Shadowrun Setting: An Armed Society? Options

[Paul]

Not to pick on any one user but this caught my attention:

Doesn't the world of SR4A have a flavor text stating that EVERYONE carries some sort of firearm for protection? If so, then it's not surprising if people started making their weapons like accessories & matching some pieces with some clothes/shoes. Easy to see a corp bunny with a pink, blinged out Colt L36 that perfectly matches her shoes for that night out at Cub Penumbra.

Now this sticks in my craw for a few reasons. So I want to open up a discussion on how everyone sees the game world and just how armed it really is, and when.

So for my own view point-which is similar to the post above-but with some differences. I think it wouldn't be uncommon to be armed outside of corporate enclaves and government strongholds. Despite the flavor text-in one of the rare few cases I have a major disagreement with the "Fluff" as it were-I see no reason why anyone would allow anything heavier than what we currently see in society now a days. Obviously because of the fracturing of society as we know it, and the balkanization of both governments and corporations (Something I think gets way over played at some points. Yes they'd be adversarial but just like today it's better to reign in hell than let someone else in on the game. Some cooperation would exist-even if it was twisted, and oft times self serving.)

So while I think it wouldn't be uncommon for the average SINner to own a small arm, or even a fancy knife or ceremonial sword-I doubt too much they'd be allowed to walk around willy nilly showing off their hardware in areas where organized society and law enforcement exist. And despite the seemingly easy going atmosphere in most Shadowrun authors fictional portrayal of the world booze and weapons don't mix. Even in poorer areas I suspect there would be a heavy stigma against, if not an out right ban on brandishing weaponry in a nightclub or other establishment.

Now I'm sure someone will throw the barrens in my face. And I agree to every rule there are exceptions. but say you're running a bar, even in the barrens and a bunch of cats keep showing up with automatic weapons, and pounding brews while they plot felonies they'd like to commit. Why do you stay in business? what's to stop them from taking your business? Killing you? I'm sure the more enterprising of you will say-well I'd fight! I'd hire muscle! And BHAM! we enter the never ending cycle of war right?

In the end for my dollar Shadowrun is a dangerous world, and a world where automatic weapons are more easily acquired. But its' not one where you walk around brandishing your arms like a knight one horse in a medieval village.

But every table is different. What are your views?