Sounds as if you and I were both brought up by common sense parents who wanted us to grow up as responsible citizens. I rode my bike (Schwinn also)or skated to and from school every day.
It used to be my job to clean the guns when we came home from hunting. Still love the smell of gunpowder.....in fact it’s my favorite perfume! Still hunt whenever the chance presents itself, and shoot trap.....and my pistol. Got my CCP too.
I’m in Southern CA. When I was in my 20’s, I used to have a Big Badass Ford 4x4 (with big fat Tires and everything) and I always had a couple of Rifles in the Gun Rack in case I felt like running up to the Angeles National Forest to go Shooting. Back then in the 70’s, nobody batted an eye.
My FRiend, the Freedoms we enjoyed in our Youth are now lost to the ages with the Blessing of our fellow Citizens.
I never thought I would see the day, but here we are.
BTW - The only way I can get a Concealed Carry license is if our esteemed Senator Diane Feinstein Adopts me. LOL