Annual Cheyenne Gun Show in Wyoming's Frontier Capital City

The History of the Cheyenne Gun Show

The Cheyenne Gun Show is a popular event for firearm enthusiasts in Wyoming and the surrounding regions. Gun shows provide opportunities for attendees to browse, buy, sell, and trade firearms and accessories. The Cheyenne show has taken place for over 30 years and has become an iconic part of the city's culture.

Origins

The first Cheyenne Gun Show was held in 1985. A group of local gun collectors and dealers organized the event as a central gathering place to connect with fellow firearm aficionados. Within a few years, the Cheyenne Gun Show grew substantially in size and popularity.

The show founders selected Cheyenne due to its history and culture involving firearms. As the capital and most populous city in Wyoming, Cheyenne played a major role in the expansion of the American West. The city also hosts the annual Frontier Days festival celebrating the state's ranching heritage.

Evolution

Over the past three decades, the Cheyenne Gun Show has evolved along with trends in the wider firearm industry. In the early years, the show mostly featured hunting rifles and shotguns. As public interest grew around collectible military surplus weapons and cowboy action shooting sports, the vendors and attendees shifted as well.

Today, you can still find classic sporting and hunting firearms at the Cheyenne Gun Show. However, it also includes a large selection of historic rifles, handguns, ammunition, accessories, and related memorabilia. There are even appraisal services to assess the value of rare antique weapons.

Expansion

By the 2000s, the Cheyenne Gun Show outgrew its original venue at the local exhibition hall. In 2009, the event moved to the Archer Complex event center, enabling further expansion.

In addition to more vendor booths, the larger Archer Complex allows room for family-friendly attractions. These include an interactive shooting range, collecting societies, nonprofit information booths, and educational exhibits about firearm safety.

What to Expect at the Cheyenne Gun Show

The Cheyenne Gun Show currently hosts over 200 vendor booths twice yearly, in spring and fall. Local businesses and individual collectors rent tables to showcase their specialty items to thousands of attendees across the region.

Firearms

The wide selection of guns is still the main draw for many Cheyenne Gun Show patrons. Vendors display antique rifles from the frontier era along with modern hunting guns and tactical firearms.

Whether you are looking for an exotic foreign import or basic shotgun, you are likely to find something special among the rows of booths. Expert gunsmiths are also on hand to provide appraisals and inspect pre-owned weapons before purchase.

Accessories

Beyond guns themselves, vendors sell all related accessories, including:

• Ammunition in many calibers
• Gun cases, racks, safes and storage solutions
• Tactical slings, lights, lasers, scopes and sights
• Hearing protection and eye equipment
• Cleaning kits
• Hunting camouflage
• Reloading tools
• Historical gear like cavalry swords and leather holsters

Whether you need to outfit a home defense setup or customize a competition rifle, the Cheyenne Gun Show offers a complete range of accessories.

Memorabilia

Beyond firearms and supplies, vendors also deal in rare books, photographs, documents, medals, uniforms and other collectibles relating to military history and the Old West. Expert sellers can authenticate rare artifacts on the spot.

Attending the Cheyenne Gun Show

The Cheyenne Gun Show occurs twice yearly, typically in March and September. The schedule sometimes shifts from year to year around major local events.

Tickets and Entry

Tickets are available at the gate during the show weekend. Children age 11 and under enter free when accompanied by an adult. Concessions are available on site, but outside food and beverage is prohibited.

Safety and Supervision

As a major gun show, safety is paramount but is handled with a light touch. All guns on display must be secured to prevent handling. Private sales require background checks. Trained personnel also provide voluntary firearm safe handling demonstrations.

With wide aisles and a family-friendly culture, the Cheyenne Gun Show offers a safe, welcoming environment for all ages to browse and shop.

Nearby Attractions

Cheyenne's excellent lodgings, dining, and cultural attractions make it easy to turn your Cheyenne Gun Show visit into an exciting weekend getaway. The city offers limitless Wild West sightseeing opportunities as well.

History buffs will enjoy seeing frontier military posts like Ft. D.A. Russell and Ft. Laramie. Those seeking outdoor adventure can explore Curt Gowdy State Park or hike the woodlands and prairies where the Lakota Nation and the Pony Express once roamed just beyond the capital city.

FAQs

When is the Cheyenne Gun Show held?

The Cheyenne Gun Show takes place twice a year, typically in March and September. The exact dates vary so check the official website for details.

Where does the show take place?

The show is held at the Archer Complex event center in Cheyenne, after outgrowing previous venues over the years.

What kind of guns are sold there?

Vendors at the Cheyenne Gun Show sell antique frontier era weapons, modern hunting rifles, handguns, shotguns, tactical firearms, exotic imports, and more.

Can I buy guns directly from vendors?

Yes, vendors with Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs) can sell guns directly to patrons who pass the required background checks.