoid the  entire area unless timing works out for pre and post traffic.  Harrisburg is known for speed enforcement, so if coming in from the west drive the speed limit or below, unless you want a VIP ticket price


Things to remember for everywhere, prices often include the FFL fee, tax may be included(or added on to price so ask and remember local taxes varies) and save the shipping fee(especially hazmat)  which is off set by the door cover .

Good write up Kudzunc - needs to be mentioned, Cabarrus arena has ZERO cell phone or 3G/4G access. If you want to run a price check on your smart phone, you'll have to step outside.

If you are in the western half of NC, Consider driving down to one of the SCACA shows at the Greenville Convention Center, Greenville, SC. Its as big and good as the Metrolina Shows and its all under one roof with wide isles. There are some neat historical displays there too. However there is a $3 to $5 charge to park, so bring a car load of friends. Then visit the PSA store afterwards.

Thank you. Trying to get us a  good guide. I might not be able to upkeep thread with health (will try)but a good historical guide for past and present might also matter when certain promoters try sneaking back in after the damage from their last cancelled shows has faded. Think of the Shelby NC gun shows that had such great potential to fizzle up and not even warn people it wasn't happening(website and phone was show this weekend even on sunday     . Plus the one  in Columbia SC at Nation Guard Armoury(Solider on Duty wondered why people were pulling up very slowly then driving off near her gate) . I'm sure there are others. I've added more future show dates(till the end of the year)  to the first post so the threads stays relative at least.

Can the  Fayetteville,   Winston-Salem,   Hickory,   Raleigh, and  Ashville    Folks weigh in please. Big city shows matter  but so do the smaller ones, one I found an odd barrel for a shotgun i have  but didn't have the cash and never saw the seller again. I've always wondered about driving down to Fayetteville for surplus and more military items for being close to the base. But a 3 hour  drive on a hope is a bit much to chance. I've been to Hickory a couple of times, Asheville/Fletcher and Winston once but don't feel I have a current enough intel to describe the venues, dealers, inventory, venues and local recreation ( no Silver Fox info needed   )when done/ past closing if you made the trip. Like an Original  Krispy Kreme's  Hot and Now being  a big draw in Winston-Salem.....

I usually frequent the Asheville show and have a table there occasionally.

I forgot to mention, the Asheville show has grown, it is now housed in the NEWEST and LARGEST building on the Fairgrounds and is usually packed!

Good free parking, deals can still be had on many things.

I see lots of hunting guns and lots of AR type stuff. Some military surplus but it seems to be more private tables than some of the other shows.

I like All of the asheville shows as they are about the same but different enough to drop by.

I found one person selling boxes of 223 Rem factory PSP ammo for $6 a box of 20, they didn't last long. :)

Found a Garand in great shape for $700. :)

some reloading supplies not much

so yea, I like it, you guys stay away....

Hickory show is MOSTLY WW 1 and 2 collector stuff and lots of AR types too.

Milsurp ammo and acoutriments is what you'll find in Hickory. I like that show occasionally.

Kudzunc asked for info on Palmetto State Armory in the SC forum.

If you want to combine a trip to a Columbia gunshow with a trip to PSA, the Farrow Rd warehouse store is open on Saturdays and the Fernandina Rd store is open both Saturday and Sunday. The Farrow store is small but is worth stopping at if you're driving down 77. The Fernandina store is larger and has an indoor range. Nearby the Fernandina store is a Sportsman's Warehouse and an Academy Sports, each has a decent sized selection of firearms and related stuff.

Online pickup is only available at the Farrow Rd store. On the PSA website it says Saturday pickup is available "by special arrangement". On the door to the store and on the wall it says they don't offer Saturday pickup. My experience is if you call on Friday they'll put you on "the list" and let you pickup on Saturday. The manager explained they pull all the Saturday pickup items at once to avoid sending someone to the warehouse because there are less salesmen.

PSA charges shipping and sales tax for pickup orders. Shipping should be refunded a few days after you pick up an order.

To order for in store pickup just put down the Farrow Rd store as your shipping address. The address is on the PSA website.

Thank you  Blammer ( for the good news about the Ashville/Fletcher show is growing and becoming a better draw), NeedAnAR(thank for explaining the complex Palmetto State Armory/PSA's Pick up policy and store differences), Sanlanman, jdub229r and several others.


Anyone make the Winston Salem Show last weekend and want to give a write up a go?


I'ld imagine this one well be a bit ho hum for selection & size but the small shows you never know what may show up? Anyone Up  in the Appalachian tip of the state going?
Jun 6-7 Cherokee, Old Cherokee High School Gem Capital Shows  Interesting for the school and firearms


Jun 6-7 Fayetteville NC Expo Center by C &E Gun Shows   The promoters tend to have big good shows and small ones on the only bother if local.....So there is no guessing by the promoters name here.
While I've always wondered about what the selection was like but with a 3hr drive one way it is bit much for a gamble to see. I may have to do a hotel room Saturday night for Sunday attendance just for the time scheduling and stress factors. Depending on show size and for the sake of time not being rushed .... I would hope their are some  good attractions being near the base but then again how may places jack price for the people trapped to small area?



The request for help in the Sc forum thread http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_65/582024_.html&page=1 wasn't much for replies but a few  people came over and helped out  on here. I miss the good ol' days of us having the one Carolina forum.  Being near the top of hometown was a nice perk also.

Seconding the greensboro gun show, it is quite large and a pretty impressive affair in terms of turnout most years. I normally find good deals on reloading supplies and sometimes odds and ends.

Would recommend against anything sponsored by "Gem Capitol" gunshows... they have had a couple here in Eden NC and they have been terrible. As in, advertised on a billboard for well over a month then had 8 tables terrible... didn't stop them from charging $8 for admission.

Was it "Gun Runners" that was also a really bad promoter that charged admission equal to somewhere between a quarter to a dollar per vendor(small crappy shows and still screwed those that showed up)  and canceled shows regularly without changing their phone message  voice mail and/or website about canceled?    It ether that name or one close that pops up every 5 or so years  burns everyone then disappears only to return and repeat.

I can't recall who did the show in Shelby NC that was taking off for decent crowd and vendors, nor a 3rd promoter/location in Columbia SC at the  National Guard Armory.  I'm sure I'm forgetting several other flyby night scammers.  

Which we also need to remember that dealers that take chances on new/small shows and/or new  promoters risk getting stiffed on canceled or the venues not paid and not willing to open or staff until payment in full is in hand.   We usually at least can peer in through the doorway for the really small bad ones. As much as i want new options and more shows, their are people that burning the ground so bad no one wants to take a risk. I know we can support more shows more often if the prices are decent and not panic gouging crap with flea vendors. It's not as simple as "Hey I have barn lets put on a show......."


Thanks on the heads up on Gem Capital Shows, I have been to a couple of theirs over the years and recall them being bad.

