I don't want to get into a p!ssing match but 54,000 is close to 0.6% of the estimated gun owners in the USA.
As far as dollars spent, 1/3 of mine were purchased privately, no paperwork. I know I am not alone, at least amongst the people I know/shoot with.
Given that, and the fact that I sure as heck would not volunteer info to any random person "polling me" (and neither would most I know), I don't give this any credence.
I have (what we call in GA) a weapons license that allows me to carry concealed, so I am on record.
You said discussion. That's just my contribution to the discussion.