I have guns and so do many of my family members.
To answer your question, guns are important not just for self defense but also to fulfill what the constitutional 2nd amendment states is that it is a right which everyone should exercise. I don't hunt, I'm a hobbyist, a collector, a marksman, and I enjoy teaching others about firearms. I am opposed to restrictions.
In nations that have exercised gun control, it has failed miserably, and in many cases those nations were considerably safer when they were allowed firearm ownership before they banned them. Perfect example would be Mexico or South Africa where firearm ownership was made so rediculously strict it didn't curb any of the violence, it just gave violent criminals a safer working environment to know that the law abiding were disarmed.
In the US when I lived in Chicago, handguns were outlawed but yet it was rediculously violent for a long time back in the 90's and even today outside of the tourist loop areas, if you go to certain areas of the south side like austin, englewood, or hyde park, it's not safe at all!