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Big Top Promotions
About us
Big Top Promotions
who are we?
The seeds of Big Top Promotions were sown decades ago when the founders experienced a life changing event. Credible threats made against their lives by dangerous parties were confirmed by law enforcement, and they were given warnings and information regarding their safety. (Click below to open a section that tells the rest of our story)
Our sales
What can you expect at a Big Top Sale? Picture the selection at a big box sporting goods retailer, then think bigger. Much bigger. Then add in multitudes of knives, plentiful ammunition in various calibers, and a huge selection of accessories. Now you’ve got it. More guns, more knives, more ammunition.
So much more than sales
Our Services
friendly atmosphere
Our shows are lively and upbeat. You’ll enjoy music and positive employees. Our staff loves connecting people to the right firearm and sharing their knowledge
safety first
Handling firearms is a serious business. Even unloaded, they are due respect at all times. At our shows you can expect only the safest display and handling of firearms
Philosophy of use
Home defense? Concealed carry? Long range target shooting? Plinking at the range? There are so many firearms that work best in each. We are here to help you.
customer service
Our goal is to help you find what you want, what fits your needs and to provide product education. High pressure sales? No way. Our staff does not work on commission.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Our mission has always been the same. We strive to provide gun sales that provide the greatest selection of what you’d expect a guns sale to have- guns, knives, ammunition and accessories. As gun enthusiasts ourselves, we were frustrated with gun shows that provided a little of that. Our business was founded on the idea that we would provide the greatest selection of guns, knives, ammo, and accessories and leave the rest to the flea markets. We continue to grow this mission every day.
Come See Us!
We have sales throughout Western Washington. You will find a sale nearly every weekend of the year. You can wait for a sale near you, or you can take a short drive and visit us in a city near you. Either way, we’d love to see you!
Upcoming Events
MARCH 26-27: bREMERTON
Sat 9-6, Sun 9-4 Admission: General $12, Military $6 (with ID), Kids under 18 free with adult
APRIL 2-3: VANCOUVER
Fri 12-6, Sat 9-6, Sun 9-4, Admission: General $12, Military $6 (with ID), Kids under 18 free with adult
new products
Featured Guns
Walther pdp
Walthers “Personal Defense Pistol” is an amazing new gun. See the Guns and Ammo review here. (Photo credit: Mark Fingar)
cz ts2
This beautiful new offering from CZ is one of the more accurate on the market. Read Frank Melloni’s review here. (Photo: Unknown)
Sig Sauer p365
Arguably the best concealed carry pistol to hit the market… well, ever. Read the PDW Magazine review here. (Photo: Richard King)
new products
Featured Knives
Benchmade bugout
The Benchmade Bugout is an elegantly utilitarian EDC knife. Read more about it in the Gear Junkie Review here. (Photo credit: Josh Wussow)
spyderco amalgam
This beautiful new flipper from Sypderco is fantastic. Learn more about the Amalgam in Nick Shabazz’s review here. (Photo: Nick Shabazz)
protech malibu
This high-end button release flipper is something special. Watch the YouTube review on the Malibu by 7redi here. (Photo: 7redi)
Frequently Ask Question
Can I buy a firearm at one of your events?
Absolutely!
What do I need to buy a gun?
You’ll need three things to purchase a gun from our gun shows. 1. A state issued ID. 2. Money (cash or card). 3. An approved background check.
– You can only complete a handgun transaction in your state of residence unless you are active-duty military with current base orders.
– If you are a resident of another state, you can buy a handgun and have it shipped to an FFL dealer in your home state.
– Semi-auto rifles are only available to residents of Washington State.
– Smooth bore shotguns, bolt lever and pump rifles are available to purchase firearms by out of state residents only if the firearm is legal in their home state.
Are background checks required at gun shows?
YES. Every single firearm transaction must have an approved background check prior to transfer. You must be 21 or older to purchase a handgun or semi-automatic rifle, and 18 or older to purchase a smooth bore shotgun or a bolt, lever, or pump rifle.
If I buy a gun can I take my new gun home the same day?
Depends on the type of gun you purchase. Currently Washington State law requires a 10-business day period to perform a background check, run by your local law enforcement. This translates to 2 calendar weeks. This is required on all semi-auto rifles and all handguns. For smooth bore shotguns, lever, bolt, or pump rifles a NICS check can be run at the time of purchase and if approved you can take that home.
Where do I pick up my gun after the background check?
You can pick up your new gun at the venue where you purchased the firearm or if available a licensed location closer to you. At the time of purchase, the location and date are printed on your receipt, along with your contact person’s name and number. Your contact person will call or text you one day before pickup to remind you and answer any questions you might have.
Do I have to pick up my new firearm, or can my wife/husband pick it up for me?
You must pick your new gun up yourself.
Can I buy a firearm for someone else?
That is a big NO. You can only purchase a firearm for yourself. The actual buyer/user/purchaser must be the one to do the background check paperwork.
I am new to this, and it seems intimidating. If I come in, what should I expect?
A safe, secure and professional environment with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. We are here to help you select the right firearm for you and your situation. No high pressure commissioned staff.
Is there anything else I need to know about Big Top Promo Gun and Knife Shows?
Purchasing a quality firearm is only the first step. Education, training, carry provisions and secure storage are next. The friendly and helpful staff can advise you on this.
Are the other things that go with guns available at your gun shows?
YES, we carry a huge supply of ammunition, both practice and self-defense along with a variety of carry methods- holsters, purses, etc. We also carry a huge selection of knives, pepper spray and stun guns for less lethal options.
The gold standard
Big Top Gunsales
Admission vs. memberships
Gun shows have admission fees. Why? Overhead, venue rental, etc. Basically it helps with the cost of doing business. Some gun shows have “memberships.” Big Top does NOT believe in memberships. In years past, this was a mechanism to assure members had current background checks and could purchase guns same day. This is no longer the case and memberships are an outdated concept.
selection is key
Some gun shows resemble flea markets. That’s ok, but it is not our business model. We believe that people who attend our sales aren’t looking for beanie babies, t-shirts, beef jerky, scented candles, etc. etc. We believe our customers are shopping for guns, knives, ammo, and accessories. We strive to provide the largest selection of these items. As the largest gun retailer in Washington, we proudly do.