They solve few problems well. They exacerbate a great many and even create a few of their own.

At a very low-level of practicality for civil unrest and a kakistocracy run amok, a man with a gun is on average less than useless. A well trained militia, a community who are disciplined, trained and organized with competent leadership, people with guns start to have a purpose. The kicker is a community of trained and organized people with competent leadership are almost as effective without guns with a little ingenuity.