Up until around 60 years ago, the average citizen had more firepower than a typical infantryman.
During the Revolutionary War, soldiers were equipped with smooth bore muskets, while many households had rifled muskets. During the late 1800s, soldiers were issued rifled muskets, but civilians could buy lever action repeaters from Sears. During the early 20th century, soldiers were equipped with bolt action rifles but anyone could by semi automatic rifles like the BAR or even full autos like the Thompson. Only when soldiers were equipped with the M-16 did firepower swing in favor of the soldier.