Roadtrip, guns, and photography

The primary purpose of my trip is for my photography. (When a lot of people hear "photography", they automatically jump to suggesting "pretty scenery" and stuff like that. While I wouldn't be opposed to seeing stuff like that on my trip, it's not the primary focus.) The primary project for this trip will be the documentation of gun culture in the US. I'm purposefully casting a wide net that might include topics like hunting, guns for protection, historical stuff, anti-gun stuff, gun clubs, gun collections, &c. (nowhere near an exhaustive list).

This will be a 3-4 month low-budget trip. I'll be going alone for the majority of the trip, and I don't have a set route at the moment; though, I do have a number of places on my list.

I've been doing a lot of research and lurking on this subreddit. I'd really appreciate any suggestions from this community on where to go. I'm hoping to visit smaller towns, but I'm certainly not opposed to visiting bigger cities. Additionally, if anyone from this community is interested in helping me with this (allowing me to photograph them with their guns, allowing me to accompany them on a trip hunting or to the range, &c), please PM me. Half the battle with this project is having people feel comfortable enough to have some random photographer take pictures of them, their belongings, &c.

TL;DR I'm a photographer documenting gun culture in the US. Where should I go? Anyone interested in helping me/being a part of this project?