Walk into the Jim Graham Building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds on a Saturday morning, and you'll hit a wall of smell first. It’s a mix of Hoppe’s No. 9 gun oil, beef jerky samples, and that specific metallic tang of old coins and bayonets. People think these events are just rows of AR-15s and modern tactical gear. Honestly, that’s barely half the story.
The NC gun and knife show circuit is basically a traveling museum where you can actually touch the exhibits.
You’ve got the Dixie Gun and Knife Show in Raleigh, which is huge, alongside the S&D shows that hit places like Jacksonville or New Bern. Then there's C&E, which pretty much keeps the Winston-Salem and Fayetteville crowds busy all year. It’s a weird, fascinating ecosystem. One minute you're looking at a $2,000 thermal optic, and the next, you're haggling over a hand-forged oyster knife or a bag of "world-famous" fudge.
The Reality of Buying at an NC Gun and Knife Show
There is a massive misconception about the "gun show loophole."
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People talk like it's the Wild West. In North Carolina, if you buy from a licensed dealer (FFL) at a show, you’re doing the same paperwork—Form 4473—and the same NICS background check you’d do at a brick-and-mortar store. No shortcuts.
Now, private sales between individuals? That’s different. North Carolina law (as of 2024’s Senate Bill 41) significantly changed the landscape by repealing the pistol purchase permit requirement. You no longer have to visit the Sheriff’s office to get a slip of paper for a handgun. But don't mistake "easier" for "unregulated." Most shows have strict rules. You’ll see zip-ties on every single trigger. Security at the door checks every personal firearm brought in for trade to make sure it’s clear.
2026 Schedule Highlights
If you’re looking to go, you’ve got options almost every weekend.
- Raleigh (Dixie Show): Typically hits the State Fairgrounds in January, May, August, and November. The January 17-18, 2026 dates are usually the biggest of the year.
- Winston-Salem: C&E has dates set for March 7-8 and May 23-24 at the Fairgrounds.
- Jacksonville: S&D Gun Shows frequently sets up at the American Legion, with early 2026 dates including January 31 and April 18.
- Fayetteville: The Crown Expo Center usually hosts the bigger regional events, like the C&E show on February 7-8.
Knives, Militaria, and the Random Stuff
Believe it or not, the "knife" part of the name isn't just a placeholder.
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You’ll find guys who spend their entire lives at a forge in the Uwharrie Mountains bringing in custom Damascus blades that are legitimate works of art. Then you have the surplus tables. We’re talking crates of old Swiss K31s, crates of MREs, and those ammo cans that everyone uses for toolboxes.
It’s a collector's game. You might find a 19th-century North Carolina longrifle with intricate wood carvings or a box of Nazi-era memorabilia that feels like a heavy history lesson you didn't ask for. It’s a bit of everything.
What to Actually Expect
- Admission: Usually $10 to $15. Cash is king at the door.
- Parking: Usually free at fairgrounds, but it gets crowded fast.
- Atmosphere: It’s loud. It’s crowded. It’s very "salt of the earth."
- The Food: Don't expect a Michelin star. It's hot dogs, popcorn, and maybe some decent BBQ if the venue allows outside vendors.
Why Most People Overpay
Here is the truth: gun shows aren't always the place for "steals" anymore.
Back in the 90s? Sure. Today, everyone has a smartphone. If a vendor is asking $600 for a used Glock 19, five people have already checked the price on their phones and walked away. The real value is in the stuff you can't find online easily. Hard-to-find reloading components. Obscure calibers like .303 British or 7.62x54R.
The social aspect matters too. You can talk to a guy who has spent 40 years studying Smith & Wesson revolvers. That kind of niche expertise is dying out, but it’s still alive at these tables.
Pro Tips for Your First Visit
If you're going to a NC gun and knife show in 2026, don't be the person who walks in aimlessly.
First, wear comfortable shoes. You’re going to be walking on concrete floors for three hours. Second, if you’re looking for something specific, go on Saturday morning. The best stuff is gone by noon. Third, if you’re looking for a deal, go Sunday afternoon. Vendors don’t want to pack everything back into their trailers, so they might be more willing to shave $50 off a price just to lighten the load.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Law: Ensure you have your NC Driver’s License and, if applicable, your Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) ready for any transfers.
- Bring Cash: Many vendors take cards now, but you’ll have much better luck negotiating with a stack of 20s.
- Verify Dates: Always check the promoter's website (like C&E Gun Shows or Dixie Gun and Knife) the night before. Venues occasionally swap dates at the last minute.
- Know Your Prices: Have a tab open on your phone for a site like GunBroker to ensure you aren't paying a "convenience markup."
The show is a snapshot of a specific slice of North Carolina culture. Whether you're there for a new hunting rifle or just a unique pocket knife, it's an experience that’s about more than just the inventory.