OGCA News

News and Information of The Ohio Gun Collectors Association

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

Next 2 Meeting Dates

March 12-13, 2022

April 30-May 1, 2022
Annual Display Show and Members' Recognition Banquet

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

Spring 2022 Member's Newsletter

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

Membership Dues
Members: your ‘22 dues statement was mailed with your “Interim” mailing in October. You do not need your statement in order to pay your dues.

Members may pay directly on our secure Online Dues Payment Program by Clicking Here; or by mailing a check or money order to the business office. You can also pay via credit card over the phone at (330) 467-5733 or in person at a meeting. Whenever possible, please include your member number on the memo of your check. For more information click on "Dues."

1-year dues: $45
1-year Active Duty Military: Free (Enclose rank, branch, duty station)
3-year dues: $110 (saves $25)
5-year dues: $165 (saves $60)
Life Membership: $700
Sr. Life (65 yrs.+): $400 (Enclose proof of age)

Mail check or money order to: OGCA, P.O. Box 670406, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067.

If you are a Life member, please complete and return the Life Member Census - we need to hear from you.

As always, members will be admitted to the Jan. 8-9, 2022 meeting on your 2021 badge.

Please anticipate 3-6 weeks for processing. If payment is not received by March 31, 2022, the name of the non-paying member will be removed from our files and can be reinstated only by paying a minimum of 3 years dues by December 31, 2022. We need and appreciate your support. Thank you! 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.

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.

Table Application and Guest Pass Forms

Guest Passes (for use by current members): Guest Passes are on on page 11 of the newsletter. For security reasons the form is not 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. See discount below by reserving your table for all 6 meetings.

Annual Tables - Last Call Save money by reserving your tables on an annual basis for all six 2022 meetings, Jan. ‘22 thru Nov. ‘22. You will pay only $80.00 per table for per show for the whole year. $80 per table x 6 meetings is $480 and is a savings of $90 per year, per table. Annual tables are on sale now, but reserve as early as possible for best placement. (The deadline is Dec. 20 but please return by the end of Nov. whenever possible.) If you need an Annual Table form or have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email the business office.

Co-Share Tables Available Now

Beginning with the May meeting we will be allowing two members to share a table with Friday trading privileges for both members. “I encourage any member, who has not had a trade table before, to partner with another member, share the cost, and give it a try. My hopes would be that you would come to enjoy it,” said President Sherman Kirkland. 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. Forms were available at the last meeting. Contact us if you need one 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!

Banquet April 30, 2022

The banquet is back!!! We cannot celebrate OGCA’s 85th Birthday without you! Click here for the Banquet form to reserve your tickets for Saturday evening April 30th, 2022. Get your tickets early. Seats are limited and we always sell out. The banquet will be held on-site in the Main Lobby of the Roberts Centre (not the hotel) for the first time. Cocktail hour begins at 5 pm (cash bar). Dinner will be served at 6 pm and the Display Show Awards will be announced at the conclusion of the evening. To make this happen, the Roberts Centre and OGCA volunteers will transition the Lobby for this memorable event on Saturday afternoon. The dress is casual attire, and will be general seating, so take the opportunity to sit with and make new friends.

MENU: Tossed garden salad, seasonal fruit salad, rosemary herb redskin potatoes, green beans, chicken Marsala, lasagna, and a delicious dessert!
PRICE: Adults just $30.00 each. Children 6-12, $10.00. Under age 5 are free.

By popular request, we worked with the Roberts Centre 4+ years ago to avoid a conflict with Mother’s Day and other local and national shows. So don’t miss it! We have special things in the works for the banquet, but most of all your presence and the camaraderie of fellow members will make it one of the most enjoyable events of the year. After all, it is our 85th Anniversary!

Annual Display Show April 30, 2022 - May 1, 2022

Come celebrate with us at our Annual Display show April 30 - May 1, 2022 and Annual Member’s Recognition Banquet (Saturday evening). Save the date!

Many of you know that we have one of the most educational, organized, and rewarding display shows around. You never know what our members will dig out of their private collections for show and tell. This is a great time to bring family and friends and also enjoy the banquet on Saturday evening. The banquet ticket form is below with all the information to reserve your seats.

We are seeking displayers!!! We have already received requests for Display Show Information Packets and they are hot off the press. Request yours by email through ogca@ogca.com or call the business office at 330-467-5733. Sean McCarter, display show chairman and the rest of the display committee, Chris Rohal, Brad Raum, Tom Bowersox, Rod Kirian, and Fred Kolb will be happy to answer any questions you may have about putting together a display.

If you have never displayed before, take this opportunity to get your collection noticed and network with other members who may have items related to your collection. We have three knowledgable judges to be announced. This is a great time to think about what you might have in your collection, create an eye catching exhibit and have fun at the same time. Keep in mind that space is limited so don’t think too long (request your application and packet!)

We have four 1st Place categories: Antique, Military, Pre-World War (1899-1945), and Post-World War II (1946-present). A handsome, numbered Minuteman Freedom bronze (valued at over $4,000) is given to each first place category and all other award winners receive a plaque and cash prizes. Plus each and every exhibitor will receive a commemorative keepsake.

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 2021. 17 people attended including many youngsters. All walked away safer, well-educated hunters and all passed their Hunter’s Education Certification. We plan to offer this opportunity again in September 2022.

Members: Don't miss The Classified Section in your newsletter. Classifieds are not posted online.

Run for a Spot on the OGCA Board of Directors

We are actively looking for dedicated members who are interesting in serving on the Board of Directors of OGCA. You must be an Ohio resident and a member for at least five years. Nominations will open at the March 2022 meeting and will close at the end of the May meeting. All interested candidates may contact First Vice President, Terrie Hill at (740) 587-0657 for the required forms. Return them in advance of the May meeting or in person at the May meeting no later than 2 pm Sunday May 9th at Terrie’s tables T 7-10 (orange flag).

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 2022 Member's 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!)