You know, I used to think alot like you. Then I sat down and thought about it.
It could be too late now but if guns had never been sold to civilians then the only channels to get guns from would have been through the government.
Thus petty criminals would have a verry hard time finding someone to buy a gun from since they would all be owned by the Government.
But I really think gun sales should be restricted to handguns/Rifles with subsonic ammunition, and 15 round mags max. I know how fun it is too go out and unload 30 rounds into dirt and targets, but because of crazy people those may as well be people.