You’re driving down West Mercury Boulevard, and the traffic is already starting to bunch up near the Coliseum. If you've lived in the 757 for any length of time, you know exactly what that means. It’s show weekend. Specifically, the Hampton Gun Show 2025 is back at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, and honestly, it’s still one of the biggest draws in Virginia for anyone who cares about self-defense, hunting, or just weirdly specific historical militaria.
People come from all over—Newport News, Norfolk, even down from Richmond.
It’s crowded. It’s loud. It smells like a mix of Hoppe’s No. 9 gun bore cleaner and concession stand popcorn. But if you’re looking for a specific Glock 19 MOS or a hard-to-find box of .300 Blackout, this is basically the place to be.
Why the Hampton Gun Show 2025 Feels Different This Year
The vibe at the show has shifted lately. A few years ago, it was all about the "panic buy." Everyone was scrambling for whatever they could get their hands on because they were scared of new legislation or supply chain collapses. In 2025, things have leveled out a bit, but the focus has moved toward high-end optics and modularity. You’ll see plenty of vendors like Southeastern Guns & Knives (the primary promoters of these events) bringing in a massive variety of dealers who aren't just selling "old man" revolvers anymore.
Expect a lot of thermal imaging tech. Night vision is becoming weirdly accessible to the average person, and several tables this year are dedicated entirely to digital optics that used to cost as much as a used Honda Civic.
The Hampton Roads Convention Center provides about 100,000 square feet of space, and for the Hampton Gun Show 2025, they usually pack in around 300 to 400 tables. It’s a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes. Seriously, the concrete floors under that thin blue carpet will kill your lower back by hour three if you're wearing boots with no support.
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The Rules of Engagement: Laws and Logistics
Let’s talk about the legal side because Virginia laws aren't what they were ten years ago. You can’t just walk in, hand over a wad of cash, and walk out with a rifle without a paper trail if you're buying from a licensed dealer (FFL).
Every sale from a dealer requires a background check.
Virginia also has the "Universal Background Check" law now. This means even if you meet a guy in the corner who’s selling a private collection piece, you technically have to head over to a licensed dealer at one of the tables to facilitate that transfer. Most dealers at the show will do this for a small fee—usually around $25 to $50—plus the state police background check fee. Don't try to skirt this. The Virginia State Police are almost always present at the show, sometimes in uniform and sometimes not.
If you are a non-resident, remember that you can generally purchase long guns (rifles/shotguns) as long as the sale is legal in both Virginia and your home state, but handguns are a no-go for out-of-staters. They have to be shipped to an FFL in your home state.
What’s Actually Worth Buying?
Honestly, some people go just for the jerky. I'm not joking. There is always that one guy selling 50 flavors of smoked meats, and it's genuinely good. But if you're there for the gear, here is the reality of the Hampton Gun Show 2025 pricing:
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New firearms are rarely "steals."
You might save $20 or $30 compared to a big-box store like Cabela's or Bass Pro, but once you factor in the $10-$15 admission fee, you’re basically breaking even. The real value is in the used racks and the parts. If you’re building an AR-15, the show is a goldmine for lower parts kits, different weighted buffers, and various handguards that you can actually touch and feel before buying.
- Ammo cans: Usually a great deal if you buy them in bulk.
- Magazines: Specifically Magpul PMAGS or surplus steel mags for AKs.
- Holsters: There’s usually a guy who does custom Kydex molding on-site. You hand him your pistol, wait 30 minutes, and you have a holster that actually fits your specific light/laser combo.
- Knives: From $10 gas station specials to $500 Microtechs.
Navigating the Crowd and Staying Sane
The best time to go? Saturday morning at opening is for the "hunters"—the guys looking for the rare stuff that will be gone by noon. If you want a deal, go Sunday afternoon about two hours before closing. Dealers don't want to pack all that heavy inventory back into their trailers. They are much more likely to shave $50 off a price tag on a Sunday at 3:00 PM than they are on Saturday morning.
Parking at the Hampton Convention Center is free, which is a huge plus, but it fills up fast. If the main lot is full, you might end up walking from the Power Plant shopping center area.
Cash is still king.
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While most big vendors take cards, they’ll almost always charge you a 3% "convenience fee." If you bring a envelope of 20s and 100s, you have way more bargaining power. Telling a guy "I have $550 in cash right now" is a lot more persuasive than "Will you take $550 on a Visa?"
Safety and Security Protocols
You can bring your own firearm to the show to find a holster or to sell it, but it must be unloaded. At the entrance, security will check it, zip-tie the action so it cannot be fired, and verify you aren't carrying any loose ammo. Do not bring loaded magazines into the building. It’s a quick way to get kicked out and banned.
The "Gun Show Loophole" Myth
You’ll hear people talk about the "loophole" constantly in the news. In reality, at a professional event like the Hampton Gun Show 2025, almost every single person selling a gun is a professional dealer with a federal license. They have to run the same FBI NICS check they would at their brick-and-mortar store. The "loophole" is mostly a political talking point that doesn't reflect the reality of standing in a 20-minute line waiting for the state police computer system to clear your background check.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to attend, don’t just wing it.
- Check your ID: Make sure your driver's license isn't expired. If the address doesn't match your current residence, bring a secondary proof of address like a vehicle registration or a utility bill. You can't buy a gun without it.
- Set a budget: It’s easy to get "shiny object syndrome" when you see a wall of 500 rifles. Decide what you need before you walk in.
- Check the "Blue Book" value: Keep a tab open on your phone for GunBroker or similar sites. Before you hand over cash for a used Smith & Wesson, check what they are actually selling for online. Don't overpay just because of the atmosphere.
- Inspect used bores: Bring a small bore light. Dealers won't mind if you want to look down the barrel of a used rifle to check for pitting or rust. If they do mind, walk away.
- Water and Snacks: The convention center food is overpriced and usually just "okay." Eat a big breakfast at one of the spots in Peninsula Town Center before you head in.
The Hampton Gun Show 2025 remains a cornerstone of the local community, serving as both a marketplace and a social gathering for people who value the Second Amendment. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking for a concealed carry piece or a collector hunting for a pre-war Winchester, the key is patience. Walk the entire floor once before you buy anything. Usually, the guy at the very back has the same item for $15 cheaper than the guy at the front.
Take your time, keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and enjoy the hunt.