The Black Panthers marched on the California Capital openly carrying rifles, shot guns, and pistols in 1967. 50 years ago. The mainstream freaked. The legislature passed, and Reagan signed, the Mulford Act/Panther Act restricting open carry. It was supported by many elements, including the NRA.
I would suggest than much of the old school gun control was motivated in part by keeping weapons out of the hands of certain demographics.
The event made the Black Panthers. It brought them nationwide attention, gave them a real voice, and brought in a bunch of new recruits. Now, it did not end well for the Panthers. But, the end of the Panthers as real players on the national stage in the early 70's did not end the gun control efforts.
As my father preached to me for years, discretion is the better part of valor. "Fatty and Snowboots" would do well to heed this advice, or their stupid antics could potentially F this up for many gun owners.