If your state laws reflect that the people in your state take their rights to bear arms seriously then most people wouldn't go messing around with a group of people who they knew were more than likely armed, ready, and willing to defend themselves. They will want to be where there is more toleration of their behavior and people that cannot or will not defend themselves.
Likewise, on a larger scale, Yammamoto said:
“You cannot invade the mainland United States.
There would be a rifle behind every blade of grass.”
- Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
He was VERY reluctant to invade USA because we were gun friendly.
I do not think it would just apply to criminals because not everybody is a criminal before they commit a crime.
