Historic arms show pushed to April due to pandemic

A historic firearms show typically held in Penn Township in late January has been pushed to April due to the covid-19 pandemic.

“With this covid, it’s been pretty difficult,” said Bill Vance, manager of the Bushy Run Historic Arms Show. “We usually have the show in late January but, because of the lockdown … and, of course, the danger to the public, we decided to put it off until April.”

The show, now in its 23rd year, is scheduled for April 9-10 at The Lamplighter Restaurant in Salem . Attendees will be required to wear face masks.

The show, which typically draws 250 people over two days, features period rifles from the 18th and 19th centuries. Displays will include Kentucky rifles, accessories and associated arms made between 1700 and 1850. In past years, attendees have been able to view antique long rifles, muskets and powder horns.

Also on hand will be modern reproductions made by using many of the same methods artisans employed more than 200 years ago.

The Old Westmoreland Rifles, a group dedicated to preserving and furthering the sport of primitive black powder shooting, will be present at the event, Vance said. The group is a sponsor of the show.

“It’s very nice. We’ve had good support from the local area and most of the people who come, a lot of them are either collectors or people who have an interest in the history,” Vance said, noting that the pandemic has made it difficult for history buffs who were unable to attend museums or similar events due to closures or cancellations.

The show is scheduled for April 9 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and April 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is an admission donation of $10.