I've never seen a pro-civil liberties, or pro self-defense person get loud and abusive making their point; but I've seen plenty on the other side.
When I'm having a real conversation with a person who is unfamiliar with the major parts of this issue; I like to ask them where they would draw the line on who should or should not be able to own a gun. I ask them if they think a law enforcement officer should be allowed to own a gun. Then I slowly work down a list; how about retired LEO's? How about judges? Attorneys? Politicians that have been threatened? Airplane pilots? Armored car personnel? Military? How about the Sheriff who is an elected politician? What about the principle of the school your children attend? What about people who are competitive shooters? What about civilians that teach the police how to shoot? What about accountants? How about CEO's of companies, or business owners that make cash deposits. I try to get an idea of where they would draw the line.