Gun Collectors at the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Join us in Dallas May 4-6! Gun collector affiliated clubs have been exhibiting their finest collectible arms at the NRA Annual Meetings since 1954. This year, Collector's Row will feature 20 different displays in 3,400 square feet of exhibit space. The affiliated clubs offer members and guests attending the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits an unparalleled opportunity to view and appreciate some of the finest privately owned arms and accouterments in the country.

You won't want to miss it!

The NRA National Gun Collector Affiliate Display Awards are based on entire displays rather than individual items. Judging criteria includes educational factors, importance and completeness of the items displayed, and general appeal. The exhibitors will have the chance to compete for these awards:

BEST ARMS AWARDS
Each year, a maximum of ten sterling silver medallions are awarded to those collector arms judged best on display. Firearms are judged on their individual quality, condition, originality, collector importance and historical value. No member of the committee participates in the voting for any nominated arm that they personally own or have previously sold. 

CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
In 1981, the NRA Gun Collectors Committee authorized an award for unique items displayed related to firearms. Up to 10 Certificates are normally awarded in any one calendar year. An item which has received a Certificate of Recognition is not eligible for this award in subsequent years.

BEST MINIATURE ARMS AWARDS
Each year, since 1987, sterling silver medallions have been awarded to those miniature arms judged best on display. In 1993, a new series of miniature medallions were introduced with the numbering beginning at # 1. In 1998 the collectors committee decided to heighten competition for this award by presenting only 3 medals each year.

BEST EDUCATIONAL DISPLAY AWARDS
In 1962, the Gun Collectors Committee authorized the Best Educational Group Awards to recognize outstanding displays that creatively and effectively present a well organized theme. The committee has divided the Best Educational Display Awards into four categories, Antique Arms (pre 1898), Classic Arms (1898 - 50 years prior to the show), Contemporary Arms (50 years prior to the show to current), and Combined Arms (Collections that represent a mixture of more than one category) Emphasis is placed on recognition of those exhibits which best inform the NRA membership and general public of the historical, technical and cultural aspects of firearms and related items.

"SPIRIT OF THE GAME" AWARD
This NRA National Firearms Museum award is presented to an affiliate collector association exhibit that the staff of NRA Museums feels exemplifies the objectives of the awards program but did not win in any of the other categories.

NRA GUN COLLECTORS COMMITTEE TROPHY
This sterling silver bowl is a perpetual trophy awarded for the display judged best of each year's Annual Meetings and Exhibits. The winning organization's name is engraved on the trophy and the organization receives a miniature of the trophy to retain.

If you'd like more information on NRA-affiliated clubs, email Logan Metesh at [email protected].