The Missouri Valley Arms Collectors Association, an NRA affiliate since 1953, hosts its 40th Annual Kansas City National Summer Arms Show in Kansas City, Missouri, this coming weekend.

If you’re in the area, stop by to see the many different exhibits competing for 10 Special Judge’s Awards for Exceptional Collector Exhibits, The People’s Choice Award, Gun Report Magazine’s Best Educational Award, and many more.

The 15th Annual NRA Gun Collectors Show is sure to be one of the event’s most exciting exhibits. NRA’s own National Firearms Museum Director Jim Supica and Senior Curator Phil Schreier will be on hand to display the world-famous .44 Magnum from Dirty Harry, currently housed at the Museum’s Hollywood Guns exhibit.

The Summer Arms Show is open to the public. The hours are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 23; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 24; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 25.

Admission is only $8 for adults and free for children under 12, and the address is the K.C.I. Exp. Center, 11730 N. Ambassador, Kansas City, MO, 64195. Find more information here, and check back with NRAblog for a recap on winners and more! 

National Firearms Museum Director Jim Supica and Senior Curator Phil Schreier made news this morning when they unveiled the iconic Maltese Falcon. On loan from California collector Dr. Mylan, the Falcon has long served as a symbol of Hollywood glamour and the film noir movement. Now it will be on display at the National Firearms Museum with the rest of our exciting new Hollywood Guns exhibit through next summer.

Check out the clip from MyFoxDc.com's here:

The Maltese Falcon, directed by John Huston in 1941, starred Hollywood legends Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor. Crowned as one of the best films ever made by noted movie critic Roger Ebert, the Falcon marked the beginning of the “film noir” genre, which focused on the dark, dramatic, and glamorous side of crime mysteries. More...

Visitors to the NRA's National Firearms Museum here at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, are in for a special treat this year.

Titled Hollywood Guns, the Museum's newest exhibit showcases firearms spanning eighty years of silver screen classics like Stagecoach and 2010 Best Picture Oscar Winner The Hurt Locker.

Perhaps the exhibit's most popular piece, Dirty Harry's .44 Magnum is pictured at right.

With an official debut of Friday, June 25, the display will be here at the Museum through next summer.

“Hollywood Guns is all about phenomenal firearms borrowed from our friends in America’s movie capital,” Senior Curator Phil Schreier said. “They come from the largest Hollywood prop houses and private collections around the country."

Featuring more than 125 unique firearms, the new exhibit showcases famous and infamous firearms including Obi Wan Kenobi’s light saber from Star Wars, the Remington 11-87 shotgun from No Country for Old Men, and John Wayne’s Winchester 1892 carbine from his break-out roll in Stagecoach. “Those are the pieces that the public recognize. They help bring excitement and realism to a film,” Schreier said.

For a few sneak peeks, check out Schreier's most recent Curator's Corner clips. 

Spanning the decades of 1930 to 2010, Hollywood Guns has something for everyone. Film buffs and gun collectors will equally be amazed with selections from crime dramas, police thrillers, as well as a generous sampling from Western classics and gritty war movies.

“These guns have never before been seen together and will probably never be seen together again,” said Museum Director Jim Supica. “We’re delighted to display this exceptional collection of firearms to Museum visitors.”

Last weekend, National Firearms Museum Director Jim Supica and his trusty band of volunteers attended the Outlander’s "Ride Sure, Ride Free" event in Luray, Virginia. The theme was early American history, so we were not surprised to find General Washington and Ben Franklin walking amongst the crowd.

The Museum was proud to display several of its highlights from the Hollywood Guns exhibit to the delight of adults and children alike. Not surprisingly, Dirty Harry’s .44 was a hit, as was the No Country for Old Men’s silenced Remington, the Lethal Weapon and Die Hard Beretta, and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s light saber. But it seems the Luray folks came out specifically to see John Wayne’s Winchester from Stagecoach.

Although the threat of rain may have held some of the reported 20,000 in attendance at bay, those who did show up enjoyed a fun filled day. As an added bonus, all proceeds raised at the "Ride Sure, Ride Free" outing were donated to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund, which assists the children of fallen veterans attend college.

No, no, we're not off kicking the summer season with a batch of NRANews reruns. Instead, we're heading into tonight for part two of last week's Blue Book of Gun Values edition of Curator's Corner. Back in the mix to lead the discussion are National Firearms Museum Director Jim Supica and Blue Book Author, Editor & Publisher S.P. Fjestad.

But don't think they'll be covering the same old thing. There will be more tips and tricks of the trade when it comes to evaluating a firearm. Does it still have the original bolts? What about the finish? Is that the magazine it came with or was it replaced with a replica. Come to think of it, how can you tell if it's a replica or if it's the real McCoy?

There is a lot to consider when it comes to determining value. The more information you have, the better chance that you'll get a fair price for the firearm in question.

