This America has been “suburbanized” and conditioned (Think housewives and grey flannel suits)to be afraid of anyone armed, with the exception of police.
They probably don't own a gun nor know anyone who does. In their America, only criminals and rednecks are packing.
It's a visual viewpoint not necessary a political one.
I don't agree but alot do...
Which is why we aim to gain some of that back.
.22? Several of my high school classmates and I road down a main arterial street, in the state's second largest city (then about 125,000, now more like 175,000, IIRC) , if a somewhat older part of it, with 12 and 20 gauge shotguns accross the handlebars of our bicycles. We were on our way to do a little pheasant hunting, just outside of town. No one even tooted their horn at us. :)
Some years earlier I was talked to by a police officer on foot patrol in our little business district. He wanted to know where I was going with that BB gun, and what I planned to do with it. I told him I was headed to my Great Uncle's place just accross the highway, which I was. He said, fine, be careful, and have fun.
You live in a different state/county than I do, for sure.
Obviously America (at least the part you’re referring to) needs to change its conditioning.