Such a missed opportunity here.
The opportunity is to inform someone who is anti-NRA and presumably anti-gun (for others) about reality. That would involve some minor Q&A and a lot of discussion about legalities, responsibilities and such things like permits.
Remember, one of the biggest propaganda hurdles pro-rights supporters like us face is the lie that guns are "easily available," as if there are no serious restrictions on purchasing or owning a gun. This is a good opportunity to open someone's eyes. With them being better informed and also being "accepted" by other anti-gun advocates they are in a better position to speak up when they see or hear the B.S. in the media.
I had a similar encounter here in the Lost Republic of California not too long ago. What he really wanted was "a small gun" because he wanted to "scare them off, not kill them"
and that he didn't want friends or family to know.
I walked him through the purchase requirements here in CA and he was unhappy he would have to go to a gun dealer twice to acquire his gun. He was also annoyed that he'd end up forking over an extra $50 in various fees or taxes, plus sales tax. Then we talked about the "extras" he'd need - like ammo, cleaning kit, transport case, something to lock it up at home while he's away. Then it was the discussion of responsibilities and legal pitfalls. Things like not shooting until someone was inside the home; being responsible for the damages caused by every round fired; theft security; limits on transporting a gun.. and on and on.
I was gratified when he blurted out "It sounds so complicated! So even if I shoot someone inside my home I might go to jail?" When I said it always possible if there was anything odd about the circumstances, his response was "But... that's
absurd!" I had to then tell him that it
is absurd, but it was a result of attitudes like his and his friends that these laws were created. After initial denial and then realizing he had supported "tighter restrictions" he understood he was part of the problem.
In the end, I told him he'd be better off with a Taser or stun gun, given his insistence that he didn't want to "kill someone". I suggested keeping a small can of pepper spray handy as a delaying tactic too. When he left, he had a much better appreciation of the complex legal framework in which gun owners have to live.