An automatic pistol (various Colt autos, Berettas, Walthers, Brownings, etc.) can be loaded in a matter of a couple of seconds. Stow the pistol in the holster (say, on the right side) unloaded, with a fully loaded magazine in a left-hand pocket. Draw the gun while removing the magazine from the pocket with the other hand. Slip the magazine into the grip and when it latches in place (less than a second), draw the slide back all the way, which automatically cocks the weapon, and release it. The mainspring snaps the slide forward again, stripping the top round off the magazine and sliding it into the chamber.

All of two seconds and she's ready to fire.

So—even if the gun is being packed unloaded, therefore legally, it's still a damned dangerous thing to allow.

The loosest possible interpretation of the Second Amendment, and an armed mob like that, whether carrying concealed or openly, with permits or not, hardly constitutes a "well-regulated militia."

Don Firth