Carman was the gathering place for many enthusiasts this weekend meeting for the annual gun and hobby show.

Collectors, hunters, and sport shooters from across the prairies gather to buy, trade, or sell numerous firearms, knives, or other hunting paraphernalia.

The event is on the mind of organizers, Bruce and Kathy Reid, all year long as they eagerly anticipate the event.

Bruce says the gathering is an opportunity for individuals to share their passions with others while introducing some positivist to the town, with the community coming together to provide food during the event and donating 100 percent of the proceeds from a gun raffle to the local youth group.

He adds it's fascinating and exciting each year to see the unique faces that all come together for the weekend event.

"People coming here have an interest, and they know about bullets and shooting. Probably 70 percent of the people who come here are just target practice shooters, and some people are gun collectors and have never fired a gun... We have one guy, I think he's 92 this year, and he's been here every year, and he's still shooting trap. He's not buying anything anymore, but I think he comes for the pie."

Proceeds for a gun raffle go towards The Back Door youth group, in thanks for helping set up the event.

Venues like these are the perfect place for enthusiasts to come together and connect, says Bruce, but also a chance to discuss the hard questions.

Bruce believes the perception around firearms has changed within modern society, and they see them as evil tools. With the federal government looking to elaborate on its gun legislation after the cabinet is sworn in, Bruce says it's likely selling and purchasing guns could become increasingly difficult and potentially see an end to gun shows like these.

"Responsible gun owners are ones who follow the rules, have a gun safe, trigger locks, a licence. It's the ones who don't have those who are the problem. Implementing all these rules and regulations only seems to affect the people who play by the rules."

Rough estimates show the gun show brings around $10,000 to the Carman region through hotels, restaurants, and other places of interest for travellers through town.

Currently, if an individual wishes to purchase a firearm and ammunition, they are expected to obtain their Possession and acquisition licence (PAL). Before you receive your PAL, you must pass a course that showcases your ability to handle a gun safely. Upon completion, you will receive the government-issued photo ID license. A Possession Only License (POL) is also available for collectors or individuals who have a firearm handed down from family members and only allows the individual to own a gun but not to use it.

Unless you have a license, Bruce says no one at the gun show will sell you anything.

He acknowledges it's a delicate topic at the moment, and there are no easy answers. That's why he believes events like these are vital, as it's a place where people can have these conversations and find solutions to responsible and reasonable gun legislation that doesn't penalize those just trying to follow the rules.