OGCA News

News and Information of The Ohio Gun Collectors Association

--OGCA Meetings are strictly LIMITED to members and their guests--

Upcoming Meeting Dates

March 25-26, 2023
Wilmington, OH
Featured Display by Warren Motts of The Motts Museum

April 29-30, 2023
Medina County Community Center
Medina, OH

May 20-21, 2023
Annual Display Show & Banquet (Banquet Form)
Special Guest: High-Standard Collectors Assoc.
Wilmington, OH

FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE, DIRECTIONS AND HOTELS, CLICK ON SHOWS.
Visit the "Home" page for any urgent announcements regarding upcoming meetings. Thank you!

Spring 2023 Newsletter

A Message From the President - Terrie Hill

        The January meeting set an eight-year record with 588 guests. 178 people applied for membership which is a 10 year high for the January meeting. The aisles were packed and tables were stacked. Membership stands at 15,801 members and with your help we will be back up to pre-pandemic membership levels in no time. Our Ace Sponsor program will continue until all 100 serial numbered pins are awarded to members upon sponsoring 5 new people. Likewise, I would like to announce Jack Haney, Jr. and Mark Canter tied for top membership recruiters in 2022.

The year-end reports are in from our OGCA/SAF 2022 youth grants. 1,546 participants were supported, and you will love the photos on page 5 of the Spring 2023 Newsletter. The year-end report asks, “Where did the money go?” And besides receipts we got a photo of a flatbed truck completely full of nothing but clay pigeons and shotgun shells! We are proud of all of the youth target shooting clubs we help support, and as a trap shooter I especially love to see youth involved in Ohio’s highly competitive clay target programs. I hope the thousands of youngsters we have supported over the years will follow in our footsteps as collectors and Second Amendment advocates.

2023 has ushered in a dizzying number of firearm bills, both good and bad. This business about arm braces is highly concerning. Pay close attention to the latest from the NRA and Buckeye Firearms Association, and look for more information from Legislative Chairman Tim Inwood in the next newsletter.

Brace yourselves for a busy spring. The March show is always The BIG ONE. Then, five weeks later we move on to our April Show at the Medina County Fairgrounds. After that, we’re back in Wilmington for the Annual May Display Show and Banquet. (Banquet Form)

Tickets are on sale now for the Banquet. It is a fun, lighthearted, social event. At the banquet we will raffle off a basket of high-end, hard to find liquors in our “Quenchers for a Cause Raffle.” Bourbons and related are donated by generous members and every dime goes to the Youth Grant Fund. You must attend the banquet to buy these raffle tickets. The banquet is limited to just 200 people so your chances of winning are not too bad.

See you in March,

Terrie L. Hill, President

New Show Added in the North!

OGCA has added a date in Northeast Ohio for a total of 7 shows in 2023! That’s right! After a long search we found a spot in beautiful Medina, Ohio 30 miles south of Cleveland. Join us April 29 & 30, 2023 at the Medina County Fairgrounds. OGCA President Terrie Hill said, “This new location is for members all over the state and country. Come see old friends, meet new ones and score that special something for your collection.”

If you have not done so already, mark your calendar for April 29-30, 2023 for this added show at The Medina Community Center located at 735 Lafayette Rd. Medina OH 44256. The Medina County fairgrounds is only 111 miles from Columbus, 121 miles from Toledo and 133 miles from Pittsburgh!

The OGCA Board encourages members to come and show your support so we can grow and add more future dates in the north while also continuing our relationships in Wilmington.

We miss our northern members who are unable to travel and we encourage you to come and bring your friends and family. Don’t fret about the guest twice per life or being a former member. Read the informative changes to this 2007 rule in your Winter 2022-2023 newsletter.

Bring up to 4 guests! We recommend advance guest pass registration if possible. Guest forms are on page 11 of the Member's newsletter (that will arrive in late December) for April and the next two shows in Wilmington. Soon they will be available online through our Member’s Portal.

Tables for this meeting are on sale now! Regular tableholders at Wilmington come and make new friends, meet new collectors and customers. We do expect to sell out of table space so please... please rent early so you don’t get put on a waiting list.

Medina has nothing but the best to offer in choices of nearby restaurants and tourism. A list of Medina area hotels can be found on below.

Chuck Benton, Chairman of the Site Selection Committee, was quick to point out that we are not leaving Wilmington. The Medina County Fairgrounds Community Center has 33,000 sq. ft. of heated, air-conditioned, well-lighted exhibition space. Besides great highway access and a welcoming community, it has six hotels within 10 minutes, free parking and plenty of restaurants.

