Ranking the Top States for Gun Shows

One of the country’s largest gun shows is coming up next month in April. The Wanenmacher Gun Show is held every April and October in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This year the show will be held on April 5, 2025, at the Tulsa Fairgrounds and will showcase over 4,200 exhibit tables. Although Oklahoma didn’t make our list of top gun show states in the U.S., the Wanemacher Gun Show is considered one of the largest in the country.

Gun shows can be a great opportunity for gun enthusiasts to get an up-close look at a large variety of weapons. They are also a chance for gun owners and collectors to meet up with like-minded individuals to check out a variety of firearms. However, gun experts recommend checking pricing online before buying from vendors at any gun show. (Also check out America’s favorite pistols.)

24/7 Wall St. did a thorough search to find the nine best states for gun shows. We didn’t only look at the size of gun shows when compiling our list, but we also considered the number and the quality of gun shows in each state. 

(This article was updated on March 12, 2025, to reflect the upcoming Wanenmacher Gun Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma held on April 5, 2025.)

Why We’re Covering This Now

In addition to the massive Wanenmacher Gun Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma held this April 5, 2025, there are around 2,000 to 5,000 gun shows in America every year. Needless to say, that adds up to quite a bit of money changing hands. Gun shows are almost an industry in themselves, with some businesses making most of their profits from gun shows. This industry isn’t evenly spread out, though. It’s concentrated in a few states where gun shows are very popular. Many of the states below are also those where people tend to buy the most guns. 

We ranked the following top nine states for gun shows in countdown style:

9. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s history has fostered a strong gun culture, which fuels several gun shows in the state each year. The state’s rural areas also see a surprising number of shows, too. 

8. North Carolina

North Carolina’s rural areas and strong gun rights tradition make it a favorable state for gun shows. The state offers tons of hunting opportunities, which only increases the popularity of these shows. 

7. Georgia

Georgia’s growing popularity has also led to a growth in gun shows. The state is full of rural areas and hunting opportunities, which leads to many of the residents owning firearms. 

6. Tennessee

Tennessee’s outdoor attractions and strong gun rights culture make it a hotspot for gun shows. There are around seven gun shows each month, especially in the Nashville area.

5. California

You might not have expected to see California on this list due to its stricter gun laws. However, gun shows are popular in some areas of the state. It’s important to remember that California is very big, so it only makes sense that it would have more gun shows than others states. 

4. Nevada

Nevada has a thriving gun culture. Gun shows are especially popular in Las Vegas due to its large convention centers. 

3. Arizona

Arizona’s outdoor attractions and rugged terrain make it a natural for gun shows. Many individuals in Arizona participate in hunting and recreational shooting. 

2. Florida

Florida has a very strong gun culture and is a natural tourist spot. It only makes sense that it would host several large gun shows each year. 

1. Texas

Texas is a huge state with a very strong gun culture, which naturally leads to the state hosting dozens of gun shows each month. Many of these shows attract gun enthusiasts from around the country. 

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