I lived in Jacksonville for about 4 years, the S&D gun shows down there arent bad, but its not exactly good. I've been atleast 10-15 times. There is usually some pretty darn good deals on ammo of all kinds except this past show which was about 2 weeks ago, there wasn't one of the usual ammo venders, some politician had his usual booth so maybe next show the ammo will be there. There are some "deals" here and there on guns and parts, but nothing that you can't find elsewhere or that hold a wow factor.
Wilmington's S&D show are a bit smaller then jacksonville's, i've only been a few times.
Im from Tennessee and been to Bill Goodmans Gun and knife show in nashville a few times, its HUGE, if theres something you want, chances are it'll be there.

Very excellent write up ! ! ! I usually like going to the Cabarrus show, but the last one busted me. Nothing to be had. Village was not there so wasn't much to look at....but it did get me and the family out of the house. I can't take the family with me to Metrolina.....TOO crowded...but a great selection.

Aug 15-16 Charlotte - Metrolina Tradeshow Center Dixie Gun and Knife

The addition of dealers in the open area between building 2 and 3 seems to be an ongoing and hopefully established addition/expansion.

Georgia Arms and several other dealers had discounts on Sunday.  Which the normal bulk pallet skid ammo guys were not there, so the mark down in prices  in ammo is good sign.

Prices are falling ever so slowly and more dealers are having the 80% kits for AR receivers.

The Quantico Tactical  guys were there with deals and extra discounts if you mention your ARCOM user account. I know of no other dealer that kicks a little extra back to us for just being here and shopping with them.


Crowds were pretty thin on Sunday  from 1-2pm to closing.  Word was the weekend was very light. I think there was a car show happening also but am not sure about other events drawing people away.


Same problem of dealers packing up their displays by 45 minutes before the show ends and loosing out on sales. By 30 minutes to closing many are completely gone from the building . If you wait until the end to buy heavy items or ones you have to hike out to your car, you will often get screwed. Show's Staff management personal does not have an issue with this on going problem.  The ones who stay to the end always are doing business with multiple people at closing times. Which is frustrating since to go through the entire show then go back and make all the purchases can put you close to end especially if people have to drive to the show any distance or go to church beforehand on Sundays.


Please keep the show reports coming. So we can track patterns and form a good base for reviews of shows with promoters at venue. Since any show can vary greatly by whether or not certain vendors show. Who can change the amount of merchandise, type of items  and discounts.

Perhaps we should add a section/suggestions, while doing the gun show, if not local swing by check out these shops.  like if I go to Columbia SC PSA is on the list to stop for items after the show. Or perhaps a must eat recommendation.  For Charlotte I would Suggest Pinky's or the Diamond. Although nether are close by to venue sadly.

Anyone make C&E Concord /  Caabarrus Arena & Events Center show?

Mainly wanting to know  if the ammo folks that have it by pallets stacks style were there.

I go to the shows in Hickory a lot just because they're a little over any hour away from me.  There's really nothing special there
it's just we don't have a gun store up here so I just go to look around and sometimes pick up some ammo and a little odds and ends.

I enjoy the Charlotte Metrolina show.  It's a large show, Quantico Tactical is always there with some good deals.
You can usually find good deals through out the show.

Went to the LJVM Winston Salem show a couple times . . . mainly a waste of time.

I stopped at the Goldsborro National Guard Armory S&D show once on my way to the beach.  
Felt like I should have gotten my admission fee back it was awful.  Spent less than 20 minutes in
there and saw everything twice.  

Noticed you didn't list any of the Ashe County shows . . . . $10 admission and I think there are 15 maybe 18 tables

Seems to be one of the better ones in the state and Quantico Tactical ( only vendor  I know who does this) always kicks something back to the ARFCOMMERs with just mentioning you're from here. No matter which show you're purchasing from them.




Feel the same,I only went once. Some of the dealers come to my home town show of Charlotte. Doesn't make much sense.



Thanks I'll add Goldsboro to the list of not bothering/avoid., I had wondered but figured it was small and not worth the drive.

I always have high hopes of new small shows having new dealers since they shouldn't  have high table fees(plus less costs for hotel room for travel etc.), individual buddies  getting together to get a table with more of stuff we don't see at all the normal shows. Clean the rural closet of family owned guns. The big shows charge a lot for someone to rent a table with a friend and sell a few things.  I miss the small individuals tables but the internet also changed people needing to do that.  
I  once saw a trading area( thought it was a good idea for people to have a hangout for both buyers and sellers) full of a group of guys with their heads all down for the  30-45 minutes I spent in one bad show.  The  failure of "no one will buy my absurdly priced  bubba'ed gun" its 10 bucks less than the dealer over there......     I think it was 9 bucks door charge  and worked out to 50 cents or maybe 75 cents per dealer/table size show.  I looked through every junk parts just for anything to justify the cover and gas getting there. Hence show reports would have help.   The days of small town deals and finds are behind us.  Everyone has the  internet and  logged  more hours than it takes to become a pilot, watching "Trash Pickers", Antique Road Show", Junkyard Finds", "Barn Pickers", "Flea Market Gold", etc.  then  they just  are certain their junk ,that no family before them sold off, is worth gold  




I missed the Ashe county show(s) when when I built the lists and the couple of times I have gone through and updated from searches.  I only found one show in a quick search updated for it next year.  Ironically very few have their 2016 schedules  posted although they are being booked. Must promoters run in a circuit between cities in a region. Most book a minimum of 6 months out, especially with regular events. Which get first dibs on dates.

The show promoters who charge full price for small  vendors suck and they burn the ground for anyone to follow. Until a few years later and they come through again. Sometimes under a new name.  That is why this thread will be important hopefully.  I'll move the show dates on to an earlier reply for history preservation and to keep the list manageable and fresh for everyone.

The burning a town with a show is a very common trick from the early days of entertainment.   Traveling acts would burn the town(the lot) and flee quickly. Think crooked carnival games and bad amusement acts. Add in shills and the literally marking people if they saw they had a lot of money, so they could be targeted.    You'll see why the state has  so many laws and inspectors for circus and state fairs. It took a lot more than a few people dieing from bad food  before every  state goverment would bother to act. Yet every state has laws and inspectors for that industry. The level of crookedness is legendary.    There is phrase about "Making the Nut" which means to cover costs. That was because the local land owner/law authority  would literally have their wagon wheel nuts held as collateral, so they couldn't flee in the middle of the night leaving a scorched earth and ripped off town folks  behind them.  When they paid their fees, fines and made good, the wheel hardware was returned and they finished their show's stay on that lot/location. Hence the making the "nut" to cover costs. A whole traveling production worth of wagons hardware would cost more than the  fees & advances for supplies back then. The reason they make you buy tickets/tokens at fairs(always and odd amount for usage too, so a scam from every angle) is so the vendors don't get cash and under report what they took in to the lot boss. Glad gun shows haven't slipped to that level.

