Ask Lemmygrad

Guns are a means of exerting political will, where willing negotiation fails. As communists are generally operating under very hostile political circumstances, pacifistic talking it out isn't going to liberate the masses.

This is in no way unique to communists though. The exploiting classes shamelessly use guns and other weapons to ensure a formation of society that allows them to exploit others. And any group in history that doesn't employ force in one form or another is not going to last through invasion or internal splits. Force itself is not shameful or wicked, but the use of it very much can be.

That said, if a self-described communist were to come to a meeting of communists and be like, "Hello, my fellow commies, how many guns have you bought at the local gun store today?" They would probably be suspected of being a fed. So principle is one thing, practice is another. Take into account the conditions you're working within and what that means for strategy.

Move like confrontation is going to have to happen eventually, but don't martyr yourself / escalate needlessly cause you want to be a hero. Resources are finite and people are precious. Don't get tripped up by the imperial view of people being expendable, or the liberal view of ideological fervency being stronger than the sword.