If you’ve ever tried to navigate the parking lot at the Ontario Convention Center on a Saturday morning in March or October, you know the vibe. It's a mix of heavy-duty trucks, the smell of nearby fast food, and a line of people that looks like it's for a stadium concert. But they’re not here for a show. They’re here for the gun show Ontario California 2025 circuit, and honestly, it’s one of the few places where California’s complex firearm culture is on full, messy display.
Most people who don't go think these shows are a "Wild West" free-for-all. They’re not. Not even close. If you walk in expecting to buy a pistol and walk out with it twenty minutes later, you’re going to be bummed. California's laws are some of the tightest in the country, and those laws don't just pause because there’s a banner out front.
The 2025 Schedule: When to Show Up
The big name in town is Crossroads of the West. They’ve basically cornered the market on the Ontario events. For 2025, the dates are pretty much locked in, though it's always smart to double-check their site before you burn the gas money.
- March 15–16, 2025: The spring kickoff. Saturday is usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday wraps up early at 3 p.m.
- August 2–3, 2025: The mid-summer show. It’s usually blistering hot in the Inland Empire, so the air-conditioned convention center is a godsend.
- October 18–19, 2025: The fall event, often the busiest of the year as people look toward the holidays.
Tickets usually run around $16 to $20, and the "good" part is that one ticket covers both days. If you find something you like on Saturday but need to sleep on it, you can come back Sunday without paying twice. Just keep your receipt or get the hand stamp. Kids under 12 are usually free with a parent, which makes it a family outing for a lot of folks in the IE.
Why the "Gun Show Loophole" is a Myth Here
Let's get this out of the way. You've probably heard the term "gun show loophole" on the news. In Ontario, California, that doesn't exist. Period.
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Every single firearm transaction—whether you’re buying from a big-time dealer or a "gun show trader" with a few vintage rifles—must go through a background check and a 10-day waiting period. You aren't taking a gun home from the show. You’re going to pay for it, fill out the DROS (Dealer Record of Sale) paperwork, and then you’ll have to drive to the dealer’s actual brick-and-mortar shop ten days later to pick it up.
It's a bit of a hassle. It's why a lot of people go for the parts, the beef jerky (there's always beef jerky), and the gear rather than the actual guns.
The Ammo Situation is Changing (Again)
Buying ammo at the gun show Ontario California 2025 events is a whole different beast this year. Since July 1, 2025, the state hiked the fee for the "Standard Eligibility Check" from $1 to $5. It doesn't sound like much, but it's the principle that gets people talking.
If you’re planning to buy a couple of cases of 9mm or 5.56, here's what you need to know:
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- Bring a Real ID: If your license says "Federal Limits Apply," you’ll need a birth certificate or passport too.
- Face-to-Face: You still have to buy it in person from a licensed vendor.
- Background Check: If you’ve bought a gun in CA recently and your info is in the system, it takes about two minutes. If not, you might have to pay $19 for a more "basic" check that can take days.
Interestingly, a three-judge panel from the Ninth Circuit recently found the ammo background check regime unconstitutional, but the law is still being fought over in the courts. As of right now, expect to do the background check. Don't expect the vendors to skip it just because a court case is pending.
What’s Actually Worth Buying?
Honestly? The best deals aren't always on the guns. It’s the stuff around the edges.
You’ll find rows of holsters, optics, and cleaning kits. There are usually guys selling high-quality knives, survival gear, and even those antique "militaria" items that you can't find anywhere else. It’s a collector's paradise. If you’re looking for a specific part for an old M1 Garand or a weird magazine (10 rounds only, obviously), this is where you find it.
New Rules for 2025
California added some new layers to the cake starting January 1, 2025. One of the weirder ones is that for any firearm transaction after September 1, 2025, you have to provide an email address for the electronic transfer record.
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Also, as of March 2025, when you sign for a new gun, you have to acknowledge that you’ve "confirmed possession" of every other gun you own within the last 30 days. It's a bit of a "pinky swear" law, but it's on the books now.
Survival Tips for the Ontario Convention Center
Parking can be a nightmare. The lot right at the convention center fills up fast. There are overflow lots across the street, but you’ll be walking.
Cash is king. While most big vendors take cards, the guy with the rare bayonet might only want greenbacks. Plus, cell service inside the metal-roofed building can be spotty, making credit card machines slow.
Check the "No Loaded Firearms" signs. They take this seriously. If you're bringing a gun to sell or trade, it has to be cleared and zip-tied at the entrance. Security is tight, and the DOJ often has plainclothes agents walking the floor. It’s not a place to be cute with the rules.
If you’re a first-timer, give yourself at least three hours. It’s bigger than it looks, and the conversations with vendors are half the fun. They’re usually happy to nerd out about technical specs if you’re actually interested.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Verify your ID: Make sure you have a California Real ID or the necessary backup documents for the ammo background check.
- Pre-calculate the tax: Remember there’s an extra 11% "sin tax" on firearms and ammunition in California now (AB 28), on top of regular sales tax. Factor that into your budget.
- Check the Crossroads website: Dates sometimes shift due to convention center scheduling conflicts. Verify 48 hours before you go.
- Bring a backpack: You’ll end up with more small parts, stickers, and brochures than you think.
The gun show Ontario California 2025 events are as much about the community as they are about the gear. Whether you're there for the politics, the hardware, or just a really good bag of spicy jerky, it's an experience that’s uniquely Inland Empire. Just keep your paperwork in order and your 10-day wait calendar ready.