[Ron Smith]

Steve, One of the reasons, I believe, is that the anti-gun crowd has promoted gun owners and collectors as being predominantly a bunch of racist militia types. As discribed in an editorial by a U of O proffessor in our local paper as, "knuckle dragging cavemen".
In my opinion, every time I see some "Dude" walking around in a gunshow wearing full camo. It promotes their assertion. And lends credence to it.
Bill Jordan , one of the greatest shooting sports Icons who ever lived, once wrote an article about the public perception of assault rifles.It was called "The Black Gun". He said that just the sight of an "assault rifle"is alarming to some unknowledgable people. Due to the evil context attributed to it by the rabid anti-gun crowd. His message was, own it if you want to, shoot it and enjoy it, but don't flaunt it. When you transport it. Don't drive around with it in your pick up gun rack .It sends the wrong message. Could you imagine driving around downtown Portland with a dead Deer drapped over the fender of your car? The Animal rights gang would have a field day. Basicly the same reaction.
Anyway, my point being that, what ignorant(as in uninformed. Not stupid.) people hear, is reinforced by what they see. The anti-gun agenda is to promote us as a bunch of Bubba, racist, militia, redneck morons. And we don't need to give the impression that they are right. Unfortunately, that element , can't quite get the idea. Don't show up dressed like you're prepared for Armageden. It validates their agenda.
Ron
BTW, Dillon of Dillon reloading equipment, viciously attacked Bill Jordan over this article. And accused him of being anti-gun. Bill Jordan? Anti-gun!? That's "tin foil in your hat" material.