Can I ask, what is the difference between a copper walking around with his or her sidearm in public, to me locking my shotgun and rifle away in a safe, having them registered and sighted, and transporting them in a safe and legal manner to and from the areas in which I hunt/sport shoot legally?
I mean, both of us are licensed to carry and have passed the relevant background checks. Both of us are carrying for a specific purpose. Both of us (and let's not go into the 'who's more likely' debate here) are able to use our firearms for unlawful purposes whenever we choose. Why does Joe Public have a problem with me owning and using firearms in the legal, safe manner for which I purchased them, but can accept that another person wearing a uniform with an insignia on it can carry in the street?