Frequently Asked Questions About the Gun Shows

Disclaimer: The responses to these questions are not intended as any form of legal advice. The responses are generalized answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. You should check with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives if you have further questions on any issue relating to the buying or selling of firearms. Special rules apply at California gun shows; check with the California Department of Justice, Firearms Division, Sacramento, CA. if you have questions.

Can I bring a gun to the show to sell or trade?

Yes, and many folks do. Please be sure the gun is unloaded before you enter the building, and take it to our gun check table at the show entry for verification. They will clear it and secure it with a nylon tie to disable the action. No loaded firearms and no loaded magazines are permitted in any Crossroads gun show. Your personal safety is our number one priority while you are at the show.

Can I qualify for my Concealed Carry Permit at the show?

Qualifications for C.C.P.s (CCW) vary by state. You may take the test and complete all necessary paperwork for a Utah Concealed Carry Permit at a Crossroads Gun Show in Utah. Additionally, classes qualifying you for a Utah Concealed Carry Permit are sometimes held at California and Las Vegas Crossroads shows. Check with our office to confirm locations for these classes at California shows. Please note that while the Utah Concealed Carry Permit is recognized by 34 states, it is not recognized under California law.

Can I carry a loaded gun in the gun show? I have a Concealed Carry Permit.

We respectfully ask that you not carry loaded at the gun show. A gun show is a unique environment where folks pass guns back and forth between themselves. They may be fitting a holster, trying a magazine or just showing their gun to a friend.

We are proud supporters of the right to carry and have lobbied extensively to establish and extend that right to all. We hope you understand that we do support the right to carry. Our request that you not carry loaded at the gun show is motivated solely by concern for your safety and the safety of everyone at the show.

Is it legal to buy or sell a gun if neither party is a federally licensed dealer?

Yes, in Arizona, Utah and Nevada providing the seller or the buyer is not a prohibited person under Federal law. California has laws in addition to the Federal law, and all firearms transfers must be processed through a California licensed dealer. No one may bypass any law that applies in their State of residence. In general, you must be a resident of the state where the gun show is being held to purchase any modern firearms at the show.

Can I buy a gun at a gun show if I am a resident of another state?

In general, you must provide proof of residency in the state where you are purchasing a gun, whether at a gun store or at a gun show. However, you may place an order with a licensed dealer at a gun show and arrange to have the firearm shipped to a dealer in your state of residence, which can be delivered to you in your state of residence after completing the required Federal forms and meeting state requirements (if there are any requirements in addition to the Federal law.)

Are high-capacity magazines legal?

High capacity magazines are currently (July 2016) legal to sell or possess under Federal law. However, it is illegal to import or to sell any magazine which is capable of holding more than 10 rounds in the state of California.

How much does it cost to get in the gun show?

The admission costs vary from show to show. In general the price is based on the size of the show. A smaller show costs less; one with several hundred tables costs more. For exact show prices click the “Buy Tickets” link at the top of the page, then click the show you are asking about. It will show you the price without having to purchase tickets. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a supervising adult, and we encourage family participation at Crossroads shows. Also note that Sunday admission is free with a hand stamp from Saturday.

What time does the gunshow open to the public?

Public Hours for the shows are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For three day shows, doors open at 11 a.m. and goes to 5 p.m. on Friday.

Where do we get tickets to Crossroads Gun Shows?

They are available at the entrance to the various shows, or you can purchase them through our website.

How do I get directions to a Crossroads Gun Show?

Directions to the various gun show venues are on our website at Show Tour.

What are the hours of the gun shows?

Crossroads Gun Shows are open from 9 AM until 5 PM on Saturday, and from 9 AM until 4 PM on Sunday.

There are special extended hours for our big partnership show with Small Arms Review Magazine in Phoenix the first weekend of December each year. For the three day show, doors open at 11 a.m. and goes to 4 p.m. on Friday.

Can I get a gun appraised at the gun show?

Yes, there are many collectors and collector-dealers at all Crossroads gun shows. Since no one is designated as the official appraiser for the show, you are encouraged to talk to several dealers and collectors to determine the value of any firearm if you are planning to sell it. Also, there is a blue book of gun value available for purchase on Amazon and other book retailers. It costs around $25.

I have a collection of guns that I have built up over the past twenty years or so, and I would like to sell some of them now. Can I get a table to sell them if I don'€™t have a license?

Yes, you may buy, sell or trade at any gun show if you are a private collector and set up at a show on an occasional basis. You must have a Federal Firearms License if you are “engaged in the business” of dealing in firearms on a regular basis. You should check with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for clarification if you sell more than occasionally at any gun show.

Special rules apply at California shows. You must use the services of a licensed dealer to conduct a background check on the buyer, and the transfer dealer will take possession of the gun and deliver it to your buyer after the mandatory waiting period.