Gun and knife show draws collectors to Show Me Center

The Missouri Gun and Knife Show at the Show Me Center brought out those looking for deals on self-defense and collectibles.

"We will often see calls come in for enrollment after news stories on violent crime, or just the state of the economy and society in general," said Chris Moore, training provider with Point Blank Training of Jackson. "People don't want to be caught as a victim."

Gun shows like this provide good exposure for its services, which include firearms, tactical, survival and land navigation training. Moore said Point Blank averages 40 to 60 sign-ups at such events.

Nicole Stanfield bought her first handgun at the show. She had been considering buying a gun for protection for some time.

"I don't know anything about it, but I am going to sign up for training classes and the conceal-and-carry course," she said.

ELIZABETH DODD ~ edodd@semissourian.comThere are over 400 tables to browse through at the Missouri Gun and Knife Show at the Show Me Center Friday. The Gun and Knife Show will be at the Show Me Center until Sunday.

Ed Robinson, a dealer from Nevada, Mo., said today's gun business is thriving and that he stays busy keeping up with demand. He believes potential gun-control legislation from the Obama administration to spike the demand for firearms and related materials.

"I've been doing this for 30 years, and Obama is the best gun salesman today," he said with a laugh.

Other dealers agreed business for newer weapons was good.

"Folks go to shop at the other tables," Hugh May said, pointing to the modern firearms displays. "It's OK, it's just the market right now."

May sells and trades antique guns full time, having been pulled in by the love for the history of a gun. He shares original letters and newspaper clippings that accompany a Colt single-action pistol manufactured in 1897 and carried by Oklahoma Sheriff Julian "Babe" Shipman, killed in the line of duty in 1924.

May's favorite piece is an extremely rare Smith and Wesson Schofield pistol, factory manufactured with a nickel finish and ivory handle. Such a piece would usually have been custom-made in the late 19th century rather than coming from the factory and would have been much more costly.

May and his wife deal primarily with antique guns, which includes any item made before Jan. 1, 1899. According to May, anything after that date is considered a firearm. Dealing in firearms requires a different set of licensing and "extra paperwork" to transport.

"I won't travel through some states because it is too much of a hassle. Their laws don't always recognize that we are dealing with antiques."

Bob Wurth, a dealer from Paducah, Ky., showed off pocketknives, some with handles carved of antler, wood and other materials dating back to the turn of the 20th century.

"I've always loved pocketknives, ever since I was a little kid," he said, grinning.

The Missouri Gun and Knife Show began in Cape Girardeau eight years ago, operating out of the Town Plaza Shopping Center. After two successful years, the show has expanded to use the space of the Show Me Center.

"We have an average attendance of six to seven thousand, and 350 to 400 tables of dealers," said Jody Geiser, promoter for Missouri Gun and Knife Inc., which puts on the traveling show. "Our hope is that the true participant gets exactly what they want for exactly the right price."

The show continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Show Me Center.

Pertinent address:

1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau MO