The passion in the gun argument isn't because NRA members think they have a good tool or toy, like a level or golf club, as you state. Those are rather benign feelings of satisfaction, not passion.

The energy for the gun argument is the sense of power, competence, authority and ability to cope which is otherwise unavailable to that individual. An inability to deal with the world on equal terms, needing an advantage to be comfortable.

It's truly a sign of an inadequate personality made adequate, not the sense an accomplished workman gets from a fine tool. Some would call them pathetic.

By the way, pure hunters aren't behind the gun passions, either. They would regard a gun as a tool.