Jehovah witnesses and guns...?

So I am a JW and have been one since childhood. I go out in service, I am active in my congregation, well liked and well know publisher, I am NOT baptized (do not feel that is something one should 'rush' into until one is 100% prepared, like marriage, and I am still in college and it is demanding). My question is this; my family has always sport shot (guns and bows) and we all own firearm for home protection. I had always heard at meetings and in the literature that sport shooting and owning a firearm for protection was a 'gray' area to be left to your own conscience. Recently I was returning from the range and ran into Sister Knowitall who now has the whole congregation think I am some political mercenary/serial killer. Did I miss something in a magazine or a directive from the Governing Body on this issue? Please don't quote me a bunch of 'swords into plow shears" and "Live by the sword die by the sword" scriptures to me, as I said I am not a novice. I am not a killer, I shoot for sport and have guns in my home STRICTLY for self defense as I have a family. I trust in Jehovah, but I feel no guilt or personal conflict over this. Jehovah helps those who help themselves and we are not a religion that believes in martyrdom. What I am asking for is a link to an Awake/WT article that states that this is no longer a gray area left to personal conscience. Thanks bunches.