Do you honestly believe that a small calibre pistol will do the same damage as an automatic weapon chambered for 7.62x39mm? Unless, of course, by that you meant getting a pistol chambered for .50AE, which, frankly, is not a weapon for self-defence, but for removing limbs. Pistols are used for self-defence partly because the majority of them don't deal as much damage as assault rifles. And blame your constitution for giving people the right to bear arms. Some reason like fighting tyranny is what is given, I believe. Ok, i agree that kids shouldn't be able to get guns as easily as they do now, but if someone comes into your house with the intent of killing you, are you really gonna say "Hey, can you wait till i call the cops before you doing anything to harm us, but then also wait till they come?" I doubt they will say yes. Guns are only meant to be used in self defense, although some people obviously use them for some stupid reasons, like gangs and other stuff, but i think we should have them. There will always be someone who may try to hurt you if you do/say something wrong.