We also have a  few shows/wannabe promoters which fall under the innocent with good intentions bar. Basically  the  "Little Rascals" 's style of "I have barn lets put on a show... "  without knowing what is needed or having the dealer contacts to book vendors in bulk or can only get the ones that have been booted from other shows. Which dealers have risks for lost table reserve fees and would you turn down a established show for a new one? With no history and in remote area?

 I'm still disappointed the Shelby NC shows didn't take off. large enough market to support it.  They were doing well. Then one night they went poof, with their website and phone message saying even on  Sunday that the gun show and the hours are.... People were showing up Sunday and leaving.  Ditto on the Fort Mill one by Mike Kent  Charlotte can support more, although there are less mom and pop FFl's in business nowadays making it harder.

I once met a nice national guard solider who was wondering what all the traffic coming by her post was about . After explaining  and asking what the deal was for the gun show. She even put a sign out saying there was no gun show and let her superiors known to set their phone message to say that no such show was booked . That was in Columbia SC, 90 minutes(180min  or 3 hours by the time i got home) wasted on scam by a fly by night promoter.

Part of is they get table money and advertise hoping to get more table money to pay the deposit to open the doors and then pay the building and profit from admissions, if they don't get enough out of people before hand, they take what they have and run. Most figure if they going to loose out everyone should too. Funny how when they profit big they never share likewise under the logic. I've seen building people counting people through the door to keep promoters honest. That is common cheat. The amount dishonest "capitalism" sucks.

But if we don't try and support new shows, how can we get anymore shows or grow the small ones?

Anyone make the Charlotte  Metrolina show today Saturday  October 17th, at the Metrolina Expo?   A couple of dealers  were vague about it being a very very weird and then not wanting to explain more.. A couple ffl dealers that know me   were talking about being harassed over counterfeits when they had real items and the objects being seized.   Even had paperwork to prove it the confiscation, which was  from the office of the Secretary of the State.

Anyone knows what up?  Some said is was harassment to encourage them to start getting out and expected worse with elections coming. Which matches random reports match of what I have been hearing piece meal from different area over the past few months. If you're in the line of fire I understand and hold no ill will on silence, but the police and constant helicopter flying back and forth over the parking lot was weird....



I'll write a better show report later and still need to sum up the last concord change. The bulk pallet ammo guys were absent again but G.A has their reloaded deals.

I went to the Charlotte show on Sunday.  The show itself wasn't that bad.  Lots of cool WWII stuff for sale, I hadn't seen before.

The security to get in is getting close to harassment.  Metal detectors at a gun show!  I don't think hand held metal detectors should make contact with bodies . . . .  

They want to make sure people aren't carrying guns into a gun show but you can bring a gun in so why even check?

You can even buy guns and bullets in there . . . crazy I tell you.  

Went  on both Saturday and Sunday October 17 and 18th, I wanted  some time to collect my thoughts and digest  the "experience" and then failed to follow through with a reply. Plus i need to update the show schedule on this post, since next year's schedules are being published finally.

Security was like at rap concert level , way out of place and pointless for the environment since everyone is pretty much bringing guns and knives and/or buying them. Sure.... that little kid had NFA MP5 under his little jacket Which what is the point of using a metal detector wand for the pockets right beside a holstered weapon?  

Seriously?  The security was invasive and a theatrical display at best.  They weren't wanding bags and the question of did you have loose ammo was weird? Did they have concerns about loose rounds not being in magazines? Trip hazard on the floor maybe? Some B.S. that the building and/or insurance company wanted?  Something was up but the question is what?

The  self elevating watch tower and patrolling the parking lot is one thing( a plus for car/truck break ins prevention) but the helicopter making low fly overs wtf? That is expensive to fly and could have been used elsewhere.  I hate to embrace the paranoid crowd but what if all the extra presence was to detour people from attending.  Since most people would rather not be hassled to prove their innocence and show their papers. Dealers had said they dealt with weird heavy enforcement out of the usually BATFE sting as straw buyers  stuff.   Political back-handedness being what it is all.  I hate to feed the paranoid folks  but what if the metal detector wands station was just a ruse to pause for a camera for facial shots for recognition?

Anyone notice or note when they moved the firearm zip tie station from the entrance door off to the side?  Its been several shows and it did create a jam at times . Not to mention the people that couldn't un-shoulder a rifle without rifle butting a circle around themselves.

It has always been a bit weird  when  bringing a firearm in. Since we all  prepare them by  unloading, removing mag, checking the chamber , rechecking,etc.  the firearm(s) to bring to  a show before entry.  I always zip tie it myself making sure it is unloaded and use a certain color showing brightly OOS(Out Of Service), so I remember when returning it to storage to take it off.  I assume others also use zipties of a different colors to mark a weapon OOS, for general safety like gun shows  or  if it needs parts and/or to be looked at by someone with more skill. You have to ask and sometimes assert to have your zipties  left on, that two are better than one, when going through the process. Which why object to bright colored one right be side their little clear colored ones?

Now one scenario that has always kinda crossed my mind in the past for what ifs.... but with all the extra police and especially the helicopter fly overs, if  there was an escape from  Charlotte Mecklenburg's North Jail on Statesville Road right by the Metrolina?  Which not telling the public would have been stupid.  


Just as the show is growing,  comes the stupidity.   At least we didn't have to go back through the B.S. searches when carrying things out to the car and returning.  I wonder with all the extra police presence and security if there was something we didn't know about for a threat received, although that would one of the most stupidest places for someone try an attack.



On sad news from the show, Pineland Manufacturing had a death in the family and that is why they absent after setting up.

Also hit the November 7th and 8th 2015 at the Concord Cabarrus Arena & Events Center C&E Gun Show
The show was on average but the major ammo on pallet skids seller(s) weren't there. Plenty of various parts covering interests across the board.  Dealers were complaining about the lack of sales and planning on dropping the shows they have to drive to for any distance. So statewide there seems to be slow down and less crowds

Note all dates in this reply are old shows moved here for a record of where the show was , who the promoter was to help match up the dated comments since some locations have different show promoters using the same space. Plus certain companies that come and go will be able to be tracked better, so hopefully no one gets burned by the 8-10 vendor with a $10.00 door charge show scammer., with no one selling anything below or even near manufacture MRSP even...



Did anyone bother with Oct 16th - 17th Newton,Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds North Carolina Airgun Show Friday & Saturday only No Sunday. Promoter Tmac’s Air Gun Service 1st show?  Odd show and not knowing anything about airguns, was wondering if anyone in the sport went or heard details.

Updating and editing main/original post to shorten it for current and future dates. Plus removing the past show list of dates and locations to here    for reference/storage and additions if ever needed

Nothing below here is worth reading, other than historical show dates and promoters from first post in this thread
Previous show dates from 2015 for NC and SC  with venue info and promoters

NC
May 2-3, Raleigh Jim Graham building at the NC State Fairgrounds. Promoter?

