It is abundantly clear that the majority US doesn’t want that
I disagree with you here. In part because humans have a natural sense of self preservation and this is counter to that.
I actually think it’s far simpler; I think the divide between the ruling class (politicians) and the working class (those that have to work to live) has grown too far. People are tired of feeling like they are not being represented or listened to and feel pushed to extreme action.
The ultra-wealthy benefit from the current system and use their means to keep the working class fighting against each other and the ruling class distracted from their actual constituents.
I think the best route for anybody looking to buy right now is an SKS. They’re still, relatively, inexpensive, 7.62mmx39mm is a good intermediate cartridge and ammo is still, again relatively, inexpensive.
I with you on this. I got rid of my AK back around the time Sandy Hook happened because it made me sick to my stomach to look at it but I didn’t get rid of all my firearms because I’m a believer in having one and not needing it rather than needing one and not having it. Now I’m looking to add a long gun to my collection and I’m considering something like the SKS or other 5-10 round semi-automatic in an intermediate or full powered cartridge because I didn’t figure on potentially needing something for armored targets.