Even more insight will be available if you join the boys tonight at 10:20 p.m. EST as Curator's Corner hits the airwaves on NRANews.com and Sirius Patriot channel 144 & XM 166.

Curator's Corner usually focuses on the gun. That one piece of hardware that has a special place in the historical hearts of competitive shooters, gun collectors, and firearms enthusiast everywhere. This is not that kind of Curator's Corner. Instead of focusing on one gun, we're going to look at them all.

In another edition of Curator's Corner from the floor of the Tulsa Arms Show, the usually cast of characters are joined tonight by S.P. Fjestad, Author, Editor & Publisher of the Blue Book of Gun Values. S.P. will explain what to look for when it comes to evaluating guns. How has it aged? Is there rust? Has the gun been refinished? Where was it manufactured? What's the barrel length?

All these questions and more play a part in determining the value of firearm. So if you want to know what the experts look for when evaluating a gun, then tonight is the show for you.

So join National Firearms Museum Director Jim Supica along with John Popp from NRANews as they discuss the secrets behind the appraisal of gun values. That lesson and more will be shared tonight at 10:20 p.m. Eastern on NRANews.com and Sirius Patriot channel 144.

Everybody comes clamoring for this one. Whether a visitor to the National Firearms Museum, a patron at at gun show, or a guest at NRA headquarters, when it comes to Hollywood Guns, people always ask to see Dirty Harry's .44 Magnum. This evening, on Curator's Corner, you'll get a chance to see it yourself.

According to Dirty Harry's screenwriter (and NRA Board Member) John Milius, the script originally called for a Smith & Wesson with a 4" barrel. Luckily for the viewers, acquiring that version proved to be impossible so they went with the six incher.

But tonight's episode does more than discuss the specific firearm from Clint Eastwood's infamous role. Sources at NRANews tell us that it will be an comprehensive look into the .44 Magnum. That's why they wrangled past S&W Collectors Association President Dr. Bill Cross & our very own Jim Supica to provide the details.

That's all we have time for now. For the rest of the story, join Bill, Jim & Popp tonight as Curator's Corner hits the airways at 10:20 eastern on NRANews.com or Sirius Patriot channel 144.

The Ohio Gun Collectors Association was in for a treat on Saturday night when NRA National Firearms Museum Director Jim Supica served as the keynote at their meeting.

Supica describes the event as magnificent. "It's always a privilege to be in the presence of so many 'unrepentant accumulators,'" Supica joked, referring to the title he has bestowed upon himself and other select gun collectors and dealers. 

Special thanks to Museum Senior Curator Phil Schreier for providing the above photo. "Jim did a great job," Schreier said, pointing out the dinner featured some 500 attendees. "He started with a rundown of NRAmuseum.org, highlighting a few features of the website, and transitioned into the bit on being a gun accumulator."

What was his parting message to this group of passionate NRA members and firearm collectors? "Any gun collection is a good collection," Supica said.

The Ohio Gun Collectors Association recently turned 73 years old. The Association has meetings at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio, which are open to members and inivted guests only.

This weekend's meeting features one very special guest -- NRA National Firearms Museum Director Jim Supica.

In his keynote address to the Association, Supica plans to offer up a confession to his fellow collectors: "My presentation will be titled “Confessions of an Unrepentant Accumulator,” he told NRAblog. (For an idea of what is to come, read this article.) "My main incentive to become a full time dealer in guns was my tearful realization that I could not possibly obtain and keep one of everything," Supica writes. "I figured this way, I'd get to at least have one of most for at least a little while."

In addition to speaking at the meeting, Supica, along with Phil Schreier, will have one of pop culture's most recognizable guns on display: Dirty Harry's .44 magnum, pictured at right. Stay tuned for a full report and photographs from NRAblog correspondent Schreier.

"It's my honor to welcome you," Wayne Anthony Ross told the crowded conference room at the Charlotte Convention Center on Sunday, May 16, 2010. Ross, the chairman of the Gun Collectors Committee, is a longtime NRA Board Member and true friend to the community. "We have 25 gun collector organizations represented here, and before I say anything more, I’d like to introduce NRA Vice President David Keene, a fellow Winsconsinite who has honored us with his presence."

"It’s a pleasure to get the chance to be here for a few minutes," Keene said from the podium at the front of the room. "I’m awed by how much effort and love goes into this."

"Collecting is one of the ways we enjoy our firearm rights," Keene said. "You're an important part of what we do and why we're here, and I want to thank you for all you do."

"The heritage of the NRA goes back," Keene continued. "Waaaay back, and you are preserving a vital part of the American heritage, in addition to having a heck of a good time while you do it."

The first year any collector group participates in the NRA National Gun Collecting Awards Competition, it receives a special plaque. After that, the group receives a special star ornament for each additional year of participation.

In 2010, one group debuted an exhibit: the Southeastern Antique Arms Collectors Association. All NRA affiliated gun collector clubs are eligible to enter, Senior Curator Phil Schreier told NRAblog.

