guns were relatively unregulated for most of our history, and only when shooting started to become a problem were they regulated. Furthermore, though there are extensive regulations on the possession and availability of guns, the problem seems to be getting worse, not better.

Now you're being disingenuous, Stim, or simply ignorant. Do check into the daily carnage, maiming and death from firearms of all types circa 1875 - 1915 in the good old U.S. of A., not only in the "Wild West" but in the major settled areas and cities as well.

There sure as hell WAS a problem. The laissez-faire government at the time just didn't want to deal with it.

Start here-
http://nycma.lunaimaging.com/luna/servlet/RECORDSPHOTOUNITARC~19~19