Well, as adults that can make their own decision, that would be up to them, of course.

Hopefully this isn't too political, but I will try and answer your question.

Part of self-reliance is the ability to make your environment safe. This is why you learn first-aid, CPR, how to use a fire extinguisher, how to properly use a knife, etc.

In the United States, there are more firearms then people. This trend shows no signs of stopping any time in the near future.

Statistically speaking, in a group that focuses on outdoor activities and self-reliance, there will be multiple gun owners. Some will probably have concealed weapons permits.

Taking a gun into the wilderness is a sensible precaution. There are any number of dangerous critters, especially the ones with rabies.

While in the backcountry, you will also run into other people that are armed.

Our hypothetical non-gun-person is therefore going to be around guns.

Guns are dangerous.

Not knowing how to safely handle a gun makes non-gun people potentially dangerous to both themselves, and other people.

The responsible thing is therefore to learn how to safely handle a weapon, including how to unload and clear it.

They don't need to ever buy one, own one, or even like guns.

But knowing gun safety is right up there with knowing CPR.

You don't learn CPR by reading a book. You do it by practicing in a controlled environment.

Same for gun safety.