May 9-10 Greenville,NC Greenville Convention Center S&D Gun Shows

May 16-17 Ashville, WNC Ag Center Mike Kent

May 16-17 Jacksonville, American Legion Building S&D Gun Shows

May 23-24 Wilmington, National Guard Armory S&D Gun Shows

May 23-24 Winston-Salem LJVM Coliseum Complex C&E Gun Shows


Jun 6-7 Cherokee, Old Cherokee High School Gem Capital Shows

Jun 6-7 Fayetteville NC Expo Center C &E Gun Shows

Jun 13-14 New Bern Craven County Fairgrounds S&D Gun Shows

Jun 13-14 Winston-Salem Midway Event Center C&E Gun Shows

Jun 20-21 Hickory, Hickory Metro Convention Center

Jun 27-28 Raleigh, NC State Fairgrounds Showmasters + C&E Gun Shows * note promoter change for city/venue

Jul 11-12 Ashville, WNC Ag Center Mike Kent

Jul 11-12 Concord Caabarrus Arena & Events Center C&E Gun Shows

Jul 18-19 Jacksonville, American Legion Building S&D Gun Shows

Jul 25-26 Fayetteville NC Expo Center C&E Gun Shows

Aug 1-2, Raleigh Jim Graham building at the NC State Fairgrounds Dixie Gun & Knife * note promoter change for city/venue

Aug 8-9 Greenville,NC Greenville Convention Center S&D Gun Shows

Aug 8-9 Winston-Salem LJVM Coliseum Complex C&E Gun Shows

Aug 15-16 Charlotte - Metrolina Tradeshow Center Dixie Gun and Knife

Aug 22- 23rd Morganton Gun Show NCGCA - North Carolina Gun Collectors Association

Aug 29-30 Wilmington, National Guard Armory S&D Gun Shows

Aug 29th and 30th Greensboro NC Roughly 350 to 400 tables * thank you Bohicaconcepts

Sep 12-13 Hickory, Hickory Metro Convention Center C&E Gun Shows

Sep 12-13 New Bern Craven County Fairgrounds, S&D Gun Shows

Sep 19-20 Jacksonville, American Legion Building S&D Gun Shows

Sep 19-20 Salisbury/Rowan County Fairgrounds the-gunshow.com

Sep 19-20 Winston-Salem Midway Event Center, Midway Gun Shows


Sep 26-27 NC Concord Caabarrus Arena & Events Center C&E Gun Shows

Sep 26-27 Goldsboro National Guard Armory S&D Gun Shows

Oct 3-4 Fayetteville NC Expo Center C&E Gun Shows

Oct 10-11 Ashville, WNC Ag Center

Oct 10-11 Greenville, Greenville Convention Center S&D Gun Shows

Oct 16th - 17th Newton,Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds North Carolina Airgun Show Friday & Saturday only No Sunday. Promoter Tmac’s Air Gun Service 1st show....

Oct 17-18 Charlotte - Metrolina Tradeshow Center,  http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_34/590052_Metrolina_Charlotte_gun_show.html

Oct 24-25 Waynesville, Haywood Fairgrounds, Gem Capital Shows

Oct 24-25 Wilmington, National Guard Armory S&D Gun Shows

Oct 24-25 Winston-Salem LJVM Coliseum Complex y C&E Gun Shows Inc

Oct 31-Nov 1 Jacksonville, American Legion Building S&D Gun Shows

Oct 31st - Nov 1st Hickory Gun Show?

Nov 7-8 Concord Cabarrus Arena & Events Center C&E Gun Shows

Nov 7th - 8th Franklin Gun Show Franklin Community Building GEM Capitol Shows

Nov 14-15 Lenoir, Caldwell County fairgrounds, Gem Capital Shows

Nov 14-15 New Bern Craven County Fairgrounds, S&D Gun Shows

Nov 21-22, Raleigh Jim Graham building at the NC State Fairgrounds. Dixie Gun and Knife Show * note promoter change for city/venue

Nov 27-29 NC Monroe Union County Ag Center Gem Capital Shows

Nov 28-29 Winston-Salem LJVM Coliseum Complex C&E Gun Shows

Dec 5-6 Fayetteville NC Expo Center C&E Gun Shows

Dec 5-6 Greenville NC, Greenville Convention Center S&D Gun Shows

Dec 5-6 Winston-Salem Midway Event Center, Midway Gun Shows

Dec 12-13 Charlotte - Metrolina Tradeshow Center

Dec 12-13 Wilmington, National Guard Armory S&D Gun Shows

Dec 19-20 Raleigh, NC State Fairgrounds, Showmasters + C&E Gun Shows * note promoter change for city/venue

Dec 5-6 Fayetteville NC Expo Center C&E Gun Shows

Dec 5-6 Greenville NC, Greenville Convention Center  S&D Gun Shows

Dec 5-6 Winston-Salem Midway Event Center,  Midway Gun Shows

Dec 12-13 Charlotte - Metrolina Tradeshow Center

Dec 12-13 Wilmington, National Guard Armory S&D Gun Shows

Dec 19-20 Raleigh, NC State Fairgrounds,  Showmasters + C&E Gun Shows  * note promoter change for city/venue

END 2015

2016 NC shows

Jan 2-3 2016  Asheville, WNC Ag Center,  Mike Kent shows

Jan  2 - 3, 2016 Concord  Cabarrus Arena & Events Center   C&E Gun Shows

Jan 2nd - 3rd, 2016 Jacksonville NC   American Legion and hosted by S&D Show

Jan 9 - 10 , 2016    Winston-Salem  Winston-Salem Fairgrounds   C & E Gun Shows

January 16-17    Raleigh Jim Graham Building NC State Fairgrounds  Dixie Gun and Knife

Jan 23 - 24,  Hickory  Hickory Metro Convention Center     C & E Gun Shows

Jan 30-31 Greensboro NC http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_34/595032_Greensboro_Gun_Show_Jan_30th_and_31st.html and http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_34/593349_Greensboro_gun_show_worth_the_drive_.html


Feb 6-7     Charlotte    Park Expo and Conference Center      Dixie Gun and Knife Venue change  effective this show  See review   write up bottom on this page below.

