By John Howell
Bill Milstead’s gun show scheduled for the Batesville Civic Center Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1 will offer visitors “a supermarket,” of firearms, knives, ancillary items and collectibles.
Milstead has acquired the company owned by David and Kathy Bailey which has produced gun and knife shows at the Batesville Civic Center since 2005 and at the Southaven Arena. The Clinton resident organized the first Jackson Gun Show in 1980 and will now conduct 11 shows annually in Mississippi, he said.
Gun show vendors will offer a variety of guns — rifles, shotguns, pistols, brand new and collectible —  plus parts, scopes, knives, clothing and other accessories.
“I’ve just got a commitment from one of the largest optics vendors,” he said this week.
Another vendor will offer a wide choice of conversion features for the popular Ruger 10/22 rifle, he said. Gun vendors are increasingly offering more tactical equipment.
Milstead’s show will offer hourly door prize opportunities plus a gun giveaway on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults. Children under 12 with a parent or guardian are admitted free.