Sponsored By C.O.P.S. Gunshop

Let's Chat About Our Current Specials

Come find us at Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show - Lower level, north wall, next to the rest rooms. Can’t miss us!

YOUR TRUSTED PROVIDER OF QUALITY FIREARMS, ACCESSORIES, AND KNOWLEDGE FOR A SAFER, SMARTER GUN OWNER

Which legendary West Coast gun show of the 1980s–90s once rivaled Tulsa by packing the Pomona Fairplex with thousands of tables—selling everything from Gatling guns to samurai armor—before an L.A. County property ban shut it down in 1999; name the show and the city?

_{Answer at the bottom of the newsletter}

The world’s largest gun show rewards a plan. Start with a lightweight kit: comfortable shoes, small flashlight, pocket magnet, bore light, microfiber cloth, and a slim notebook with a prewritten “hunt list” (model, caliber, must-have parts, target price). Cash in mixed bills speeds deals; bring a card for bigger buys.

Make Lap One a recon run. Walk the perimeter, then snake the aisles. Shoot quick photos of promising items and note aisle/table numbers. Don’t impulse-buy on the first pass unless it’s truly rare at a fair price.

When you circle back, inspect methodically:

Negotiate respectfully. Ask, “What’s your best out-the-door?” Bundle related items (rifle + mags + sling + period-correct bayonet) to unlock value. If the price is high, show your comp sheet and be willing to walk—there’s another table around the corner.

Pace yourself. Hydrate, take short breaks, and plan a final sweep an hour before closing each day; vendors often prefer not to haul inventory home. Keep receipts in one envelope, tag buys with the vendor’s table number, and review your list before leaving. A clear plan turns acres of options into smart, satisfying finds.

Expect crowds at the SageNet Center. Arrive early, snap a photo of your parking row, and travel light. At the door, all firearms must be unloaded and zip-tied; loose ammo is typically not allowed on the floor. Complying speeds entry and keeps everyone safe.

Inside, grab a floor map and mark key booths. Re-entry stamps make supply runs easy; lock purchases out of sight and photograph table numbers for quick returns. ATMs exist but lines form—plan cash ahead. Keep aisles clear, ask before handling items, and thank vendors. Smooth logistics make the hunt better.

A few quality-of-life upgrades help. November weather in Tulsa can swing quickly—layer up and stash a compact rain shell. Bring a small power bank for your phone; photos, maps, and price checks drain batteries. Food courts get slammed between 11:30 and 1:00; hit them early or late. If you’re attending with friends, agree on a rendezvous point and check-in times so you can split zones without losing each other. Consider ear protection if you’re sensitive to crowd noise; the hall buzz can get loud.

Mind etiquette: some vendors prefer no photos—ask first. Always point muzzles in a safe direction while inspecting, and keep fingers off triggers. If you plan to bring a firearm for sale or trade, confirm it’s unloaded before leaving the car and again at the door; staff will apply a safety tie. For purchases that require a background check or shipment, have government ID ready and your receiving FFL information handy. Carts and large backpacks can snarl aisles—check show rules before bringing them. Finally, note the nearest exits and the show office location when you arrive. A little situational awareness goes a long way toward an easy, enjoyable weekend.

“Maps beat luck, manners beat muscle, and the last lap buys the legend.”

Went to the gun show with a map and a budget—lost the map at aisle 3 and the budget at aisle 4.

Set your phone lock screen to a giant-number “budget counter.” Start with your weekend total (say $1,200); each buy, subtract and update the image/notes widget. The always-visible number keeps you decisive at the table, prevents death-by-$40-impulses, and preserves a Sunday bundle fund without mental math.

The Great Western Gun Show, Pomona, California.

Austin Warfield - Owner of C.O.P.S. Gun Shop - as a retired police officer, Austin has been involved in numerous community events over the years.  His firm beliefs in the 2nd Amendment and the fundamentals that all citizens have the right to bear arms to not only hunt to provide for their family, but for defense either against their property and lives, but be able to prevent the overreach of government within our rights.  he wants to share his joy of gun ownership with all safely and responsibly.

Chris Pine - Chris is a dedicated father and husband who also serves in the Oklahoma National Guard.  He understands the sacrifices that 1st responders and the military make to protect our communities and rights for the greater good.  He has a long-time love of firearms and competitive shooting.  He is always looking for ways to share his knowledge with both new and experienced firearm enthusiasts.

In the heart of a small, close-knit community where every face was familiar, Sam Wood learned life's most valuable lessons. His upbringing wasn't easy; he faced his share of hardships and adversities that tested his resolve. Yet, it was these very challenges that shaped his tenacity and belief in the power of perseverance. Sam often shares stories of the mentors and community figures who saw potential in him when he couldn't see it in himself, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community that raised him.

Sam's entrepreneurial spirit was kindled in his early twenties, leading him from a daring venture into a thriving business. His success as a business owner is a testament to his grit, but Sam is quick to point out that his journey was peppered with failures as much as triumphs. It's in discussing these moments of vulnerability that Sam truly connects with his readers, reminding them that every setback is just a setup for a comeback.

Though guns and advocacy have been his mainstay, Sam's life is rich with passions that paint the full picture of who he is. An avid outdoorsman, he finds peace and solace in the wilderness, often sharing tales of his expeditions hunting, fishing, and exploring. These adventures are more than hobbies; they're a return to his roots and a way to connect with the earth and himself.

Sam's commitment to making a positive impact is evident in his volunteer work, especially in educating young people about gun safety and responsible ownership. He believes in empowerment through knowledge, a value instilled in him by the mentors of his youth.

Family and friendships anchor Sam's world. He speaks fondly of family dinners that could easily pass for debates, where lively discussions on politics, history, and philosophy were the norm. These gatherings not only deepened his understanding of the world but also his convictions about gun ownership and personal freedom.

Sam's friends describe him as a man of integrity, grounded by the core values of freedom, responsibility, and respect. Yet, they're quick to point out his lighter side—his quick wit, love for practical jokes, and an uncanny ability to find humor in the mundane. It's this blend of depth and light-heartedness that makes his writing so compelling.

Despite not following a traditional educational path, Sam's knowledge and insights command respect. His writing, marked by a first-person conversational tone, wit, and humor, makes complex gun issues accessible and engaging. But more than that, it's a reflection of the man himself—complex, nuanced, and profoundly human.

Sam Wood may have started as a small-town boy, but through his resilience, he's become a beacon of inspiration and a voice for responsible gun ownership. Residing now in Comfort, Texas, he continues to advocate, educate, and connect with people through his stories and experiences. In every piece he writes, Sam aims not just to inform but to remind us of our shared humanity and the values that unite us.