This was my first show too. I was amazed at the fact that there were 300+ guys waiting in line to get in. I have never been to that trade center (Royal Plaza) when the parking lot was completely full like it was Saturday.
That aside I enjoyed being there but wouldn't probably go again. I guess I expected something slightly different. I would have thought that there would have been booths from Remington, Ruger, Sig, Leupold, RCBS, Dillon, Lyman etc etc. The mfgs should all be there showing off the latest and greatest guns for 2009. Where there are guns, there are hunters, what about outfitters and hunting lodges. Instead it was more of a gun dealer flea market. I also thought there would be more guys selling ammo in bulk, and at better prices.
Otherwise for me the highlight of the show was the booth selling Jerky and smoked cheese. They had some tasty stuff. I wish I had gotten a business card from them so that I could buy some more stuff later. Overall it was ok.
The only show gun manufacturers attend is this weekend at the Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition in Worcester. The show is 99 percent fishing, but
Blue Northern Trading will have a large section off to the side and reps from many of those gun companies will be there.
This is not a case of a gun store just moving its inventory to a show to sell at the same price. This is an actual, honest to goodness opportunity to purchase new guns at fairly significant discounts during the show only.
It's a well kept secret