Name: OGCA Show September 26 & 27, 2026
Start: 2026-09-26
End: 2026-09-27
Location: Ross Expo Center at Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington, Ohio

The OGCA

The members of The Ohio Gun Collectors Association have made us much more than just a big gun show; we are friends sharing a love for the history and craftsmanship of firearms. If you enjoy collecting, shooting, and owning firearms in a safe and responsible manner, The Ohio Gun Collectors Association wants you as a member of its nation-wide gun collectors’ association.

Introduction

Though closed to the public, OGCA meetings are huge events drawing thousands of people from across the country, and regularly feature 600-700 tables of strictly gun-related material. According to the National Rifle Association, OGCA is the “Granddaddy” of all firearm collector associations, having been founded in 1937 and now standing at 16,000 members.

Members hail from 49 states and several countries. If you have never heard of us it’s because we don’t advertise. Our members joined solely by word of mouth, and our private gun show meetings are limited to members and invited guests. Besides trading opportunities, virtually every meeting offers educational and social opportunities such as exhibits, speakers, “Collector Club Invitationals,” firearm book signings and an annual banquet.

We currently meet five times per year at The Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio visible from I-71 at exit 50 [U.S. 68] between Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton; and two times per year at the I-X Center in northeast, Ohio.

OGCA Show Location
The Roberts Centre in Wilmington Ohio

View OGCA Events

John Eckert with a favorite rare Luger.

Our Mission

To promote friendship for those interested in the collection, possession, and use of arms by responsible persons.
To encourage educational displays and the study of historic and collectible firearms.
To make a united stand in opposing legislation that may be injurious to the collection, possession, and use of arms by responsible persons.
To establish, uphold, and promote the highest ethical standards in our activities.
To promote the safe use of firearms especially with youth groups.

Interviews of Our Members and Their Collections

Bob Deubell with one of several Colt displays.

The late Bob Deubell at one of his many educational displays.

I joined because I enjoyed looking at everything there, not like some shows where it’s more like a flea market. Don’t have favorite memory, but I’m always excited when I get to go, because I see something I’ve never seen or learn something I didn’t know.”

Ronald Crouch, Member since 1979, Life member

“A gun shop dealer mentioned OGCA when I was looking at his stock. After hearing his description about the association and its meetings I asked if I could be his guest to check it out. I liked what I saw and acquired sponsors to become a member. I look forward to the adventure of finding interesting items and visiting with folks as I toured the tables.”

Dolton Walker, Member since 1998, Sr. Life Member

“I went to a show as a guest of a member. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately joined. I have a German produced .22 rifle of roughly 1926 vintage. There was a table holder that I had a nice conversation with that answered a variety of questions I had about it.”

Wayne Monnette, Member since 2007, Sr. Life Member

“Years ago, I would pass the place in Wilmington, Ohio (in the 2010’s) and say that one day I would find out how to join. It took till 2015 but here I am. I really enjoy the shows.”

Oscar Hicks, Member since 2015, Life Member

“Best place to buy/sell/view/handle/learn.”

John Studebaker, Member since 2005, Sr. Life Member

“My father loved guns and target shooting, so naturally I picked that love up from him. My interests were more toward antique military firearms. A friend of his took us to our first show. It was amazing! It was like a history lesson at each show. I just had to join. I remember meeting General Paul Tibbets that was a special guest.”

William Sink, Member since 1984, Life Member

“Heard about OGCA from a friend, best show in USA. My favorite member is my first purchase, an Army 1911A .45 ($30) and a large Luger display.”

Gene Blanford Member since 1969, Life Member

“My Dad was a life member. I have been coming to shows since I was ten. My favorite memories were getting tables with my dad selling/trading guns. Also, all the interesting displays and firearm history.”

Douglas Kammerer Member since 2007, Life Member

"Civil War Carbines Made in Ohio" by Randall and Linda Setty.

Benefits of Membership

Admission to all 6-7 meetings for you, your spouse and minor children or minor grandchildren.
One of the most interesting, safety-oriented firearm swap-meets with a wide variety of firearms, accessories, and gun related items.
Invite up to four guests to a meeting (fee applies).
Rent trade or display table space.
Four newsletters and two interim mailings per year to keep up to date on meetings and events.
Sponsorship of others after one-year of membership.
Helps qualify you to purchase surplus firearms through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP.)
Educational opportunities to meet experts and veteran collectors from all over the country including our author-members who have literally “written the book.”
Vote in director elections, Annual Display Show competitions, OGCA constitution and membership matters.
Support the fight for firearm freedoms, youth target shooting and the study and preservation of historical and collectible arms.