By TOM GERROW
BG Independent News
From muskets and machetes, to historical rifles and revolvers, to ammo and assault rifles, with a solid dose of historical and vintage artifacts and paraphernalia thrown in – all and more were on display and for sale at the county fairgrounds this last weekend.
Gun collectors and enthusiasts gathered at the Wood County Fairgrounds for the Maumee Valley Gun Collectors Association’s last gun show of the season on April 11-12. They will return in the fall for monthly shows starting Oct. 10-11 and going through April 2027 before taking another summer break.
The association has 500 members, and they usually have about 210 tables set up at their gun shows. They got assistance from the local 4H club setting up all the tables for the show. While most of the tables were occupied during this show, there were a few empty tables toward the rear.
In addition to being the last show of the season, this month’s gun show had a little competition at the fairgrounds, with both a truck show and a cat show also taking place over the weekend. Still the gun show usually draws about 300 members and 1200-1500 total attendees.
MVGCA members can rent tables at the show to display their collections, often marked by signs saying, “private collection.” But, for the price of admission ($6), the public is welcome to buy, sell or trade at the show. On the trading/selling side, there were many people – mostly men, but not all – who had brought firearms to the show to trade or sell, or to just get an idea of what the market value might be by talking to various vendors and collectors.
No loaded guns are permitted at the show, and all guns must be zip-tied to prevent the firing mechanism from functioning. No transactions are permitted outside of Pratt Pavilion or in the parking lot. Sheriff’s deputies are on site to make sure all the rules are followed.
In addition to firearms of all types, there were many other products on offer. These included gun parts and tools, camouflage and sporting clothes, vintage military gear, books, crossbows, and many accessories like holsters, straps, custom grips, and spare magazines. One ammo vendor also had local honey for sale.
Eric Prond had an impressive selection of knives that covered multiple tables. He said the knives he has for sale are his “red neck 401K.” While he doesn’t make his living trading and selling knives, he said the extra money is a nice bonus – so he’s always on the lookout for new acquisitions.
But, Prond noted, “Buying is easy – selling is the hard part.”
Another vendor was John Shock, who was attending his first ever gun show. Shock is a woodworking hobbyist who makes a variety of objects, including wooden American flags and custom cornhole boards. He figured the show would be a good venue for selling his flags, and when he contacted the MVGCA about attending they were happy for him to participate.
While some of the vendors were busy working out deals to buy or sell items, many of the attendees – both manning the tables and perusing the items on offer – spent as much time socializing as negotiating.
The MVGCA has been around since 1954, founded in Toledo for those interested in collecting and shooting firearms.
“Our average age is a bit up there,” said Paul Hoag, MVGCA president. “We’ve been trying to attract younger people.”
To try and draw in those younger generations, Hoag said he would like to see more vendors with products and firearms to help spark an interest in shooting sports. He noted the success of the Camp Perry Matches at attracting younger people to shooting sports.
Hoag said that the MVGCA’s primary focus is on historical and collectible guns, but more modern and tactical firearms were also available to buy/sell/trade at the show.
They are also trying to broaden future gun show’s appeal with added features: a focus on knives, a military appreciation theme, or highlighting fishing gear during a spring show.
