My take:
I enjoy going to gun shows just like everybody else. we have 'The Big Reno Gun Show' here, and it is crammed with several of each type of people. I do enjoy the displays, I see firearms that I wouldn't be able to see otherwise. I do enjoy talking to some of these folks. I definitely look for deals and or new stuff. Some are from vendors and some look like they are garage sales. I do dicker with people over prices ( The last time I argued over how "outrageous" the price of a .308 magazine for my Ishapore Enfield was, but glad I bought it!) Buying ammo and components, no matter what it costs, seems to be the priority when I get there, as they sell out FAST! (people actually buy whole pallets! I don't particularly like lugging ammo around while at the show, but the last one, I was squeamish about buying more primers, and when I finally decide to go back and get them, they were all gone! My suggestion to you, do what you will. I do notice it's like a family get together and lots of guys go just to see what you picked up and swap a lot of stuff with each other, and don't even care if they sell anything. If I had a bone to pick, it is with the general public, not the vendors (although I do give them a good tongue lashing over raping the sheople) when they are so unknowledgeable about firearms that they are willing to pay stupid sums of money for whatever. Go, and have fun !