I'm from the UK and am serisouly interested. if you cant be arsed engaing no problem.
Chaos
Honestly, firstly I got locked up for firearms. Or rather shooting someone. It was in response to someone doing the same to my brother. Both actions ruined many many lives. Generationally ruined lives and families. I have seen first hand the damage they do and how they escalate stuff far too quickly, I don't think a civilised society should have this as an option. I also think its an easy option. If people had to fight to sort stuff out there would be nowhere near the deaths there are with guns. I now value human life preiously I disregarded it.
Couple of things I am curious about.
1) Did both parties in your situation 'legally' own those guns? (No judgement brother....just wondering)
2) While I agree things escalate quickly (ad yes often times its a quick option)...whats to stop someone from using other things as weapons to harm another person in a fit of anger? Running them over with a car...stabbing them....using a bat.....getting buddies to jump the other person and beat them to death? Have people been de-sensitized to the ramifications of guns? I think yes. After getting my license and owning one, I actually look at them differently. I know possess something that can do real damage. I respect it more than I did before (if that makes sense)
3) A 'civilized' society has nothing to do with it. All that means is that we have organized governments, social norms, and a focus on its citizens. When you take a step back you could argue that we DON'T have a civilized society. Just look at the amount of arguments there are now about social norms.
4) Can't you value life even more if you have a gun? Look at what happens to (most) people when they have children. They suddenly look at their lives (and the childs life) and realize how fleeting things are. How they have to change.