7 Must-Know Facts About The Crossroads Of The West Gun Show: The Biggest Expo In The Western US
The "Gun Show of the West" is not a single, static event, but rather the popular moniker for the massive, multi-city traveling expo organized by Crossroads of the West Gun Shows. This organization operates the largest series of gun shows in the United States, drawing tens of thousands of attendees across various Western states each year who are eager to buy, sell, and trade firearms, ammunition, and related accessories. The sheer scale and frequency of these events—from Phoenix to Salt Lake City—solidify its status as the premier destination for gun enthusiasts and collectors in the region.
As of December 24, 2025, the calendar for the Crossroads of the West shows remains robust, with key dates already confirmed for late 2025 and throughout 2026, offering a crucial marketplace for everything from modern sporting rifles and tactical gear to rare antique weapons and military surplus. Understanding the schedule, the legal environment, and the current market trends is essential for anyone planning a visit to one of these colossal events.
The Definitive 2025/2026 Schedule & Key Venues
The operational model of Crossroads of the West involves a rotating calendar of events across multiple states, ensuring wide regional coverage. The 2025 and 2026 schedules highlight a continued focus on major metropolitan areas and large convention centers capable of accommodating the massive crowds.
Upcoming Major Venues and Dates:
- Salt Lake City, Utah: A major fixture on the calendar, the show is scheduled for the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, UT, with dates confirmed for September 26–27, 2026. This venue is a staple for the Utah gun community and often features a vast array of vendors.
- Las Vegas, Nevada: Shows in the entertainment capital are often hosted at locations like the Alexis Park Resort, with a two-day event scheduled for December 20–21, 2025, providing a late-year opportunity for holiday shopping and trading.
- Phoenix, Arizona: The Arizona State Fairgrounds is a consistent and high-traffic location for the show. Phoenix events, which sometimes partner with the Small Arms Review, are known for their massive scale and diverse inventory, attracting collectors and buyers from across the Southwest.
- Southern California: The Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, CA, is a critical stop, with dates like January 3–4, 2026, already confirmed. California events, while subject to stricter state laws, remain highly popular for accessories, parts, and compliance-focused firearms.
These venues are chosen for their capacity to host hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors, with attendance often predicted to exceed 17,000 people at the largest shows. The frequent rotation allows enthusiasts to attend multiple events in different states throughout the year.
What Makes Crossroads of the West the 'Biggest Gun Show in the West'?
The reputation of the "Gun Show of the West" stems from its sheer size, the variety of its offerings, and its role as a central hub for the firearms community.
1. Unmatched Inventory Depth
Unlike smaller local shows, the Crossroads events offer an unparalleled selection. Visitors can find everything from modern tactical equipment, high-capacity magazines, and the latest polymer pistols to historical military firearms, rare collectible revolvers, and black powder guns. This depth of inventory is a primary draw for serious collectors and casual buyers alike. Some long-time attendees note that historically, these shows were the best way to secure hard-to-find ammunition and certain firearms.
2. The Ammo and Accessory Marketplace
In a fluctuating market, the ability to comparison shop for ammunition is a major incentive. The shows are a massive marketplace for bulk ammunition, reloading supplies, optics, holsters, and survival gear. Vendors compete on price, often giving attendees a chance to find better deals on bulk purchases of popular calibers than they might find at local retail stores.
3. A Hub for Private Firearm Sales
The shows are famous for facilitating private firearm sales, often mistakenly referred to as the "gun show loophole." While all licensed Federal Firearm License (FFL) dealers must adhere to federal and local laws, including background checks, private transactions between two residents of the same state are a significant feature of the events. It is crucial for all parties to understand and comply with all applicable state and federal regulations regarding private firearm transfers.
4. Community and Education
Beyond commerce, the shows serve as a vital community gathering. They provide opportunities for firearm safety education, meeting manufacturers and custom gunsmiths, and engaging in discussions about Second Amendment rights and responsible gun ownership. The atmosphere is often described as a blend of a flea market, a history museum, and a political rally.
Navigating the Legal Landscape and Firearm Regulations
Attending a major gun show requires a clear understanding of the legal requirements, which can vary significantly from state to state, even within the Western region. The organizers, Crossroads of the West, emphasize that all federal and local firearm laws and ordinances must be followed by all vendors and attendees.
The Role of FFL Dealers
Any commercial vendor operating at the show must be a licensed FFL dealer. These dealers are required by law to process all firearm sales through a background check system, regardless of whether the sale occurs at a physical store or a gun show. This ensures compliance with the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and other federal statutes.
Understanding State-Specific Laws
The legal environment is complex, especially when the show travels across multiple states. For example, California has much stricter laws regarding the types of firearms that can be sold (the "Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale") and requires all private party transfers to be conducted through an FFL dealer. Conversely, states like Arizona and Utah have more permissive laws regarding private sales. Attendees must always check the specific state and local ordinances for the venue they are visiting.
Recent Legal Context
The gun show industry is continuously under scrutiny, and legal challenges are frequent. Crossroads of the West has previously addressed legal actions, such as a request for an injunction by Attorney General Paxton, which often relates to the interpretation and enforcement of existing firearm laws. This ongoing legal discourse highlights the political and regulatory complexity surrounding these events, making it essential for attendees to stay informed about the latest legal updates.
Tips for Maximizing Your Gun Show Experience
To get the most out of the "Gun Show of the West," preparation is key. The sheer size of the venues can be overwhelming, but a strategic approach will enhance your visit.
- Arrive Early: The best deals, especially on rare items and bulk ammunition, are often found in the first few hours of the first day.
- Bring Cash: While many vendors accept credit cards, cash is often preferred, especially for smaller purchases, and can sometimes be used as leverage for a better price negotiation.
- Know Your Prices: Research the current market value of any firearm or accessory you intend to buy or sell beforehand. This prevents overpaying and helps in successful negotiation.
- Check State Laws: Before traveling, confirm the specific laws of the state where the show is held, particularly regarding the transport of firearms and the requirements for private transfers.
- Focus on Collectibles: While newer products may sometimes be limited, the shows are excellent places to find unique collectible firearms, military surplus, and historical weapons that are unavailable elsewhere.
The Crossroads of the West Gun Show continues to be a monumental event in the Western United States, serving as a critical economic and social institution for the firearms community. Its expansive schedule and diverse offerings ensure its place as the definitive "Gun Show of the West" for the foreseeable future.
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