Feb 6 - 7       Fayetteville, NC  Crown Expo Center   C&E Gun Shows

Feb 6-7    Wilmington, NC Wilmington National Guard Armory  S&D Show Promotions  

Feb 13th - 14th   Greenville, NC     Greenville Convention Center  S& D Show Promotions  

Feb 13th - 14th     Lenoir, NC Caldwell County Fairgrounds Gem Capitol  


February 20 - 21 .Charlotte, NC Metrolina Expo Center  C&E   Gun Shows NOTE   Promoter change for venue  Warning $10 cover admission!   Review thread http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_34/596093_Charlotte_Gun_Show.html

Feb 20-21 Goldsboro, North Carolina Goldsboro National Guard Armory  S&D  Show Promotions

Feb 20-21  Lumberton  Southeastern Ag Center  Dixie Gun & Knife

Feb 27-28  Franklin NC  Franklin Community Building   Gem Capitol

Feb 27 - 28       Raleigh        NC State Fairgrounds   C&E Gun Shows   Very limited revies 2nd response  http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_34/596443_Raleigh_CandE_GunShow_this_weekend_Feb_27thand28th.html

Mar 5- 6  Jacksonville NC     American Legion    S&D Show Promotions

Mar 5 - 6  Winston-Salem, NC Winston-Salem Fairgrounds   C&E Gun Shows

Mar 12-13 Asheville, WNC Ag Center,  Mike Kent shows  

Mar  19 - 20 Hickory, NC  Hickory Metro Convention Center C&E Gun Shows

Mar 19-20 New Bern NC   Craven County Jaycee Fairgrounds  S&D


Apr 1st - 3rd Morganton NC Foothills Higher Eduction Conference Center  North Carolina Gun Collectors Association North Carolina Gun Collectors Association

Apr  2 - 3    Fayetteville, NC  Crown Expo Center  C&E Gun Shows

Apr 2-3     Rutherford NC   Old Green Hill School American Legion - Post #74 American Legion - Post #74 no website only FB

Apr  9-10  Charlotte   Metrolina Expo Trade show Center      C&E  Moved to April 16&17 https://www.cegunshows.com/show-dates.html

******Note two shows, same city if only hitting one make sure you verify  the promoter and location(s) you want.******* Promoters decided against competing and C&E has  moved their show to the following weekend .As of the Feb 21st-Feb22nd show news.

Apr  9-10  Charlotte  Park Expo and Conference Center      Dixie Gun and Knife show has stayed the same date and venue

Apr 9-10 Goldsboro NC  Goldsboro National Guard Armory   S & D


* Apr 16-17th moved from April 9th&10th C&E Metrolina Expo Charlotte    https://www.cegunshows.com/show-dates.html   *Note of interest, the Last Gun Show to be held at the Metrolina Expo and one of the final shows in the countdown to the facility being torn down.

Apr 16-17 Salisbury NC Rowan County Fairgrounds  Salisbury Gun & Knife Show

Apr 16th - 17th *Special note*  largest SC show , the  Greenville Gun Show –  Greenville, TD Convention Center   SCACA   http://www.SCACA.net is now the competing for the Charlotte region shows folks now from the previous competing shows being set to separate weekends. Why caan't we have better luck/timing. Always feast or famine. Lots of deals with  no money ,or  lots of money but no deals....

Apr 23 - 24 Ashe County Gun Show   Crumpler, NC  Needs local confirmation Ashe County Home Builders Association http://www.ashegunshow.com       Badly needs show report

Apr  23 - 24, 2016  Concord, NC   Cabarrus Arena & Events Center C&E Gun Shows

May 7-8  Raleigh    NC State Fairgrounds  Dixie Gun and Knife

May 14-15    Asheville, WNC Ag Center,  Mike Kent shows

May 14-15    Jacksonville NC American Legion    S&D

May 28 - 29   Winston-Salem, NC    Winston Salem Fairgrounds    C&E Gun Shows

May 28-29    Wilmington, NC     Wilmington National Guard Armory   S&D



Jun 4 - 5      Fayetteville, NC   Crown Expo Center    C&E Gun Shows

Jun 11 - 12   Hickory, NC  Hickory Metro Convention Center   C&E Gun Shows

Jun 11-12  New Bern NC Craven County Jaycee Fairgrounds  S&D

Jun 18 -19 Charlotte, NC Charlotte Metrolina & Expo  C&E Gun Shows   UPDATED LAST SHOW AT VENUE

Jul 2-3       Raleigh, NC      Graham Building  C&E

Jul 9-10    Asheville, WNC Ag Center,  Mike Kent shows

Jul  9 - 10   Concord, NC   Cabarrus Arena & Events Center C&E Gun Shows

Jul 16-17 Jacksonville NC  American Legion  S&D

Jul 16-17 Rutherford NC  Old Green Hill School   promoter American Legion - Post #74   Badly needs show report


Jul 30 - 31 Fayetteville, NC Crown Expo Center C&E Gun Shows  thread by Quantico Tactical  http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_34/602987_Fayetteville_Gun_Show_this_weekend_July_30th_and_31st.html



Aug 6 - 7    Winston-Salem, NC Winston Salem Fairgrounds   C&E Gun Shows  http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_34/603348_Winston_Salem_show.html

Aug 6-7     Raleigh     State Fairgrounds  Dixie Gun and Knife  http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_34/603287_Raleigh_GunShow_this_weekend_Aug_6th_and_7th.html


Aug 13th - 14th   Greenville     Greenville Gun & Knife Show  S&D Show Promotions S&D  Show Promotions http://www.ncgunshows.com

Aug 13th - 14th Morganton, NC  NCGCA Morganton Gun Show  http://ncgca.info/  North Carolina Gun Collectors Association  http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_34/603699_Morganton_Gun_Show.html



SC 2015 dates for archive purposes only

May 2-3 Florence, Civic Center, Mike Kent

May 30-31 Charleston, Exchange Park Fairgrounds Mike Kent

May 30-31 Landis SC review thread http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_65/583019_Dead_at_the_gun_show.html

Jun 6-7 Columbia, South Carolina State Fairgrounds Mike Kent

Aug 1-2 Columbia, Jamil Temple SCACA South Carolina Arms Collectors Association

Aug 8-9 Greenville,SC TD Convention Center SCACA

Aug 29-30 Spartansburg, Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds "The Great American Gun and Knife Show" www.greatamericanpromotionsllc.com

Sep 12-13 Charleston, Exchange Park Fairgrounds Mike Kent

Sep 19-20 Florence, Civic Center Mike Kent

Sep 26th - 27th Greenville Gun Show ?

Oct 17-18 Greenville SC, TD Convention Center, SCACA

Oct 31-Nov 1 SC Myrtle Beach Convention Center Mike Kent & C&E Gun Shows

Nov 7-8 Charleston, Charleston Area Convention Center SCACA

Nov 14-15 Columbia, Jamil Temple I-26 SCACA

Nov 28-29 Charleston, Exchange Park Fairgrounds Mike Kent


Dec 5-6 Spartansburg, Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds www.greatamericanpromotionsllc.com

Dec 12-13 Columbia, South Carolina State Fairgrounds Mike Kent

Dec 19-20 Greenville SC , TD Convention Center SCACAMay 2-3 Florence, Civic Center, Mike Kent

May 30-31 Charleston, Exchange Park Fairgrounds Mike Kent

May 30-31 Landis SC review thread http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_65/583019_Dead_at_the_gun_show.html

Jun 6-7 Columbia, South Carolina State Fairgrounds Mike Kent

Aug 1-2 Columbia, Jamil Temple SCACA South Carolina Arms Collectors Association

Aug 8-9 Greenville,SC TD Convention Center SCACA

Aug 29-30 Spartansburg, Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds "The Great American Gun and Knife Show" www.greatamericanpromotionsllc.com

Sep 12-13 Charleston, Exchange Park Fairgrounds Mike Kent

Sep 19-20 Florence, Civic Center Mike Kent

Sep 26th - 27th Greenville Gun Show ?

