No, I absolutely think we should restrict guns. I apologize if that didn't come across that way. I just think it needs to be done, full stop, without concessions. "This person can have one, that person can have one". I don't think that works.
Ultimately, though, I think Brissyred's got to the heart of the matter: It's just that they don't have the will [to make gun registration/control/restrictions work].
I don't understand it, I really don't. But my American spouse tells me it's because I'm not American and I didn't grow up in a culture that reveres guns. I often visit the in-laws in Oklahoma, and can genuinely admit I am often, if not fearful for my life, certainly always on edge. Open carry! I mean, jesus. Why??
There does seem to be a cultural difference. My girlfriend's family has guns (for outdoor ranges), and they are locked up in a safe in the arse-end of the house for 364 days of the year. There's no dick-waving, no posturing, the guns are just treated, in the emotional sense, like upjumped tennis rackets. And, critically, if the guns they have were banned tomorrow, they'd have no problem with giving up their day at the range to stay on the right side of the law ("damn, we'll have to buy a caravan again").
I agree too that the sort of guns they have (at most 2 shots before a laborious reload, dubious range and accuracy) are not the problem. On the other hand, there's no sane reason at all to allow people to own handguns and assault rifles. It's only that, personally, I cannot muster the energy to make a nuanced case for sporting guns to remain relatively accessible. So I'll happily take the "no guns for anyone" stance.
Disclaimer: I've lived in Hong Kong and the UK, places (especially the former) where guns just don't really
happen.