Guns have a use and when used properly are no problem to anyone. Even in the UK, you can apply for a permit for a firearm if you can you prove have a reasonable use for it, mostly sports shooting, pest control or re-enactment purposes.

I can't say I agree with the stereotype of every American having half a dozen revolvers by the bed and a crate of M16's in the garage (yes, stereotype, I know it's not the case... always :P ) but then the UK is a different climate. We banned guns a long time ago so gun crime is much lower, I worry more about someone with a knife these days!

The golden rule as always, don't be a dick with it or you won't have it, and it looks like you have your head firmly screwed on :)