That's it! You are absolutely correct. They are not "afraid" of guns, they "hate" guns.
It was Colonel Jeff Cooper who first observed the strange doings of the hoplophobes, perhaps at a time when that disturbed malady was more common than outright hatred. Later, the late Finnish researcher and writer P.T. Kekkonen more accurately noted the change in the weather. Certainly one term or the other may apply in some cases, and both in others, sadly more common now.
But whether or not such distressed creatures should be allowed the full range of responsibilities as those of us in more complete command of our emotions and psyches seems unreasonable; certainly they should not be entrusted with public offices until they've been treated and hopefully cured. But it's clear that many of our public policies come from sources that are emotionally or mentally disabled or corrupt, and this would seem to be one common likely source.
I just refined the term a little and pointed out examples of where it's certainly applicable.
-archy-/-