And you are both right.
When registration, 'genuine need', permit to acquire, etc, etc were introduced, half of the licenses shooters in my state did not renew their licenses. It was too difficult and they had other interests.
The half that did keep their licenses stuck at it, even when more difficulties were added by the bureaucrats. Those are the ones who will not give up personal firearms ownership.
Then there are the tiny minority who became politically active and active in the administration of clubs, training, organized hunts and shooting competitions; not to keep their own guns but to ensure the ability to own firearms would be available for the next generation. We have had some successes.
If I could reach through this series of intertubes and bang your heads together I would. You are on the same side!