In the United States just after WWII, and before massive immigration by urban peoples, 90% of Americans had a gun of some kind in the house. This is because, no matter how well-meaning, no matter how dedicated, the police will not be able to protect you if you need them. A crime of violence takes only minutes to accomplish. The police will not be there in time. Even if you are able to call before the criminal gets to you, help will not arrive in time to do you any good. It will, however, arrive in time to write a very good report on what happened to you.
Damn straight. Where I live, it can be upwards of an hour for state police to respond, and that's if they're not handling another situation. Best not wait.