Palm Beach Gun & Knife Show
This might be shocking to some of those new to Florida, but nearly every weekend, you can find a gun show taking place somewhere in the Sunshine State. Vendors and private sellers throughout the region set up booths peddling all sorts of fascinating finds. From vintage WWI & WWII collectables, to snazzy body armor, gas masks, clothing, artillery and of course, a whole lotta knives, weapons & ammo. Every month, the PBC South Florida Fairgrounds hosts such an event, which is generally a two-day affair. (see link for event info)
With rain in the forecast, and desperately needing a break from the usual monotony, we decided to take a ride and check out the latest goods. Since this wasn’t our first visit, we knew the drill: park as soon as you see a spot. Anything close the doors is usually filled up, and having done the parking spot quest in events past, we knew it would just be a waste of time and gas driving around. We were also well prepared to spend at least 30 minutes waiting in line just to get in, and this event was no exception.
Waiting in line, you can find all people from all walks of life. Ages range from young families to seasoned old-timers, all representing a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds. As for why they’re all here? It could be for home protection, personal protection, self-defense, or hunting. Or maybe they’re just plain curious. Outside the gates, there is certainly a heightened sense of awareness, with hundreds of eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to acknowledge the days we live in require us to be more vigilant, yet as each eye was met with another, a shared sense of brotherhood could be felt amongst the crowd.
After paying our $24 ($12/pp) to get in, we walked past the gates towards the entry. Although personal weapons are permitted, they must be secured and locked at the door by an attendant before you can enter the event. Photos and video are not allowed inside, and not surprisingly, you’ll find law enforcement personnel throughout the event.
Concealed Weapons Training
For those looking to obtain a conceal weapons permit (CWP), multiple courses are generally offered throughout the weekend. As of July, 2023, Florida no longer requires a CWP to carry a weapon; however, taking a course in general weapons safety is highly recommended.
Gun Show Rules
In case you’ve fallen for the rumored Gun Show Loophole narrative, below is a list of the rules that govern ALL Florida gun shows.
- Gun(s) may be brought into the show for the purpose of appraisal, sale, and trade or for accessories.
- When bringing a gun to the show please make sure you do the following before entering the venue:
- Firearm MUST be unloaded PRIOR to entering the show.
- No loose ammo is permitted in the show. Please leave all loose ammunition at home or in your vehicle.
- All Magazines & Clips must be empty and removed from the gun at all times during the show.
- A Security Officer will check your gun at the entrance and then secure it with a plastic tie strap that will prohibit the gun from firing. This Tie MUST remain on the gun at all times during the show.
- This includes Concealed weapon Permit (CWP) holders, in accordance with the Florida Laws. Safety is our number one priority and we have a zero-tolerance policy. You will be immediately ejected should you break this rule.
- Service animals are allowed. Please call and confirm with each venue prior to doing so.
- All children must be accompanied with an adult at all times.
- A background check IS REQUIRED for everyone who attempts to purchase a firearm at a gun show, regardless of whether or not an individual holds a CWP. Tables are setup throughout the event for this purpose. Those interested in learning more can visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement here.
What Goes on Inside
The Patrons
As mentioned before, this wasn’t our first event, and although crowded, it still never ceases to amaze me how respectable and courteous fellow patrons are at these events. There is no shoving or angling to jump in front of the other guy. “Excuse me”, “Thank you” and “Yes ma’am” are common terms. It’s as if you’ve gone back in time where people actually respected and cared for each other, as opposed to what gets broadcast on the news and social media each day.
Walking the Floor
Starting at the eastern aisle, we stumbled across a T-shirt booth with a hilarious variety of quotes and images, all seeming to share the same undertones of frustration with the current political environment. Hubby and I both acquired T-shirts here, as did my youngest daughter and my “bonus son”. Further down the aisle we found WWII collectables, jewelry, insulated beverage bottles in a variety of colors and designs, gun holsters in a range of interesting designs, as well as rare coins. One booth was set up to raise funds for homeless veterans, of which we were proud to contribute, and of course a myriad of hand-held protection.
Walking amongst the rest of the floor with my small American flag in hand, courtesy of our donation to homeless veterans, we stumbled across some incredible and interesting finds. From shotguns, to rifles, to handguns, and ammo in just about any caliber the heart could desire, along with body armor, conceal and carry purses, holsters, camo wear, hunting gear, beef jerky, survival food kits, gun safes, you name it.
One of the more interesting booths contained flame throwers, which I’m sure would be quite useful for clearing old fields of left over vegetation. I suppose these would also be pretty useful for those living up north needed to quickly clear a driveway from that cold white stuff. I’m sure just the fact that they are cool as hell would have nothing to do with acquiring one of these contraptions.
For the more artistic centric, we came across a display of wooden patriotic designs, created by a local resident. The wooden flags on display were absolutely beautiful. I opted for an ADT sign (Always Double Tap) for our front yard, since our home alarm signage tends to disintegrate after a few seasons in the Florida sun. Although there were some signs, which contained some salty language, ours is a family neighborhood, so I figured this one was good enough to get the point across to potential intruders.
The Food
Throughout the venue, there was a variety of food offerings and samples on the floor. From beef jerky to hot sauce that could burn out ones insides, there was something for every taste. This included a vendor who was selling a variety of cinnamon coated peanuts, cashews and pecans, which smelled heavenly. The cafeteria also sells a variety of items, including the usual fare of burgers, hot dogs and snacks. Knowing that we would be planning an early dinner, I managed to avoid a visit to the food counter, but I almost gave in when someone passed us by carrying a plate of something that had an extremely appetizing scent of fried chicken.
Takeaways
All in all, it was a great way to spend the afternoon, and while we didn’t leave with a bunch of bags in tow, we have a great sign to place on our lawn. Florida gun shows have always been a great experience for us, and a venue that we will return to time after time.