Local man stars in National Geographic show

A local man is now a national celebrity.

Rexburg gun shop owner Adrian Alford was chosen to co-host a new National Geographic show called “Lords of War” that premiered Wednesday night.

“There’s something about guns that draws me in,” said Alford. “I got started when my dad starting taking me shooting when I was a kid. And from there it’s just been lifelong, not really obsession, just really interested in guns.”

Alford’s interest for guns is known far beyond the city of Rexburg, where his gun shop is located. Big time hollywood stars, like Sean Rich, an antique firearms celebrity who’s appeared on the hit show “Pawn Stars,” look to Alford for guidance.

“I’ve always kind of helped him appraising and evaluating modern firearms,” said Alford

With this connection, and strong background of guns dating back from 1899 to the present day, Alford was quickly approached by executive producer Chris Bray to audition for “Lords of War.”

“If you like ‘Antique Roadshow’ kind of mixed with ‘Pawn Stars,’ then you’ll like it,” said Alford.

Alford and three others were chosen out of 500 experts in military weapons that were interviewed.

During the show, Alford helps gun owners appraise some of the most unique, historical guns in the country.

“We don’t know if it’s real of not, if it’s been refinished or not, that’s the excitement,” he said. “Oh, this could be something fantastic.”

And seeing the history behind each piece of military equipment tells a story.

“We got to see a World War I helmet that may or may not have been painted by Walt Disney. We got to see a Nordic bomb site from the B-29 that use to bomb Germany during World War II. If you like the history and the uniqueness behind military and history items, then you’ll love the show.”

There are 16 episodes of “Lords of War.” It airs Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on the National Geographic Center, with two episodes airing back to back.