The perception that guns are in and of themselves dangerous is a myth that has been promoted by certain people and groups/agencies with an agenda.
When accidents happen with a gun, an honest review of the situation and the events leading up to that accident have shown that the accident was totally preventable. Someone did not follow the safety rules. Sure we have safety rules with guns. We also have safety rules concerning the handling of gasoline, cars, electricity, swimming pools, and so many other common ordinary things that are all based on common sense for handling and using those things.
1. Treat every gun as if it was loaded.
2. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
common sense.
In fact, it is not the gun, no matter how simple or sophisticated that weapon may be, that is dangerous. I have weapons around my house and person all the time which are loaded. None of them have ever discharged "by accident". A loaded and cocked weapon on a table or in a holster is not any more dangerous than any other inanimate object.
The mere fact that something can cause substantial harm does not make it dangerous. A steak knife, a can of gasoline, a box of matches, a shovel, a baseball bat, or a car, are all very useful inanimate objects which can also cause great harm if used improperly. And in the hands of a mentally deranged person, or simply a person who is mad and has little self control, any of those items can become just as deadly as a gun. The only danger arises when that object, no matter what it is, is in the hands of a person intent on using it in a manner that would make it dangerous.
Being at an event where they are shooting guns all day long might make you a bit uncomfortable, and I appreciate that and would not impose that on you..... but for me, and many others, we see no danger in being around guns and enjoying that sort of activity. Single shot, semi-auto, or even full auto..... Heck... I went shooting Saturday with a friend who rarely shoots, and we both had a great time..... punching holes in paper, busting bottles filled with water, and during the time we were engaged in this shooting, we both followed the safety rules to the letter, and had a great time.