I don't live in the U.S.. I can see how you'd get that idea, but I live somewhere that most people do not associate with gun ownership, despite us having the highest per capita after the U.S., active warzones, and Switzerland.
Their controls are kinda the opposite of ours. Things get laxer the bigger the gun here, generally speaking.
As an example, I can't shoot grouse with a .22 pistol, but I can do it with a Carl Gustav recoiless rifle. I can't own a compact pistol, but I can drive a tank around as a commuter car. That gun I'm working on now can't be carried on the street, but I could walk around quite legally with an RPG-7. I can't take an AR-15 hunting, but I can bring a 20mm Lahti semi auto. It's a little odd.
EDIT: One just like it could be yours, RD. Not counting the labour, there's maybe $700 (US) worth of gun there, with maybe another $500 in parts, most of which is for the stupid sights.