"Each of these organizations is to be commended for their individual and collective efforts and the resulting success that has been enjoyed by thousands of visitors in the Exhibit Hall this weekend," Ross told the crowd before calling representatives to the front of the room to receive their stars. Below, we've listed each group that is celebrating 25 or more years of participation: 

Ohio Gun Collectors Assn.	57
Michigan Antique Arms Collectors	49
Ruger Collectors' Association	36
Minnesota Weapons Collectors Association	31
Smith & Wesson Collectors' Association	28
Miniature Arms Collectors/Makers Society	27
Winchester Arms Collectors Association	25

More...

NRAblog was pleased to invite some of the 2010 Annual Meeting’s “gun bloggers” to the NRA booth at the conclusion of Sunday’s events. That's right -- this concludes the 139th Annual Meetings and Exhibits.

Museum Director Jim Supica and Senior Curator Phil Schreier were on hand to answer questions – but the real focus was on the guns.

These NRA members got their hands on the following pieces: John Wayne’s Winchester from Stagecoach, Tom Selleck’s Sharps from Quigley Down Under, Dirty Harry’s .44 Magnum, the suppressed Remington shotgun from No Country For Old Men, the Beretta used by both Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon and by Bruce Willis in Die Hard.

More – better – pictures to come. Thanks for reading, and please stay tuned this week for more coverage on the Hollywood Guns, Annual Meetings, and more.

Phil Schreier, Senior Curator of the NRA National Firearms Museum, tells NRAblog this is his 16th time attending an NRA Annual Meetings.

"The Gun Collectors and Gun Collectors Associations have always been a part of this event," he said.

Pictured at left with the Hollywood Gun case, Schreier, along with Museum Director Jim Supica, work hard to coordinate the Collectors Awards. An official ceremony kicks off at 9 a.m. at the Charlotte Convention Center, room 200, this morning. NRAblog will report back with the results and some photographs.

Picking the best of show winner is no easy task for the three judges, Supica says:

“There are four or five displays in there that would win first place at any national gun show," Supica told NRAblog. "We have some incredible historic one-of-a-kind guns on display."

"Each of the displays is outstanding this year, so it was a very very hard choice for judges," he said. "I don't envy them."

Thursday afternoon was the launching of yet another National Firearms Museum (NFM) escapade here at the 139th Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Charlotte, North Carolina. NRA members from all walks of life were invited to bring in their firearms for evaluation by NFM Director Jim Supica or Senior Curator Phil Schreier. Representatives from Universal Coins & Bullion were on hand to appraise gold coins, and to ensure that everyone gets a peak, Universal provided support to film select parts of the event.

The event was set to kick off at 1 p.m., and by that time a line was winding across the Charlotte Convention Center. Supica and Schreier were on their feet, chatting with firearm owners and enthusiasts, until nearly 8, two hour past the event's official conclusion. "What do you think you have?" Schreier asked each of his assignments. Both Schreier and Supica had reference materials on hand to offer an accurate value, while reminding folks that this appraisal is a simple casual one, without any guarantee. One NRA member recognized Schreier from the History Channel, where he is often interviewed. "Where else do you get the chance to have someone with this sort of firearms expertise spend one-on-one time with you," he asked, "and all free of charge? This has been worth (the wait)."

There were a few beauties and a few also-rans, but highlights for the night had to include a 4-gauge double-barrel rifled shotgun along with a volcanic lever action pistol. Supica and Schreier ended the day with more friends and potential Museum visitors. We’ll keep you posted on this exciting event!

Tomorrow, Thursday, May 13, features the inaugural Guns & Gold Showcase event, held in conjunction with the 139th NRA Annual Meeting.

From 2:00 to 6:00 p.m, join NRA National Firearms Museum Director Jim Supica and Senior Curator Phil Schreier in the Charlotte Convention Center's Ballroom:

Bring your antique guns and precious gold coins to the new Antique Guns & Gold Showcase event on Thursday from 2pm – 6pm at the Charlotte Convention Center Ballroom. This is your chance to have experts from the National Firearms Museum assess the value of your antique gun or have experts from Universal Coin & Bullion evaluate the value of your old gold coins. Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn the value and share the history of your antique guns & gold! Best of all, you might even find out some interesting new facts about your collection that you didn’t know before.

National Firearms Museum Director Jim Supica was among a handful of experts selected to meet with a group of broadcasters in Washington DC on Monday. Members of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting gather in DC each year to discuss agricultural issues and industry advances. 

They also look forward to the Issues Forum, where experts gather to await radio interviews. Supica answered broadcasters' questions on gun collecting and the role of firearms in American history. 

Greg Akagi, pictured to the left interviewing Supica, was recently elected president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Akagi serves as farm editor for WIBW AM in Kansas. Supica spoke to Akagi about the exciting developments happening at the NRA National Firearms Museum, including the newest exhibit in the Ruger Gallery, Hollywood Guns.