Hotels Near the Medina County Community Center

1.     Headquarters Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 5185 Gateway Dr., Medina, OH 44256, (330) 722-6006. “OGC” rate $135 plus tax, or $150 plus tax for a suite. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Booking Link

2.       Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Medina, 3125 Eastpointe Dr, Medina, OH 44256, (330) 722-1722.

3.       Hampton Inn Medina 3073 Eastpointe Dr., Medina, OH 44256, (844) 209-0765.

4.       Quality Inn & Suites, 2850 Medina Rd, Medina, OH 44256, (330) 723-4994.

5.       Super 8 by Wyndham Medina, 5161 Montville Dr., Medina, OH 44256, (330) 723-8118.

6.       Red Roof Inn 5021 Eastpointe Dr., Medina, OH 44256, (877) 843-7663.

Membership Dues Reminder

Members: your Dues Statement was mailed at the end of October. This is just a reminder to those who have memberships expiring Dec. 31, 2022 that you can mail a check with the amount of years you would like to re-up to OGCA PO Box 670406, Sagamore Hills, OH and write your member number on the memo section of your check.

You can pay online 24/7 on our secure Online Dues Payment Program by Clicking Here; and select the “Pay Dues Here” link. If you have never paid online before, simply create a login with your working email address. Be sure the email is typed correctly so that you receive a confirmation by email. If you have forgotten your password just click the “forgot password” link at login.

Please note that there has been no increase except for Sr. Life and Life memberships.
One Year $45
One year Active Duty Military Free
Three years $110
Five years $165
Sr. Life (65+ with proof of age) $700
Life .......$1000

Keeping your dues current will ensure you to receive newsletter mailings, event updates, and have valid credentials to attend the shows including the added northern meetings announced above. If your dues lapse beyond the March 31st grace period you must pay a minimum of 3 years dues (per the OGCA by-laws) to maintain your membership status and keep your member number.

Please allow 3-6 weeks for processing.

Thank You for your support!

P.S. Former Members who left in good standing and whose dues expired years ago now have several ways to re-join/re-apply. See the "Join" tab above.

OGCA Videos By and For Members

We kicked off the 2022 by bringing OGCA to you. Click on the links below to view two fantastic videos by OGCA members! Enjoy this special treat courtesy of Leonardo M. Antaris. To join our email list to have upcoming videos and information emailed to you, email ogca@ogca.com with "add me to the email list." You can unsubscribe at anytime.

Collecting WW2 M1A1 Paratroopers Expert Interview with Bill Pearce

Colt Single Action. UNBELIEVABLE HISTORY Expert Interview with Joe Pittenger

In Remembrance of President Sherman M Kirkland III
1/21/1955 - 12/31/2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1Vxoa-D94M

Table Application and Guest Pass Forms

Guest Passes (for use by current members): Guest Passes are in the newsletter. For security reasons the form is not (yet) online. If you are a member and would like a copy of a form call (330) 467-5733 or email ogca@ogca.com. Guest Passes are $15. Members may bring up to 4 guests per meeting. Guests are limited to 2 visits per life.

Tables: Members may reserve tables for up to two shows at a time at $95 per table. Tables may be rented via mail, phone, or in person during a meeting for the next 2 meetings.

Co-Share Tables Available Now We allow two members to share a table with Friday trading privileges for both members. The cost to co-share is a flat fee of $20 no matter how many tables are shared. A “Tableholder Pass” will be issued for each member but no “Helper Pass.” Each individual will share responsibility of the table or tables and both will have trading privileges during set-up times. Request a form at the Tables Desk or at ogca@ogca.com or (330) 467-5733.

Joining Information

Members: Do you know someone who would be interested in becoming a member of OGCA? A brother, sister, uncle, or cousin? How about a friend or neighbor? Please click on "Join" tab, above, as we have some new options for new and former members. For more information contact the Business Office at (330) 467-5733 or ogca@ogca.com.

New Options for Applying

Members: you may sponsor a friend that has a CCW permit or FFL/C&R license without your friend needing a 2nd sponsor. (The license or permit held by the applicant serves in lieu of a 2nd sponsor.) The application must be returned in person with one sponsor present. Another change passed in November addresses a former member’s ability to rejoin OGCA. Former members who left in good standing may rejoin without sponsors. [Click on "Join" tab, above.] In order to rejoin it is necessary to contact the Business Office in advance. Thank you!

