[briandear]

> What situation that could conceivably arise from a pandemic requires a [semiautomatic] rifle?

Rioting, looting, people breaking into your home, police “sick outs.”

See what happens if the electricity goes out or all stores are forced to close.

[marcus_holmes]

I've seen what happens when the electricity goes out and stores are forced to close - people are really nice to each other and help each other out whenever they can.

Let me put it another way: if you owned a gun, would "the electricity is out" be a reason to shoot someone?