And one big reason given by conservatives is that the second amendment gives them the right to bear arms to protect them from the tyranny of the government.
Now...just a wee bit off topic here - but have you read about Sandra Bland? You know, the black woman who was ordered (yanked) out of her car with a tazer pointed at her head because she refused to comply with the officers order to put out her cigarette she was smoking in her private property? Can I ask you - do you believe it could have all been avoided if she had just listened to the cop (government) and did whatever he told her? Or did you view that as kind of a tyrannical action by the government (cop)? Nevermind - I'll bet I already know the answer to that one. Why are gun nuts so pro tyranny?