[super7man]

Pedantic. Deterrence only works if the threat is viable; handguns & ICBMs are only a deterrent if the would-be deteree believes the tool actually designed & capable of inflicting great harm. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that some guns are, in fact, designed & owned for the ultimate purpose (even if never used) to kill people

Well said. Needs repeating. And in some circumstances, killing someone is the right thing to do and a gun is often the best means.

[marktwain]

All true, but it is only a partial answer to the disarmist argument.