Gun laws vary by state, and can even vary by city. In New Mexico, where I live, anyone can buy a gun and take it home the same day if they pass a very simple screening. The screening is just a list of people who have felony convictions or other violent crimes. If your record is clear, you go home with a gun.
You can keep a gun in your house, and because we have extended domain laws, you can keep a gun in your car (which is considered an extension of your house). You can transport firearms from place to place in a reasonable manner, meaning that you can carry a gun to and from your car and at the firing range and heck, even in the mall if there is a gun store. If it's not in a case, the cops may hassle you about it, but it's not illegal.
In most townships and city limits, you may not carry a concealed firearm without a special license. Also, in most cities and towns wearing a firearm openly can be considered 'brandishing' and can be a criminal offense. This means that no one gets to carry a gun around on the streets unless they have a license. In New Mexico, the concealed carry license requires a two day safety class, a proficiency test, and about three months of applications and flaming hoops to jump through. But, if you're patient, it's not hard to get one. My wife and I are both going through that process.
So, gun ownership is fairly easy and common. Carrying guns on a daily basis is much rarer, though not unheard of.