I think what we need is a National Firearms Awareness Day.
On this day, ALL legitimate gun owners will carry a gun for the day, in public, as they go about their normal business. All legal, as they'd be in slips, and "good reason" would be provided by virtue of the fact that they'd be taking part in an organised activity (i.e., NFAD). Rifle bolts, ammunition etc would be left at home, just to be on the safe side!
There's a public perception that all privately held firearms are owned by either "toffs" or "thugs", neither of whom rank particularly highly in the popularity stakes. On NFAD Joe public (and the media) might be surprised to find that the average gun owner is just another bloke on the street, just like himself.
Anyone care to set a date?
I think I'll write to BASC with my suggestion.