Updated 4:34 p.m. ET

Mitt Romney framed the general election as a choice between his view of freedom and what he called President Obama's record of big government, as he tried today to win over wary members of the National Rifle Association.

The Obama campaign responded with a critique of Romney's record, calling it one of higher debt, fewer jobs and more taxes.

Romney, the likely GOP presidential nominee, pledged that he'll "stand up" for the rights of hunters and sportsmen and vowed not to create burdens for gun owners.

"If we are going to safeguard our Second Amendment, it is time to elect a president who will defend the rights President Obama ignores or minimizes," he said. "I will protect the Second Amendment rights of the American people."

Shortly after being introduced, Romney turned the podium over to his wife, Ann, who gave a shout-out to working moms and dads. There was an uproar yesterday after Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen said Ann Romney has "never worked a day in her life."

In his remarks, Mitt Romney discussed what he views as Obama's "attack" on a variety of freedoms, including those economic and pertaining specifically to gun owners and hunters.

He saluted House Oversight Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on the failed gun-trafficking investigation known as Operation Fast and Furious and hailed the NRA's call for the resignation of Attorney General Eric Holder.

"The right to bear arms is so plainly stated, so unambiguous, that liberals have a hard time challenging it directly," Romney said. "Instead, they've been employing every imaginable ploy to restrict it."

With an eye toward the general election, Romney explained the choice facing voters.

"This administration thinks our economy is struggling because the stimulus was too small. The truth is we're struggling because our government is too big," he said. "The answer for a weak economy is not more government. It is more freedom."

Lis Smith, a spokeswoman for the Obama campaign, said Romney's policies "would be disastrous for middle class and working families."

"Mitt Romney has embraced the failed policies that created the economic crisis: tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires and letting Wall Street write its own rules," she said.

On gun issues, Romney is viewed with some skepticism partly because of his record as Massachusetts governor and some of his previous comments about gun ownership.

In 1994, when Romney ran against Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy, the Republican said "I don't line up with the NRA." During his 2002 gubernatorial bid, Romney proclaimed: "We do have tough gun laws in Massachusetts. I support them. I won't chip away at them."

Gun-licensing fees quadrupled under Romney's tenure as governor, the Obama campaign noted.

Romney also drew snickers for a comment made during the 2008 presidential campaign that he's "not a big game hunter. I've always been, if you will, a rodent and rabbit hunter all right, small varmints if you will."

The NRA vowed it will be "all in" for the 2012 elections. The organization also played host today to Newt Gingrich, as well as former GOP presidential candidates Rick Santorum and Rick Perry, the Texas governor.