See a "gun", freak out.

We're halfway down a dangerous road. We're at a point where when someone sees a gun, or even something that they think is a gun, they call the cops. Not only does officer friendly come to see what the estranged citizen is all upset about, but you can expect something more along the lines of an "armed response unit."

You can see how this becomes a self-perpetuating problem.

1. Someone who is gun-ignorant (gunorant?) and not used to seeing guns, sees a gun.
2. They follow the media prescribed protocol by freaking out and calling 911 for "help".
3. The cops have to go with what they've been told (consider the source), and often respond in a more-than-sufficient manner (overkill?).
4. The lawful gun owner/user perpetrator goes through all kinds of hassle over nothing.
5. He takes note and is more careful to hide his hobby so as not to alarm the alarmists.
6. Less people are exposed to the hobby.
7. More people are gunorant.
8. Repeat.

It seems to me that there are only two possible outcomes to this kind of cycle. First, if we let it continue, it will end with the prohibition of civilian ownership of firearms, firearm "replicas", paintball guns, BB-guns, et al.

The only other option is to break the cycle by reversing the gun owner's reaction in step 5. We, as responsible gun owner/operators, must take it upon ourselves to in effect market our hobby. If we fail to show the world that the shooting sports and self-defense are indeed commonplace among normal, law-abiding citizens, we will be exterminated (at least they'll try).

So, take it upon yourself to make a convert this month. Take someone out shooting who's never been. Make it your mission to make guns a cultural norm once again.