One-more-time

In the 1790s, the **Militia** needed to defend the country HAD to have their own guns. There was no standard issue firearm to be issued. There was still a LOT of wilderness and many people needed to both hunt and defend themselves against things like bears. When a call for assembling the Militia was sent out, folks HAD to have their own guns. The Founders never dreamed of either the weaponry or the situations we have today, yet those who cherish their guns still want to 'interpret' the 2nd amendment as if it were still 1790 and England & Spain were still expected to sail up the Hudson and try to take the country. This situation continued until the general time of the Civil War & after, when guns were being 'produced' by companies and rapidly improved. After about 1890, when the native tribes were not a threat and people were congregating in cities, the 'need' for firearms was largely perceptual.

It is DIFFERENT today....very few citizens 'need' firearms, and almost none need AR-15s or handguns with large magazines.