Oct 17-18 Greenville SC, TD Convention Center, SCACA

Oct 31-Nov 1 SC Myrtle Beach Convention Center Mike Kent & C&E Gun Shows

Nov 7-8 Charleston, Charleston Area Convention Center SCACA

Nov 14-15 Columbia, Jamil Temple I-26 SCACA

Nov 28-29 Charleston, Exchange Park Fairgrounds Mike Kent

Dec 5-6 Spartansburg, Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds www.greatamericanpromotionsllc.com

Dec 12-13 Columbia, South Carolina State Fairgrounds Mike Kent

Dec 19-20 Greenville SC , TD Convention Center SCACA


2016

Jan 16-17 Columbia, Jamil Temple SCACA    http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_65/594408_SCACA_Jamil_gun_show_Columbia______more_of_same.html

Jan 23-24 Charleston, Charleston Area Convention Center  SCACA


Feb 13-14 Greenville, TD Convention Center SCACA.net
  split report on shows on thread in SC hometown http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_65/595709_Ladson_gun_show_Feb_13___14.html
Feb 13-14 Charleston, Exchange Park Fairgrounds  Mike Kent Shows

Mar 5-6 Columbia, Jamil Temple SCACA http://www.SCACA.net show report http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_65/596815_Jamil_show.html

March 19th-20th Greenville Shiners temple *NEW PROMOTER/SHOW* http://argunshows.com/ Arf'com thread for recon info http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_65/597296_Greenville_Gun_Show_this_weekend.html

Apr 2-3 Columbia, South Carolina State Fairgrounds Mike Kent Shows  1200 Rosewood Drive   $8 under 12 free,  Show hours: Sat 9-5 Sun 10-4  http://www.MKShows.com

Apr 2-3 Spartanburg,  South Carolina ,  Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds 575 Fairgrounds Rd.   http://www.greatamericanpromotionsllc.com Ph:865-453-0074

Apr 16th - 17th  Greenville Gun Show – SCAC  Greenville, SC

Apr30-May1st  Florence, SC  Florence Civic Center  Mike Kent

Jun 4-5 Charleston, Exchange Park Fairgrounds  Mike Kent Shows

Jun 11-12 Columbia, South Carolina State Fairgrounds Mike Kent Shows


Jul 30th - 31st Columbia, SC   Greater South Carolina Survival Expo   South Carolina State Fairgrounds    RK Prepper Shows  http://www.rkpreppershows.com/ *NEW* show and promoter Caution not expected to be a gun show , just a show with some guns. see thread http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_65/602908_.html $12 to enter with $5 to park so $17 to take a chance unless we here great reviews i would suggest  waiting until the regular promoters. Although if prepping is your thing and you want to pay to take class on sutures and using the stapler for wounds then this is your show.  *Update link has show reports and their next will be August 7th 2016 at Gwinnnet County Fairgrounds Lawrenceville, Georgia.  Show summed as an outddor prepper show with guns for and parts for sale but not really a gun show for amount of dealers. See  the thread from SC hometown forum linked above.



Aug 6th - 7th Columbia Gun Show – SCACA Columbia, SC Jamil Shrine Temple South Carolina Arms Collectors Association  http://www.scaca.net
* edited to keep the first post with current dates at the top and past shows moved here* numerous times. 2015, 2016 and hopefully staying with it. With links to threads to other posts to show reports.

Ok I think I have all shows i could find and all the venue changes noted in the list.

If you are in Charlotte or coming to Charlotte, please make note of the fact that the show promoters C&E Gun Shows and Dixie have swapped venues Metrolina Expo is now C&E and the Park Expo on Independence blvd by the old (insert rented naming advertisement I won't use for the old girl)arena and Ovens Auditorium is Dixie Gun and Knife.  I can't wait to hear the scuttlebutt on the reasons why.

So we need new show reports and for which vendors went where especially on the weekend where both shows are active on the same weekend. I hope both are big but figure the vendors are going to choose one or the other and roll the dice.

I noticed more shows but with this election everyone is expecting another madhouse again. So who has what stock and prices will help everyone.  NC has a big surge of shows but SC didn't which just feels weird. especially since SC has some more lax laws.   So happy deal hunting and please let us know show conditions especially if you're there early or mid day. Help motivate people to buy more guns and accessories.

Charlotte Park Expo and Conference Center Dixie Gun and Knife Venue  1st show Feb 6th & 7th

Show review, first there is no fee charged to park aka Free parking.    A concern some had about the venue.  Dixie says there will never be a  parking charge, can't wait to see how that works with the Christmas show.....

For the first show and the change of venue the information is likely to change. other views are welcome.  I will do my best to be there Sunday as well. Plus add more details since I only had so  much time and with vendors moved around, having to hunt for the usual people to take care of regular purchases was a game of hide and seek. limiting the amount of time to gather intel and report back. Kinda wished some had made a report thread from earlier in the day.

Admission is still the same the $100 off coupon still works.

I forget to check the name but I believe the show is in the "Freedom" hall which is on the right side of the building/complex viewed as  rear access entry from Independence blvd.   Attendance was light. I expect many thought it was at expo and left confused and or didn't go from previous bad tastes in their month from shows in the past at this location. Another friend was planning on coming back on sunday also.

There were plenty of dealers and with more room. The aisles were a little wider and generally you didn't feel squeezed in like at the metro even when people bunched up. Sight lines were good, bring an ACOG to help you look for friends and booths across the Hall.

Prices are following the slight quiet panic climb. Aka the $5 packs of AR mags are $7+ for the bundles. creep is happening, what you do about it reflects what happens.

.22 call  ammo was in the house.

Upside I  noticed several more parts vendors(plastic tubs full of all the internals) covering multiple different firearms than just the 1911 and AR-15/M-16.

Ammo dealers were there and the bulk ammo was of course in lower amounts due to the up coming planning to horde and gouge for the elections.  Although prices are fair and what you find roughly online with shipping.

Security... No full body cavity searches crap like at the last  Metrolina.  There were the hydraulic sky-towers watching the parking lot. No dirt-bikes patrols or police cars riding around from what I saw.
For the record I support snipers on the roof for thieves breaking into cars, if only people could volunteer for that community service.

