I can think of a few hams that Barney would be a better model than...
As to guns, as with almost all aspects of life, there are going to be issues and problems. The solution is not to hide guns from kids. It's not to glamorize the gun culture. Or especially the 'gangsta' culture with demanding respect for those that are least deserving of it. Instead, teach kids about guns the right way. Show them they can be just as dangerous as Dads radial arm saw if not operated correctly. Show them that guns are nothing more than a tool except with a long reach.
Take away the mystique. Show them the right way and safely.
Don't let kids be infected with hoplophobia that is prevalent in a lot of adults, but don't let them go the other extreme either.
My stepson was 'guns guns guns' at a young age. I took him to the range and he fired just about everything. He quickly decided guns were no big deal, and the only thing he was even slightly interested in was clay pidgeons.
Like I said, take away the mystique, and teach them the right way, and safely.
Oh, my other two kids shoot. My daughter loves shooting target with her pistol. My son shoots everything, he's in the Marines. But he plunked down serious scratch for a Benelli double barrel shotgun. I guess he gets the rest of his shooting fix from all the USMC toys.
Oh, and it goes without saying, as someone already said, be aware off local laws. Some don't make sense, but they are still the law!