You have chosen wisley
While in college, I too defended our right to bear arms in speeches and papers. While doing so, I found that taking on gun control as a whole is very problematic. First there are so many angles and points, that to effectively argue your point would require the writing of a good sized novel. Your best bet is to argue your point, as you so astutely hinted, from the self defense point. You are wise to do so because it is the way that is easiest for you to argue, and hardest for your opponents to argue against. I mean, who would argue that you do not have a right to defend your self. I would start with the FBI’s web site. You can find violent crime rates by state there, and because it is the FBI, no one can say that the stats are biased. I have some good info at home (I’m at work right now) that I’ll send you or the link to.
Just remember to explain the point that guns level the playing field. They enable physically weaker people to defend themselves from physically stronger predators. A 110Lb woman should not have to fistfight with a 250lb rapist, nor should a man in a wheelchair from that same size person, nor should you or I.
I’ll get back to you with some good info. If I can find any of my old papers I’ll email them too so you can get some ideas, just no plagiarizing.