Hi Herk thank your for explaining.
I think the kind of guns for sale in the US are only available for government services in most of the world. Regardless of the technical details.
I think the US has developed a unique gun culture over the last 50 yrs. Tourist get into the shops to amaze themselves. Locals are raised with it (yes movies too) and simply know it's a part of live, a right, you should have one, defend yourself. And play with it (practice).
The resulting number firearm-related deaths is truly astonishing compared to other civilized countries. More then 20 as much as UK, 10 times as Australia, 5 times as Canada.. And the reason behind it is totally clear, to the rest of the world..
List of countries by firearm-related death rate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
We have something similar in the Netherlands, though less violent. Nobody wears helmets cycling in our busy cramped old cities. Research shows we should. Scores get killed / wounded, kids eldery, everyone knows. Helmets make a big difference. Campaigns to have people buy them, even giving them all fail. Its simply not done. Only foreigners wear helmets. Why? don't ask, w'll confuse, mislead, misinform you, change the subject, mix in irrelevant comparisons..