The Big E

[HiVolt]

Do they have a gun show? Is it any good? Any good deals?

 

[FPrice]

They sure do:

http://www.thebige.com/calendar/2287.html

It used to be bigger, but it's still good sized. Undoubtedly the best in this area. Some like it, some don't. If you are nearby I would recommend that you go and see for yourself.

 

[Len-2A Training]

From where you live, it is a long drive, cost $5 to park there (assuming no increases this Fall) and no longer is necessarily bigger than the shows at Marlboro or Wilmington.

Deals?
- None on ammo since the Big E refuses to allow any ammo sales INSIDE their buildings. Therefore there is only room for 1-2 dealers in a tent located in the parking lot. No competition means no bargains (and that doesn't factor in the overall ammo shortage everywhere).
- Guns? Some but far and few between. You need to know your gun values BEFORE you go to any show, no matter where it is held.
- Accessories? Sometimes you can get good deals on them at gun shows.

Here's some "light" reading on the Big E gun shows from the past. Future shows aren't likely to be much different.

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=15&highlight=springfield

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=66636&highlight=springfield

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=58779&highlight=springfield

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=49573&highlight=springfield

Here's some info on the Marlboro show:
http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=49896&highlight=springfield

Pay particular attention to the comments by people who go to the shows after they attended.

Personally I've quit attending at the Big E and try to go to the Marlboro and Wilmington shows. Pay attention to ACTUAL table count, NOT what the promoter advertises . . . her actuals at the Big E seem to run ~50% of what she advertises (which is the max that the hall will hold).

 

[HiVolt]

Len thanks your a big giant help on the forum. Even though you might be addicted to it. I guess theres worse things you could be addicted to.

 

[Len-2A Training]

Guilty as charged!!

 

[MrsWildweasel]

If you are in the area definitely go and make your own opinion. Some are rather biased against it, and are always bashing it, but those of us that live around here and go do actually go and enjoy it. We consider it entertainment. Even find some deals once in awhile too.

 

[levergun]

I go pretty much every time. It's not the best but it's close and there is usually a good variety. A lot of the guys will dicker to so I usually walk out with a good deal or 2.

 

[theGringo]

Commenting on the Big E Gun Show?

If you like the show, dial 1-800-ILIKEIT

If you hate the show, dial 1-800-ITSUCKS

Thank you for commenting on the Big E Gun Show.

 

[FPrice]

Where's my free prize for making my comment???

Commenting on the Big E Gun Show?

If you like the show, dial 1-800-ILIKEIT

If you hate the show, dial 1-800-ITSUCKS

Thank you for commenting on the Big E Gun Show.

 

[cmdwolf]

If you are close by or in the area I would stop by, however I would not drive 2hrs to go.

 

[Len-2A Training]

If you are close by or in the area I would stop by, however I would not drive 2hrs to go.

In spite of my other comments about it in numerous threads, that is basically my position too. A local is likely to know where it is safe (both for the car and attendee) to park their car off-site and avoid the obnoxious $5 parking fee as well.

If you are within 1/2 hour of any gun show with >150 tables, it pays to stop by as you never know when you might just hit a good deal.

Since I'm more like 1.5 hrs away, it's just not worth the 3 hr RT, pike tolls, etc. to attend the Big E shows. There are closer shows that allow any of the vendors to sell ammo, and they are usually no more than 1-2 weeks after the Big E shows.

 

[goofycj7]

Personally it is worthwhile to stop by and check it out. You are likely to find something interesting and it very interesting to people watch.

There is something different at every show besides guns. Hot sause, beef jerky, rocks, jewelry, ect.
My wife (who has been to one show with my 4 month old son) even sugested that they have a bead or jewelry or bridal show at the same time in a different building.
So the guys go to one show, ladies go to the other.

 

[Lilorfnannie]

What if the wife likes Beads AND Guns, and the hubby likes neither?

Oh yeah, he has to take the kids on the rides

Boy, that would be a day in heaven- bead show, gun show, hubby takes the kids on all the rides they want (I hate ALL rides)- *sigh*

 

[Lynne]

Considering I'm in the far NE of MA, unless they were selling them for $10 or so, I don't think I'll make the drive.

 

[dagwag77]

Their site says parking is $10, and I looked over the list of exhibitors and I didn't see anyone "gun" related except for Eastern Safe. Are the gun vendors usually listed or am I missing something?

 

[FPrice]

Their site says parking is $10, and I looked over the list of exhibitors and I didn't see anyone "gun" related except for Eastern Safe. Are the gun vendors usually listed or am I missing something?

The $10 is only for the Big E which is the big fair held in September.

Year-Round Event Parking
Year-round event parking is $5 for non-fair shows held at Eastern States Exposition.

You have to go to the calendar for October and click on either Oct 10 or 11 to see it. It's just about a matter of needing to know when the show is being held in order to find out when it is scheduled.

 

[dagwag77]

I gotcha. So whens the gun show part of it?

 

[FPrice]

I gotcha. So whens the gun show part of it?

Go to the link in post no. 2.

 

[dagwag77]

Go to the link in post no. 2.

haha, thanks! (Don't I feel like a dope now).

 

[FPrice]

haha, thanks! (Don't I feel like a dope now).

Don't worry, we've all done it.