It's not fire and brimstone - it's practicality.
I coined the term, "Massprudence," meaning exceeding the requirements of law, to avoid potential trouble for a reason.
As I noted, not all cops know the twists and re-twists of the law, and even being on the right side, you may get jammed up. It's a risk-reward sort of thing: getting jammed up at 20, over something like this, may royally screw you over when you apply due to suitability.
Now you're over 18, and entitled to make your own decisions. However, you came and asked for advice, and you got it, all AFAIK correct and prudent. That said, free advice is worth what it costs, and none of the posters, myself included, are lawyers. If you want a real answer, hire one of the fine folks that understand mass gun laws with a J.D. after their name, and act as you see fit, based on their info.
The chance of you needing a BP revolver for personal defense is less than the chance of getting pulled over. Getting pulled over with a cowboy gun on your hip will....likely get interesting. You have no legal requirement to tell John Law that you're packing (though if asked, don't lie), but a gun on your hip will be noticed.
You've got your answer, and, just for the record: by NES standards, this was NOT fire and brimstone!