You’ve probably seen the signs. Bright neon posters zip-tied to a stoplight pole near the interstate or tucked into the window of a local diner. They usually just say "Gun Show" in big block letters with a date. In Central Arkansas, that almost always means one thing: another weekend at the Conway Expo Center.
The Conway Arkansas gun show is a staple. It’s a bit of a local ritual. For some, it’s a serious scouting mission for a specific pre-64 Winchester or a bulk crate of 5.56 ammo. For others, it’s just a way to kill a Saturday morning while eating some questionable but delicious beef jerky and looking at things they probably don't need but definitely want.
Honestly, the "vibe" is what keeps people coming back. It’s a mix of veteran collectors, young families, and that one guy who seems to have a booth at every show since 1994.
What the Conway Arkansas Gun Show is Actually Like
If you’ve never been, walking into the Conway Expo Center on a show weekend can be a bit overwhelming. The air usually smells like a mix of CLP (gun cleaner), leather holsters, and roasting nuts. It’s loud. There’s the constant click-clack of actions being cycled and the muffled bzzzt of a stun gun being demoed by a vendor three aisles over.
Most of the events here are put on by G&S Promotions. They’ve been running the circuit in this part of the country for a long time. They usually stack the floor with anywhere from 100 to 300 tables depending on the season.
The Gear and the "Junk"
You’ll find a little of everything. On one table, there might be a high-end, custom-built precision rifle that costs more than a used Honda. Right next to it? A cardboard box full of "mystery" holsters for $5 each.
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- Modern Firearms: Plenty of Glocks, Sig Sauers, and AR-15s from local dealers.
- Milsurp: This is where the older crowd hangs out. Expect Mosin Nagants, SKS rifles, and the occasional Garand.
- The Random Stuff: It wouldn't be a gun show without the "non-gun" tables. We're talking Scentsy-style candles (sometimes), survival gear, hand-forged knives, and yes, the legendary jerky.
Getting In: The Basics
The show usually runs Saturday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and Sunday (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Admission is typically around $12 for adults, and kids under 12 usually get in free.
Pro Tip: Bring cash.
While more vendors are taking cards or Venmo these days, cell service inside the Expo Center can be spotty. Plus, cash gives you a much better bargaining chip. If a guy is asking $650 for a pistol and you pull out six crisp $100 bills, you’d be surprised how often that "firm" price softens up.
Safety First
Don't be the person who makes everyone nervous. If you’re bringing a gun to trade or sell, it must be unloaded. At the front door, security or a designated officer will check your firearm, zip-tie the action so it can't fire, and verify you aren't carrying any loose ammo.
It doesn't matter if you have a concealed carry permit; the rule of the house is usually "cold" guns only. Respect it.
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Is the Conway Arkansas Gun Show Worth It?
This is where the debate starts. If you spend enough time on Reddit or local forums, you’ll hear people complain that "gun shows are dead" or that the prices are higher than what you’d find online.
Kinda. Sorta.
If you are looking for a brand new, current-model handgun, you might find a better deal at a big-box store or through an online warehouse. But you aren't paying for the shipping or the FFL transfer fee at the show if you buy from a local dealer.
The real value is in the trades.
It is one of the few places left where you can walk around with a rifle over your shoulder and a "For Sale/Trade" sign sticking out of the barrel. You might run into a guy in the aisle who has exactly what you want and is tired of lugging his trade around. That’s where the "magic" happens.
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Logistics: The Conway Expo Center
The venue is located at 2505 East Oak Street. It’s easy to find—right off Highway 64.
Parking is usually free and plentiful, though it gets backed up right at the 9:00 AM opening on Saturday. If you’re looking for the rare stuff, be there early. If you’re looking for a deal, show up Sunday afternoon when vendors are thinking about how much heavy gear they don't want to pack back into their trailers.
Common Misconceptions
- The "Loophole": You still have to follow the law. Licensed dealers (FFLs) are required to run background checks just like they would at their storefront. Private sales between individuals are a different story under Arkansas law, but don't expect a free-for-all.
- Everything is a Bargain: Not true. Some guys "know what they've got" and will price a beat-up revolver at MSRP. You have to know your prices before you walk in.
How to Prepare for the Next Show
Before you head out to the next Conway Arkansas gun show, do a little homework. Check the current market value of whatever you're looking for on sites like GunBroker (look at completed auctions, not just listings).
If you have something to sell, clean it up first. A greasy, dusty rifle doesn't command top dollar.
Lastly, eat a real breakfast. Walking concrete floors for three hours will wear you out faster than you think. There is a concession stand, but it's exactly what you'd expect from fairground food—fine in a pinch, but maybe not the fuel you need for a day of high-stakes haggling.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Calendar: G&S Promotions usually posts dates months in advance. Mark your calendar for the next quarterly stop.
- Budget Ahead: Decide on your "walk away" price for specific items so you don't get caught up in the excitement.
- Pack a Bag: Bring a small backpack for accessories, ammo boxes, or that extra bottle of water.
- Engage: Talk to the vendors. Many of them are encyclopedias of firearm history and are happy to share knowledge if you aren't just tire-kicking.
The show remains a core part of the local culture. Even with the rise of online sales, there is just no substitute for picking up a piece of history, feeling the weight in your hands, and shaking the hand of the person who owned it before you.