Exposure to the realities of rural life (even faux-rural) can be an important turning point in individual attitudes toward guns. I would not ridicule someone for asking questions that are an important part of this process.
The greater isloation of rural life places homeowners further from neighbors and emergency services and naturally leads folks to consider greater self-reliance. With respect to home security, this often leads to a friendlier attitude toward guns.
The predators, nuisance animals, and hunting opportunities naturally lead toward a greater appreciation of firearms for their usefulness in these areas.
I moved to a rural area a bit over a decade ago and became a farmer. I went from an east-coast, well educated, Massachusetts mindset toward guns to having a full appreciation for the second amendment and a certifiable redneck. I also own a profitable farm business and I am somewhat of a poster-child for successful farming in the area, with articles about my business in the farming publications as well as the front page of the business section of the paper in nearby major metro area.
Michael Courtney