Atlanta, Georgia Gun Shows: Where They Are, What to Expect, and How to Attend Safely

If you’re searching for an Atlanta, Georgia gun show, you’re usually looking for three things: where shows are held, how they work in Georgia, and what you need to know before you go. This guide walks you through all of that with a specific focus on the Atlanta metro area.

Where Gun Shows Happen in the Atlanta Area

You won’t usually find a major gun show in the middle of downtown. Instead, most events are held at large venues in the greater metro area that can handle big crowds and vendor tables.

Common types of locations for Atlanta-area gun shows include:

• Convention centers
• Fairgrounds and expo halls
• Large event centers in surrounding suburbs

Some well-known venues in and around metro Atlanta that have historically hosted gun or outdoor shows include:

• Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)
  2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337
  Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

• Cobb Galleria Centre
  2 Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
  Just outside Atlanta city limits, near the intersection of I‑75 and I‑285.

• Atlanta Expo Centers (South and North)
  3850 & 3650 Jonesboro Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30354
  Along I‑285 on the south side, known for large trade and consumer shows.

• Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
  2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30045
  Northeast of Atlanta, often used for regional shows.

Show organizers may rotate venues or change schedules, so always confirm dates, times, and locations directly with the organizer before traveling.

What You’ll Typically Find at an Atlanta-Area Gun Show

Gun shows around Atlanta often combine elements of a trade show, flea market, and hobby convention. Depending on the event, you may see:

Firearms and Related Items

• New and used firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns, sometimes collectibles)
• Ammunition in various calibers
• Firearm accessories: magazines, optic sights, slings, grips, cleaning kits
• Holsters and cases for concealed or open carry
• Safe storage options: safes, lockboxes, trigger and cable locks

Outdoor, Sporting, and Collectible Gear

• Hunting and shooting gear: range bags, ear/eye protection, targets
• Knives and multi-tools
• Surplus and tactical gear
• Collectibles: historic firearms, military memorabilia, patches, and more

Services and Information

• Tables representing:
  • Licensed firearms dealers
  • Gunsmiths or firearm customization services
  • Local shooting ranges and training providers
  • Hunting clubs or shooting sports organizations

Not every show offers the same mix, but most Atlanta-area gun shows provide a broad variety of vendors in one place.

How Gun Sales Work at Gun Shows in Georgia

If you plan to buy or sell a gun at an Atlanta gun show, it helps to understand how Georgia law generally treats these transactions.

Licensed Dealers vs. Private Sellers

At a typical metro Atlanta gun show, you may encounter two main types of sellers:

1. Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) – “licensed dealers”

   • Must follow federal and state law for all sales.
   • Typically run a background check using the federal system for buyers.
   • Require completion of standard federal forms before transferring a firearm.

2. Private sellers (Georgia residents selling personal firearms)

   • Requirements differ from licensed dealers.
   • Private sellers and buyers generally must be legally allowed to possess a firearm under federal and Georgia law.
   • Many private sellers will ask to see Georgia ID and may refuse a sale if they have any concerns.

Show organizers, individual venues, or vendors may also choose to set stricter rules than the legal minimum, such as requiring all sales at the show to go through an FFL.

Age and Eligibility Considerations

If you’re attending a gun show in the Atlanta area, keep in mind:

• You’ll typically need a valid government-issued photo ID to buy a firearm from a dealer.
• Federal and state laws set minimum age requirements depending on the type of firearm and the nature of the sale.
• People who are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or Georgia law may not lawfully purchase or possess them, whether at a show or anywhere else.

If you are uncertain about your eligibility, consult a qualified legal professional before attempting a purchase.

Safety and Security at Atlanta Gun Shows

Gun shows around Atlanta often enforce strict safety rules to help keep the event secure.

Common rules can include:

• All firearms inspected at the entrance
  Staff may check that any firearm brought in is unloaded and secured with a tie or lock.
• No loaded firearms (with limited exceptions)
  Many shows prohibit attendees from carrying loaded firearms inside, even if they hold a Georgia weapons carry license. Rules vary by event.
• No loaded magazines or loose ammunition in carried firearms
  Ammo may be sold and purchased separately at vendor tables.
• Handling rules at vendor tables
  You may only handle firearms when permitted by the vendor and must follow their instructions.

Because these rules can differ from show to show, always read the posted signs and follow staff directions once you arrive.

Costs, Parking, and What to Bring

Typical Costs

Atlanta-area gun shows usually charge:

• Admission fee at the door (often cash, sometimes card)
• Parking fee at some larger venues or convention centers
• Additional fees if a background check or transfer is processed through a licensed dealer

What to Bring

To make your visit smoother:

• Valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license or Georgia ID card)
• Cash 💵 – some vendors may not accept cards or may offer better pricing for cash
• Comfortable shoes – shows can involve a lot of walking
• Secure method to transport purchases – such as a case, lockbox, or bag
• Pen and small notepad or your phone for:
  • Vendor contact info
  • Notes on prices or models to compare later

If you are considering a purchase, make a list of specific items, calibers, or brands you are interested in so you can ask more focused questions.

Comparing Gun Shows to Local Gun Stores and Ranges

Living in or visiting Atlanta gives you options beyond just gun shows.

Local Gun Stores

Advantages:

• Consistent business hours
• Ability to build a relationship with staff
• Easier to return for service or questions
• More time to compare over several visits

Shooting Ranges and Training Facilities

The Atlanta area includes indoor and outdoor ranges where you can:

• Try different types of firearms under supervision
• Take safety and skills classes
• Practice regularly in a controlled environment

If you’re new to firearms, many people find that visiting a range or training facility first helps them understand what they actually want before walking into a large show.

Legal and Regulatory Resources in the Atlanta Area

If you have questions about the legal side of firearms in Atlanta or Georgia more broadly, there are several official resources you can look to.

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office (Atlanta)

For questions related to weapons carry licenses and local procedures in much of Atlanta:

• Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
  185 Central Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone: 404-612-5100

Fulton County Probate Court

Weapons carry licenses for Fulton County residents are generally handled through Probate Court:

• Fulton County Probate Court – Downtown Location
  136 Pryor St SW, Suite C‑230
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: 404-612-4640

If you live in a neighboring county (DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, etc.), you would typically contact your local county probate court or sheriff’s office for location-specific processes.

These offices do not organize gun shows, but they can help with carry licenses, some local procedures, and official information about state law requirements that may affect you.

Tips for First-Time Attendees at an Atlanta Gun Show

If this is your first time attending a gun show in or around Atlanta, a few simple habits can make the experience more productive and safer:

• Plan your route and parking
  Check the venue address, traffic conditions on I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, or I‑285, and available parking areas before leaving.
• Arrive early
  Early hours often bring lighter crowds and a better chance to have unhurried conversations with vendors.
• Ask questions
  Reputable vendors usually welcome specific questions about:
  • Safe handling and storage
  • Features of a particular firearm
  • Recommended training paths for beginners
• Compare before you buy
  Walk the floor, take notes, and avoid impulse decisions on major purchases.
• Prioritize safety
  Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and follow all posted and verbal instructions.

Quick Reference: Atlanta-Area Gun Shows at a Glance

The table below summarizes key points to keep in mind when you’re looking for a gun show around Atlanta:

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and considering attending a gun show, focusing on where the event is held, how sales are handled under Georgia law, and what safety rules you’ll be expected to follow will help you have a safer, more informed experience. Always verify current event details directly with the organizer or venue before you go.