Ohio Hunter Ed Class

Thank you to member Al Overholser of OHTEIA and volunteer of ODNR Wildlife Division for leading the free Ohio Hunters Education class at the Roberts Centre this past September 2022. 27 people attended including many youngsters. All walked away safer, well-educated hunters and all passed their Hunter’s Education Certification. We will offer this opportunity again on September 16, 2023.

Members:   The Classified Section will be posted online once our brand new website is complete!

Contact Information / Address Updates
Your email address has become important for quick communication on last minute show updates. To be added to our email list, please email us at ogca@ogca.com or call the business office at (330) 467-5733. In addition please “like” us on Facebook to get news and updates at https://www.facebook.com/theogca.
Address Updates can also be emailed to ogca@ogca.com. If you include your member number, we only need your new address.

Save on Lodging Cost with Increased Sat. Set up Time

Sat. set up hours Sat. (7 am - 8:30 am), have been set to better accommodate members who rent tables and who who want to avoid the time and cost of a Fri. hotel stay.   Note the Holiday Inn at Roberts Centre still has a strict 2-night minimum (beyond OGCA's control) and a list of other hotels can be found on the SHOWS page.

Meeting Hours
Saturday 8:30 am - 5 pm
Sunday 8:30 am - 2 pm

Set up/Exhibitor Hours
Fri. 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm exhibitor Set-up
Sat. 7:00 am - 8:30 am exhibitor Set-up
Sun. 7:30 am - 8:30 am exhibitor Set-up

Support Youth Shooting

Please consider a donation for youth firearms safety training and target shooting. So far we’ve collected thousands of dollars from generous members and every dime goes directly to youth target shooting clubs through our joint venture with Sportsman's Alliance Foundation (SAF). Thank you! To participate in our youth shooting initiative mark the memo of your check "youth target shooting donation" or call with a credit card. Although your donation is not tax deductible this is a vitally important cause for the long-term. Any amount is appreciated and 100% will go to grants in support of youth shooting.

Gun Collector Etiquette - A Partial List

Every firearm should be treated as if it were loaded. Keep all firearms pointed in a safe direction. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard.
Never touch a firearm or remove the safety tie without permission from the owner.
Don’t ask to handle a firearm unless you have serious intent to buy.
Look for signs that indicate what is appropriate. Collections marked “Display Only” are never to be touched.
Do not dry fire, work bolts or cycle actions without permission. If you want to manipulate anything, get permission. Make sure whatever you’re manipulating is not a safety issue.
Avoid unnecessary wear. Never spin the cylinder of a revolver like you are playing Russian roulette or slam it closed by “flipping” it sideways.
When necessary to inspect a gun you have intent to buy, the tableholder should be the one that cuts the safety tie. The tableholder should also be the one that opens the bolt and clears a weapon in a safe manner before he hands it over and re-ties the weapon regardless of whether it will be sold or not.
Remember how a gun was laying and put it back down the way you found it. Never hit the gun against another gun or lay it down on top of another gun.
Hold a gun by the wood and not the metal if possible. If you get fingerprints on the metal, alert the tableholder so he/she can clean it.
Don’t allow children to run amuck. Keep your kids with you and instruct them on all safety rules and general etiquette.
Never set food or drink on someone’s table.
Never interrupt a “sale in progress” or try to purchase an item someone else is holding or negotiating a price on.
Do not block a table or aisle chatting with your buddy. Keep traffic moving past the table so people can see his/her display.

“May I...” and “Thank You” go a long way and are just plain common courtesy.

Automatic Penalties For a Loaded Gun or Magazine

In 2016, the OGCA Board of Directors adopted automatic penalties for those in violation of bringing in a loaded gun or magazine. Members will be removed from the building and placed on an automatic one-year suspension. If a guest brings a loaded firearm/magazine, he/she will be immediately banned for life, and the sponsor of that guest will automatically be suspended for one year. If each and every member makes safety their number one focus and informs their guest of the Safety Rules, enforcement of this new automatic penalty will never be necessary...and that is our hope.

Important: Bump Fire Stocks or any devices that simulates full automatic fire are NOT Permitted.

Firearms Safety REQUIRED

Current Member's Newsletter: Spring 2023 Newsletter

Some Prior Newsletters:

There has never been a more important time for supporters of the Second Amendment to band together and ensure that those who share our love of collecting, shooting and hunting are registered to vote.

Trigger the Vote is a nonpartisan
voter registration program through the NRA. Click here for more info or here to go direct to the site. Then click on "Get Started" to register to vote in any state. (It's easy!)