Trust me- there's absolutely no way possible for them to open SHOT up to the general public.
The Show is a trade event, makers to sell & buyers to buy (or write up orders).
It draws from all around the globe.
It is huge.
As mentioned, it grew so crowded it was hard to get through the aisles for the past few years.
That's why they had to remove spouses & family members, those who weren't buyers or press.
If they opened the doors to the public, nobody'd be able to move anywhere inside the building.
Not a matter of being snooty, just a matter of no ROOM!

Denis