Because, if you hadn't meant your comment as an insult or in a derogatory manner you would have referred to gun owners as just that, not "gun lovers". Words mean things as we have all learned.

And, FWIW, I am a gun owner and former California law enforcement officer. While I might carry a firearm while riding and see carry/not carry as a valid topic of conversation, I sure as hell wouldn't advertise what I'm carrying on a public forum. That's for me to know.