A quick $.02 here on the government arming the populace. During the second world war, as U-boats cruised just off the east coast of the US, my grandfather was tasked by the Civil Defense authorities to keep the Axis powers out of New Bedford (MA) harbor. The weapons they provided him to guard against this somewhat realistic threat were a billy club and a flashlight! (My family still has both). Even then, guns were not an option.

Chris