I have conflicting views on felons using guns, even for self defense.
To start with, many post-release felons are very aware of the value of having a gun to protect themselves, and will make the extra effort to go before a judge to have that right restored. And it is likewise very common for judges to permit this.
However, the restoration of this right needs judgment. There are many violent, repeat offenders for whom a gun and gun violence is an essential part of their preferred criminal activity. Having a gun may also be essential to their maintaining their criminal associations, or even their “territory”, in the case of street mobs.
Others know that violent retribution likely waits for their release from prison, and knowing that they cannot even use a gun for self defense after release would make them far more cooperative with the authorities in preventing the future crime against them.
Finally, there is the argument of the “situation of self defense”. The laws concerning self defense is predicated on a “normal” citizen being confronted with unexpected aggression and violence; not on someone “looking for a fight”, who finds one that escalates beyond what they wanted. However, all too often, the latter case is the reality.
And with felons, especially those with aggression problems, which is common, only by keeping them disarmed is their aggression undermined. Again, a case for judgment, because while such aggression is borderline to mental illness, it is not typically seen as being mentally ill “enough” to deny a non-felon a gun.
Which of course also brings to light the sad fact that many felons are mentally ill, even if undiagnosed as such, and cannot even determine correctly if they are in a self defense situation.
Put it all together I would have to say, don’t make the use of a gun by a felon for self defense automatic. Let a judge have their say, first.
I understand about gang bangers going back to the same gang when they get out of jail and I would make an exception for that. I saw a 48 Hours show where an ex-felon was dragged out of a barber shop by two thugs who were going to kill him (yes, he was still hanging in the part of town where he always did). Luckily for him he was carrying and shot and killed one thug and injured the other. But the police STILL arrested him and charged him with illegally possessing a fire arm.
Each case should stand on its own merits, but as a rule, EVERYONE has a right to self defense.