Then of course Dixie had the standard trailer where you had to zip tie your weapons and leave/check your ammo(I believe), since there was something people were getting back but I couldn't tell. It was in a sealed bag deal from what I overhead.
Then inside to a camping style trailer where you paid admission and got your ticket. Then to the ticket taker and in . No wands and just an officer making sure people did have weapons electrical tied out of service since the trailer wasn't as obvious. They still have it away from the door to not create a traffic jam and keep the idiots who can take a crowd out from simply  unshouldering a slung rifle, Like they are Neagan with Lucile in a field of zombies( Walking Dead Comic Reference, you might get to see the character in late season 6 or 7 on tv) without trying. So the off to a side thing is a good thing, I've dodge enough butt-strokes from the unaware of their environment.

Bad news They ( didn't ask if it was a venue or the promoter influenced by their insurance company.... ) have adopted a policy where you must sell firearms through a FFL dealer , no face to face transfers aka  Private sales. All firearms not just the NC rules of pistols and needing permits for sales. Several dealers had signs of will do private sales/transfers  for $10.00 to help out and not cash in.  So remember those people when shopping.  The change should have been mentioned more than just over the show's PA. So this may very well kill the small group of friends of having a table selling their old firearms and accessories build up. At least at Dixie Gun and Knife Shows.

The deals, I got them and some surprised me to get. Bless the fool who sat the item down and decided to think about it.

Dealers weren't having a lot of business but new show/venue/prices climbing from the hidden panic..... luckily  that not all dealers were participating in and they were getting business. By the sounds of it it will be rough summer and fall for us ether way for prices and availability.

For the C&R folks the Mosins I saw were all gone over and everything of any value added extra to the price. Hard to believe some of the prices on a $59.95 rifle and ammo was scarce or priced highly. So much for having a cheap rifle and cheap surplus to enjoy.

Due to the new layout, it is not as easy to work row after row in a systematic order, therefore I missed  a good section from hunting the dealers I always buy from. Also  looking at the different dealers  prevented me from  making it all they way through to the back of the hall and giving it a good second detailed walk through looking for things you missed the first time. So things have changed up some from the Metrolina Expo. C&E show there should be interesting) I didn't see certain old regulars dealers with the same 2 decades old stock of firearms they've had since I started going.....

Overall opinion  good  minus the personal sales B.S.  . has potential and room to grow.  Expect just as much but the newer building will force newer polices that might alienate us.  Although Dixie  Gun and Knife Show  is limited for places in Charlotte to book a clean safe and organized gun show at. We don't need to wander from hotel ballrooms to hotel ballrooms with booths in the lobby type environment.  So maybe the new show's home will relax some rules  when they grasp it is not going to be the O.K. Coral which wasn't that violent compared to Chicago...


  I didn't order any food, so someone else will have to rate the venues chicken fingers and french fries.

Hope the gods will smile and I'll make it earlier Sunday. Since I need to square away a mix up that happened.  Because a wrong caliber mag could turn into owning a few pistols in that caliber then stocking that ammo . The madness has to be stopped before it can spread and wreck my wallet.


*More to come*

Heads up for the folks attending  Charlotte NC Gun shows  in April 2016. ***Edited and corrected for mistake with conflicting information. With links provided for verification of schedule.***

The show promoters C&E and Dixie   realized they were booked in competition for the same weekend in April 2016. They have worked together to move  one show(C&E's ) to the next weekend. Leaving  the other show  (Dixie's) on the previous weekend as not to compete and split vendors and crowds. C&E show at the Charlotte Metrolina Expo  is now happening 1 week later.  Dixie Gun and Knife will still be held  April 9th and 10th at Park  Expo and Conference center.  For verification Dixie's Charlotte show page at http://dixiegunandknifeshow.com/charlotte-show/  and C&E  https://www.cegunshows.com/show-dates.html




New show info schedule for the weekends of April 9th & 10 and April  16th and 17th 2016

As of Feb 21st-Feb22nd 2016 gun show news/information.

Apr 9-10 Charlotte Park Expo and Conference Center Dixie Gun and Knife  http://dixiegunandknifeshow.com/

Apr 9-10 Goldsboro NC Goldsboro National Guard Armory S&D Show Promotions  http://www.ncgunshows.com


* Apr 16-17th  C&E Metrolina Expo Charlotte  moved from April 9th&10th 2016  http://www.cegunshows.com/show-dates.html  This will be the last  gun show held  here, due to the  Metrolina Expo center  being torn down, for  the big block of land being way more valuable to developers.


Apr 16-17 Salisbury NC Rowan County Fairgrounds    Salisbury Gun & Knife Show http://the-gunshow.com/

Please keep the reports and warnings coming about the shows you are attending.

Along with information on  what is available and if  certain items and/or types of dealers are absent. Examples of what people want to know included reloading supplies (powder, primers and/or  bullets,) the bulk ammo dealers,  type of surplus parts surplus parts(AR- variants/M-16,1911, Garands ,M1 carbines and any others like a Glock armorer type booth), availability of ammo and magazines(used package deals of $5-? each per used 4-5 mag bundles) , and anything special and worthy of note.  
Plus the amount of beef jerky booths....  

Prices levels would be nice. If you aren't familiar with ballpark numbers,   just confirmation of the  presence of certain items  is enough to tell people whether to go or stay home.

*Editted* 3-06-16 to fix mistakes in  information. A big thanks to Big Waylon for catching the information being flipped in the sentence. Correction has been made & the original  post    mistake is quoted below with help for the correction. Please adjust your calendars, if my error lead to confusion and mislabeling.  I had the date list in the chart right but not the sentencing on stating who moved.

Thank you BigWaylon for the help and the sharp eyes. The information is corrected and no loner contradicts itself.

When I think about the long history of the Metrolina and how all the different shows that have shifted & evolved over the years, it is a shame we are loosing the  Metrolina. Which may not be historical in structure design but is for all the events and the progression of style of events/shows held under the roof throughout the decades. Sadly that was just too much prime real estate to escape the developers looking for land to build more high density cheap construction quality development. The amount of industry change in farming & firearms from the opening to the closing is massive. Even on other items that were in the new retail shows, which  are now properly for sale  in the antiques shows.  I wonder how many firearms made multiple changes of owners under the very same roof.....

I remember going to my first gun show there, seeing everything available and finding all these like minded people. Which was great from growing up in anti-gun household. Sadly I had less than 3 years before that stupidity ban hit from Clinton, which made getting in to things even harder just starting out . I bought several firearms that are priceless just for the fact they were the very first ones I could own.  I in my excitement, I bought collector 12 gauge ammo, just so I could have something to shoot once I left, not knowing any better at the age. Probably the most expensive shots I have ever fired, and at such a waste.    To go back to the olden golden show days of 5-10 cents a round per case. If we all only had that time machine......

Maybe as a  sort of proper send off, people should bring in their oldest firearm or earliest one they bought there for the last show.   Imagine that one dealer that bugs everyone(worse than the brassman from Uwharrie 's range )  with "Are you looking to sell that?", even to people carrying out a brand new in the box firearm.  Just think, at first he would get so excited seeing the guns coming in the door, only to realize no one is going to let him scam them with low balling...   A lot of safe queens might see the light for the first time in years, if people do this.    

