For what it’s worth, I was raised a Quaker and I remain a conscientious objector to war, and I own a rifle. Like you, I figure if I was worried about home defense I’d get a big dog, or more likely, I’d just move. But rifles don’t expire, nor does ammunition on any reasonable time scale, so having one as part of a small “preparation” investment including food, water, shelter, and medical supplies is not a bad idea. As I say, it’s not like you have to use it.