I agree with your ideas about rural vs urban mindsets, but your proposed solution leaves the biggest issue unaddressed. I live in a small, semi rural community where lots of eepeople hunt. I am all for it, as it helps the hunters as well as the animals they take. Some people here also have handguns for home defense.
The issue is assault style weapons.
Nobody in any non-combat situation needs them they have to banned if we want to keep our kids and teachers safe.