Reply #374: It does make some sense, actually

[Euromutt]

We authorize law enforcement agencies to possess and use firearms because their job may involve confronting offenders who are prepared to threaten or use lethal force to get what they want (e.g. the contents of a bank), or avoid what they don't want (e.g. being arrested), and police need means to overcome this unlawful lethal force. At present, firearms are the most effective existing means to that end.

But these offenders don't prey on police; they prey on private citizens. Thus, private citizens may find themselves victims of the threat or use of unlawful lethal force, and if the police need guns to overcome this kind of force (in spite of superior numbers and better organization than the offenders), it follows that private citizens do as well. It seems only fair, therefore, to allow private citizens to arm themselves if they so choose to be able to protect themselves.