A gun dealer shows the ins and outs of a new pistol to a potential customer during the Socorro Lion Club gun show at the rodeo and sports complex in Socorro.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain

The Socorro Lions Club gun show on April 14-15 was a roaring success, with a steady stream of people attending over the weekend at the rodeo and sports complex.

“Last year, we decided to join up with 505 Productions, and they’re the ones that are doing a lot of the advertising for it. We’re doing much better with them than we have in the past,” Lions Club Secretary Vern Leavitt said.

According to Leavitt, the Socorro Lions Club has hosted a gun show in one form or another for the past 40 years. On Saturday morning, many people were paying the entry fee to shop for the latest handguns, rifles, shotguns, and accessories.

The gun show is a significant fundraiser for the Socorro Lions Club and supports its many charitable activities, including scholarships.

“Every dime that we raise from the public goes back to the public, in one way or another. One of the things that we do is vision care. Of course, that’s what the Lions are known for,” Leavitt said. “Here in Socorro, we sponsor four people on scholarships at $500 a semester. That’s a $4,000 scholarship when they graduate. So that’s, that’s one of the big things that we do. We help wherever somebody needs help. Occasionally where we’re helping other clubs or something like that.”

Fellow Lions Club member Bonner Oates agreed with Leavitt’s assessment that the numbers attending the show were up.

“I was skeptical about it (partnering with 505). I was all Missouri (the show me state) about it,” Oates said. “But we have been doing very well and are pleased to see people coming in.”

Russell Huffman | Assistant Editor