The Nation’s Gun Show

Some things have changed in the last two years. Others have not.
They still require a PRINTED COUPON, but the site now says so. They do make it impossible to print.
The entrance fee of $ 14 a person is too high for what you’re going to get inside.
The vendor prices have drastically improved. The is symptomatic of the larger market not just this show. The vendors, as a whole, seemed much nicer this go around too as were the show staff.
Overall, sticker prices are still high. Product quality varies widely from high-​quality made in the USA to super cheap made in China junk. If you are looking for items or accessories for an older or antique gun, you will likely find this event helpful. Militaria collectors – especially of WWII – would also probably be pleased.
Overall, expensive entry fee but an interesting show to look around.

I had a lot of fun here, found a lot of deals, bought what I wanted compared to shopping online. Parking was a bit of a problem but you gotta figure that everybody and their brother is gonna be there due to all the new gun laws and crazes lol, so show some patience and you’ll enjoy yourself. Make sure you walk around and see/​compare whatever it is your looking for so that you will have an idea of what stuff is worth and then go back to your vender of interest to strike your bargains.

Been here a couple of times, make sure you print the coupon from their website for the $ 1 off admission.
Lots of tables showcasing all different genres of weapons and accessories. Pretty much anything you are looking for regarding hunting, military, and sport shooting will be found on the floor somewhere.
Be sure to do your recon before showing up and bring your calculator as deals are hard to come by as I found out. Be prepared to haggle and know the value of what you are looking for so you don’t get swept up in the frenzy that is the Nation’s Gun Show! lol.
Best thing I discovered at the gun show resides on the back well adjacent to the ladies rest room. Ear Plugs by Debbie! Debbie runs a busy booth that makes custom earplugs. She makes insta-​mold ear plugs on the spot. You pick your color and she injects the soft material into your ear. You can then return later for pickup after it has cured. One piece of advice would be to request different colored plugs for each ear so you can easily differentiate left from right. A week later I tried them out and they are an incredible fit and work exactly as advertised. A must buy if you shoot regularly or just want some great plugs for motorcycle riding, riding lawnmower, or have a really loud vacuum. $ 60, totally worth it!

I’ve attended the Nations Gun Show probably five times and will attend again this fall. I will say this is the best show in the area regardless of the naysayers (try any of the smaller local ones — even Richmond and you will see). There are lots of vendors, there are a myriad of goods (accessories, tazers, bags, lock-​boxes, self defense equipment, outdoor equipment, archery, knives, jewelry, collectibles, antiques, guns and ammo), the pricing can be good and one does have to weigh in the time spent on-​line plus shipping plus taxes plus FFL fees but if you come in with good research you might be able to walk out with good deals — I did with a Sig for my wife and a XD (for me last go around and I do buy ammo in bulk there usually. Some things I do recommend, there are a ton of fast food restaruants there so eat at those and use the bathrooms before you go in :-). If you buy a big item have them hold it and then ask if you can borrow a handtruck (they will probably hold onto your license). If you plan on buying make your decision at least 3 hours before the close of the show that day because the processing through the State Police can take time. Go and enjoy the show — print out the coupon (a dollar off) and there is some savings when you renew your NRA membership — if you are a member.

As a previous reviewer stated there are no deals to be had at this gun show. Ammo, guns and accessories are way over priced. You can get better ammo deals at Dicks or Walmart now. $ 13 bucks to get into an overcrowded, overpriced show. Buy online or at your local gun store. Will not ever go again.

Have been twice so far. October and December 2012. It’s $ 12 just to get in, and EVERYTHING in here is way overpriced — guns, ammo, etc. It’s only worth the price of admission if you’re going to make a day of it and are someone who can really enjoy walking around looking at and handling every gun and talking to some of the vendors who have older collections about the histories of the different ones.
Definitely only worth going to once and only if you’ve never been to a good gun show. This one is so-​so. It’s the same one that you see all up and down the East Coast, even though when at the Dulles Expo Center it’s called The Nation’s Gun Show. It’s the same one run by folks out of Blacksburg that you see in NC and the Salem Civic Center near Roanoke, Va., etc.
If you’re looking to pick up quite a few cheap mags at once, I will say you can find lots of mags, even AR 30-​rounders, here for pretty cheap. But obviously you’ll want to buy a few to ensure you save enough to offset the admission price. Mags, yes. Ammo and guns? Go to the local gun shop.

Do not go to this show expecting to save yourself money… Everything that is available here can be found for the exact price or cheaper online? Don’t think you are saving by not having to pay for shipping charges online, it cost $ 10 to get in, so there is no price benefit whatsoever. Unless however, you are purchasing firearms, they will be the same price as online, but you will not have the hassle of transferring and associated fees.
With all that being said, this has to be one the best gun shows out there. The size and selection is amazing. The main benefit is actually being able to touch and feel products that you may be interested in.

This is the only gun show I’ve been to so far. I visited in February of this year.
Overall, I was pretty happy with it. I actually went with the intent of buying the best semi-​auto AK-​47 type rifle I could find, and I ended up getting a new Wasr (Romanian) AK type. It was pretty reasonably priced, came with three mags and a bayonet.
This gun show is HUGE. There are about a million tables, but I was actually a little underwhelmed by the firearm selection. I expected to see far more options for the rifle I was looking for, but really ended up choosing between two or three competing tables (there were more folks selling AKs than that, but only a few good ones).
The prices, though pretty good, were also not quite as good as I thought they would be. The ammo pricing was decent, but not better than what you can find online, though you don’t have to pay for shipping or anything.
If you think you might buy something there, I recommend doing a lot of research before you go so you know exactly what you’re looking for, and how to verify that the product you’re getting is good.
I will probably return to the Nation’s Gun Show at the Dulles Expo center again, especially if I’m looking for a decent deal on firearms or ammo. Whether you’re familiar with guns or not, I recommend visiting. It’s a lot of fun!

Get you tickets? to the GUN SHOW!!! *flex*
I had to say it :)
Nothing makes me happier than making the trip to Chantilly and checking out the gun show. It’s a small fee to get in (about $ 12) and for that fee you can be there all day long looking at every weapon that can be legally sold. I’m no collector, but I think its fun to just look around and learn about all that is out there.
It’s not just pistols and rifles here, we’re talking about archery, blow darts, knives, sling shots… rubber ban guns… if it shoots something, they will most likely have it here. You’ll also find kitchen gadgets and See-​On-​TV gadgets like the Furminator. Huh? These items are pretty discounted here.
Ladies, if you think this is just a manly man thing to do think again… they have a lot of jewelry vendors in there. I got a bracelet made out of a S&W 500 round, peeled back to look like a giant flower with amethyst stones in it. You will not be disappointed in the jewelry selection. Think about it… if you’re man buys a gun, don’t you think you deserve a gun AND bling? well maybe at least the bling. I bought the cutest conceal carry purse there too!
I suggest you come on Friday because by Sunday all the good stuff is gone will be gone by Sunday. They have a 3 day schedule published on their website. It is run by the C&E Gun Shows and they have a schedule published for the entire year.