I’m just curious, has owning a gun ever actually protected you or is more of just a peace of mind

Both. I was once on a hunting trip with a fried and were leaving a motel early in the morning when two large indians approached the car on my friends side. They wanted a ride for a job, I asked which way they were going and I told them we were going the opposite way and at that moment I noticed one had a large long knife in his hand. They were getting closer to my friend so I laid my gun on top the car and repeated we were not going their way and that they should leave quickly. They did. My friend did not notice the knife but thanked me for doing so. My wife and I also had to show a gun when we were traveling when we had two rough looking guys approach the car asking for money and when we refused on grabbed the door handle on my wife's side and said they were going to cut us if we didn't give them money. Showing and pointing a gun at them changed their minds.
We have also had someone try to break into our house as we slept, but couldn't get in but I had a gun in my hand as I got out of bed and approached the door but they left before I got there.
So yes, a gun has helped in two instances, may have protected us in another. And yes, it does provide peace of mind. Today in some areas it is a necessary piece of protection.