THIS is why we have GUNS !
 

this is why we have guns
 

Yella,
The gun is the only readily available tool that most elderly people can use to make the field level when criminals are intent on harming them. In this case, it probably made the difference between living and dying for the homeowner, because these criminals, by bringing guns with them didn't intend to just steal property and leave.
I would bet had the criminals known in advance that this homeowner wouldn't go down without a fight, they would have gone to another house.
I would also bet, that the criminals in this case, didn't have a firearms liscense. And probably didn't buy their guns legally.

dgh