See I agree with a lot of what you've said. On the one hand ...... on the other ...... police in this country used to carry 38spl revolvers with a 6 shot capacity. Back in the days when we didn't lock the doors to our house or car , and kids could go trick or treat alone and eat the candy they got from their neighbors.

About 20 years ago swat teams became a part of police forces along with the increased firepower of glock semis and ARs. This was in response to drug gangs and gang bangers having increased their firepower.

I would gladly give up my semi autos if I knew the criminal element didn't have the firepower they have.

BTW, the afore mentioned Charles Whitman climbed up that tower in Texas and killed & wounded a whole lot of people with a bolt action rifle and a pump shotgun.