The respect referred to in OP opening statement, in my opinion, requires clarification. It does seem odd to respect someone, as OP implies, simply because they own a firearm. That said, I have personally witnessed rude and childish behavior being exhibited by firearm owners both with and without a weapon in their immediate possession. Therefore, and as a firearm owner, I will offer that simply owning a firearm does not inherently heap respect upon the owner (or the holder of such). Rather, respect is something that is earned, hopefully not at the point of a gun. Finally, no, it is not that difficult to own a firearm legally in the US. Obtaining a fully automatic weapon is still possible but can be very expensive.