text: Derick,
  
  You've actually made a most excellent argument for why many members of our society should indeed consider the acquisition of a powerful handgun, rifle or shotgun for self defense.  From your moniker I'm assuming you to be male.  If so, then you do realize that until the invention of reliable and easily portable firearms, your average young adult male of large body size could almost inevitably have his way (or "pleasure" if your mind works that way) with the average female or other lone male?
  
  The historical record does not support the notion that personal safety of women, the aged, or any marginalized group was arguably better just because guns weren't invented.  And I do not think our society today will see a net increase in personal safety if we chose to return to a time when brute strength ruled.
  
  I'll grant you that if we could magically uninvent all guns ever made, plus eliminate all human means of making more, and most important, eliminate all evil, it may lead to peace.