Being the last show there, will be the last coffee club meeting there, which is too early for me to make it usually. Hope it is a good one though.

Come to think of it, all these years and  not a single hole in the roof, guess that shoots down the "anti-'s" opinions about the dangers of gun shows.  That's more than I can say about a certain concert amphitheater's roof over the stage.

Decisions to make for those of us in SC. The C&E date on April 16 & 17 conflicts with the SCACA Greenville, SC show same weekend. I would like to see and send off the Metrolina one last time, as I have come up to shows there for a good many years, but the Greenville, SC show is too good to miss. (Biggest in SC) Bon Voyage Metrolina, and all the best to Dixie Gun Shows in their new venue, which I may attend the week before.

Recently went through and added new shows on the first page that I have found and marked the one show that is listed in some places and not others as questionable. I have been derelict in keeping the thread updated and doing show reports myself. All the older shows  with their links to different posts have been moved to the old show post.  Hope the new spacing for weekends groupings makes things easier for reference.

For Charlotte NC Gun Crowd folks.
If you do not already know, there will be no more gun shows at the Metrolina expo in Charlotte NC, due to the property being bought and redeveloped.  That much land that close to Charlotte couldn't  hang on and hold out  against the increasing money to purchase offers. Please pass the words to friends and take moment to reflect on the Coffee Cup Club.

There is new show  Jul 30th - 31st Columbia, SC   Greater South Carolina Survival Expo   South Carolina State Fairgrounds    RK Prepper Shows  http://www.rkpreppershows.com/   That may be interesting or a flop. Hopefully there will be info from our friends  which were separated from the former hometown Carolinas forum  split. The SC forum for quick access and less scrolling is at  http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_8/65_South_Carolina.html   Caution not expected to be a gun show , just a show with some guns. see thread http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_65/602908_.html $12 to enter with $5 to park so $17 to take a chance. Unless we here great reviews, I would suggest waiting until the regular promoters. Although if prepping is your thing and you want to pay to take class on sutures and using the stapler for wounds then this may be  your show.




Show report on Concord  July 9 - 10  2016 in Concord, NC  at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center  by  C&E Gun Shows

Very few AR parts vendors.  

Notable and regular dealers were absent.  If QT was there they were hiding really well....

Reloading supplies had two well stocked booths one was higher than the other for the same brand and count of primers I think is was federal 1,000 for [s]$40 *correction*  it was $30 for 1,000 large rifle Winchester  primers  at the highest price booth. Both had  cases in the various sizes, which was 5,000 primers for $140.   Prices seem lower then when browsing in the past but not being a reloader, I can't tell you if they were good or bad prices. It is on my hit list of things to do and gear to buy but the choices with then getting locked in for one company verses the other.... They  had Both, Winchester, and another Big Name brand primers and the Wolf discount primers in small and large pistol and rifle sizes.  The powder was a large selection of brands with various prices.  Several companies equipment was available for dies and parts.  New brass was more expensive than buying  brass loaded ammo go figure

Georgia Arms was the only bulk ammo dealer.  Others had s a few cases but were manly selling by the 20 to 100 round box. Minus the dealer who specializes in the old calibers who has what no one else stocks.    7.62x54r had only one 440 tin that went for $180 . I still see people buying Mosins thinking they're getting a cheap rifle and cheap ammo to shoot. Guns were moving but no where near as fast, as the quiet panic we are feeling online. 54r is in a long term drought and it is hard to find any that isn't new production brass for the retail pricing of $15-20 for a box of 20.

Several of the regulars we all know and love were there as always, hey Pineland

Magazines were there but prices have started to climb. The higher price dealers  still had  theier same higher price than MRSP.....

Up side found a spare barrel for a semi-shotgun long out of production.Been hunting since I missed it 6-7 years ago at a Hickory gun show.  Praise the deity of your choice.

Rumor mill word   is the alphabet letter agencies and some  LEOs  have stepped up harassment against certain legal military items and chemical sales .  Making several items that are legal, normally available and their dealers absent. No arrests but the same pressure of you can fight me and win in court several months and/or years later or you can choose not to expend your time,money,energy by just walking away.  Can't blame them, Do you really have the endurance and wiliness to be that person fighting back against a system bigger than you? Where even if you win you still spend so much on so many levels you still lost......  Will be interesting to see if it happens at Charlotte shows ( happened previously at the Metrolina for things like tourniquets (counterfeit or not allowed for public sales B.S.  wtf...) for if  this is   different in other areas and would be nice to know if it is happening around the state. Could be uneducated overzealous rookie non-military based noob.

The show crowds were light. Some thought this was because of the larger Ashville show occurring on the same weekend.  Although after the higher cover fees and the lower vendors, attendance has never been as huge as it was  at  the Metrolina or "The Merchandise Mart"/"Charlotte Park Expo and Conference Center". The drive distance cuts off the casual might as well since it is close by and the difference in the amount of vendors may matter. The amount of bulk surplus items was very low. Plus Ashville seems far enough away not to affect Charlotte crowds much , although I've heard the shows have grown greatly but haven't seen updated show reports. * Hint *Hint* the goal of  this thread.

C&E shows still has the ongoing problem certain vendors (with their name on the vehicles, so we all know who they are.) parking in the handicap spaces both days(every show), when they have to arrive early and can just as easy park one row back.  Instead of  hogging the parking spot all day and blocking the usage by multiple people.  Which is forcing other handicap people  to be dropped off (if they didn't drive themselves) and/or take 10-15 minutes to take stuff to their vehicle since they can't carry it easily, as quickly and it is harder. All because the selfish vendors want the spots for quicker load outs. Which they could move vehicles up at closing......    C&E show staff appears deaf and unresponsive to complaints on the matter.

Ditto on vendors packing up at 30 minutes(4:30pm) before closing and having stables stripped by 15 minutes(4:45pm/16:45) to closing. Show staff  can be strict on people leaving at closing 5pm/17:00hr for the few smart dealers who stay and get all the last of the spending money sales and heavy items to carry out, but the staff is blind to vendors stripping down and crating up their entire tables. Having worked conventions that were week long I can sympathize with the urge to get out  and at week plus length, the  last minute really isn't going to matter but at weekend event especially non-trade industry show it does. At least there isn't aisle carpet  for the show's staff

Parking is still free but if multiple events are going on you need to mention you are going to the gun show.

Does anyone want to write a rightful send off and summary of the last show at the Metrolina and the history? Since I missed it due to health issues. It deserves a final reflective over the years review of what is was , who ran it when and the last flip of promoters back and forth in the final end days. I started just before the Clinton Ban and went regularly but won't know all the history that  some of our networking members and vendors would. I just remember the split of promoters but not the why about back a decade or two ago.


The building has done nothing to help boost cell signals for inside the hall. You still have to go to the exit with open doors and/or outside to look up something online or call someone.