Don't Play People for A Fool
I thought the insects were already banging on her daughters door... sure a rifle and bullets will make the journey saver... but isn't it about speed right now? Also those soldiers are claiming to be so righteous and doing it for the citizens but most of them dont want to let him go even though he is obviously someone humanity needs right now... being able to kill those insects without guns or ammo. Even if he kills 10 or a 100 it will probably be more useful than 1 of those soldiers. Ammo will start running out sooner or later... evolution and mutation is the way forward. Atleast untill humanity has a solid base that is defendable.