Missouri Gun and Knife Show packs Show Me Center Saturday

Everything from homemade beef jerky to military surplus was on display alongside the firearms and knives of vendors from around the state Saturday at the Missouri Gun and Knife Show at the Show Me Center.

The show features more than 350 tables with vendors buying, selling and trading all kinds of merchandise. Some avid collectors, like Tony Sandusky of Jackson, attend to show off their rare pieces of weaponry.

"I've come every year. I purchased a gun a couple years back, and sometimes I do a little swapping," Sandusky said. "But this year I brought my 1904 Remington Rider to show around."

This is the fifth straight year the Missouri Gun and Knife Show has set up in the Show Me Center, with previous shows being at Arena Park.

"It's a great place and it draws quite a crowd," said Rod Bussom, vendor of Blackhawk tactical gear. "This is my first time at this show, and I've had 300 to 400 people come by my booth today alone." Official attendance and sales figures were not available.

However, one of the biggest complications to a gun show can be the legal aspects. In Missouri, handgun owners must obtain permits from their county sheriff's department and undergo a criminal background check, and the waiting period for buying a handgun is seven days. There is no waiting period to purchase a long gun.

All federally licensed gun dealers are required to make criminal background checks for all handgun and long-gun sales. However, private sellers aren't required to do so for long-gun sales. The majority of firearms at gun shows are rifles and shotguns, and Roger Cookson, National Rifle Association vendor, says tougher background check laws need to be in place.

"I was against the counties getting rid of background checks for handguns," Cookson said. "I think the more we can do to help people out and stay safe the better. But let's face it: The criminals don't do background checks."

Today is the last day of the show, with doors opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 4 p.m. Children younger than 10 and women get in free.

Were you there?

Does this affect you?

Or just have a comment?

Log on to semissourian.com/today