SARASOTA – Two Guys and thousands of guns were the foundation of a Sarasota Gun Show Saturday.
At the gun show, safety is a priority. Wire ties are put into place, there are no magazines and there are no loaded guns except for law enforcement.
2 Guys Show Owner, Guy Lemakos says about 1500 to 3000 people attend in a given weekend. He says the full-service old-fashioned gun show is a family-friendly event.
“We don’t exclude anybody,” Guy Lemakos said. “If you want to come, you want to look into guns, you want to learn about guns, if you’re an old pro or a newbie, you’re welcome here and you’ll find something.”
They offer all types of guns, from new to old, big to small, and even antiques.
John Knight enjoys collecting Springfield trapdoor firearms, the first breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army.
“I am pure collector, I do not deal in modern firearms, strictly antiques,” John Knight said. “Firearms made during the period from 1865 until about 1893. And that’s when we changed our model to a repeating rifle because it was what the world was doing.”
Greg Archambeau from New York enjoys collecting as well, specifically for sport.
“Deer hunting, trap shooting, skeet shooting, duck hunting, pheasant hunting, etc. etc.,” Greg Archambeau said.
The show offers classes for concealed-weapon permits. And when you buy a gun, they conduct a full background check.
“You have the background checks and the waiting periods,” Lemakos said. “And once you abide by the laws, you can take the gun home.”
People can also bring their own guns to trade or sell.
“If you’ve got a gun that you’re not using, bring it here,” Lemakos said. “Trade it in with one of the guys, one of the dealers and get the gun that you’re going to use.”
Lemakos says if you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can be incredibly daunting, but he’s there to help.
“If you have a big hand or a little hand or whatever you have plenty of opportunities to put your hands on them to find out which guns suit you,” Lemakos said.
Just like how the shoe fits, the gun fits, you have to find the right one for you. R
The 2 Guys Sarasota Gun show will be running tomorrow on Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm in the Robarts Arena. Their next stop is in Port Charlotte.
