First point: the 20% of the population for whom it IS relevant... it would be normal for them to have guns.

Second point: yes I understand your dichotomy. I just grew up in a conservative family, and this is what people tell each other. We need guns to protect ourselves from the government.

There is one other point you are not making, and that is the ridiculousness of the NRA. Wayne LaPierre has really milked the drama queen saga when it comes to soliciting donations from their membership.