Having never attended,I was wondering if the exhibit portion is just that,or do any of the vendors actually conduct sales? In short,can you purchase a firearm there? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks!
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

Yes you can, if there are dealers there carrying the particular brand you want.

Manufacturers do not sell anything- at the couple I've attended.

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Lost it all in a boat accident

Thank you sir!
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

Can't say for sure about buying guns but hit the NRA's exhibit early. When the convention was in Louisville I was there early on the first day and the NRA booth was blowing out assorted items, almost free. Books for $1, caps cheap, assorted promotional items they were clearing out. Most all booths have some sort of give away item so load up.

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God spelled backwards is dog.

I have gotten good deals on clothing, etc that is sold very cheap by the major companies. Some companies, not all, will sell he guns that are on display. You will of course need to go through your local dealer.

I've attended two, both in Reno. 1987 & 2002 I think. Lots of things to see & admire. Make sure to wear your walking shoes. Many give away items. Make sure to attend the Saturday NRA Conference. Real interesting !!!!

I've been to a couple of them. Would advise you to visit only those booths that really interest you, and spend enough time at those fondling samples, gathering literature, and asking questions. Don't make a quick stop and plan to drop by again later because the show is too big for you to make it back again. Gather literature sparingly or you will end up with way too much to carry around. A souvenir t-shirt or sweat shirt from the NRA booth is a great keepsake.

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Quoth the raven:
"Nevermore"

All good suggestions. Thanks for the tips!
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

I went when it was in Orlando '(03?) Lots of fun (and speeches). You can handle anything you might be considering buying. That year the 329 was the big ticket @ S&W. I handled it and remembering how much punishment my 6 1/2" 629 Classic gives, I figured "not." Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Double extra encouragement to attend at least one NRA National Convention at earliest opportunity.

All good advise listed above. Don't forget to take your spending money along. And access to some extra $$ as special deals on gear you didn't know you couldn''t live without might suddenly appear.

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

Are these conventions "free" for NRA members or is there a fee to enter??

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UNDER THE CONE OF SILENCE

Free entry for members to exhibition hall and SOME events. Have to buy tickets for others. Check it out:
NRA 2010 Annual Meetings & Exhibits - Home

f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

I went to the one in Philadelphia in 1998. Don't recall any dealers on the exhibition floor but I did meet Colonel Rex Applegate at the Soldier of Fortune Magazine booth.

I went to the exhibit portion of the one in Phoenix last year (free for NRA members). It was incredible. Every gun manufactrer in existence had samples of every gun they make (OK, almost). HOWEVER, you could not buy firearms there. Still worth it, especially if you're considering a purchase of something not locally available and want some fondle time before making the decision. Expect big crowds. We got there at opening time on the Friday and the line was already a good hour long.