Something I've never quite understood about the Second Amendment

[Gorp]

14. Interesting take. But in the time they needed the armories for militia weapons.

Almost every household had a shotgun, and most a side arm as well, but both types were single shot and slow to reload, as were the rifles in the armory. But Jefferson and Madison both warned against a standing army and there's a stipulation (sorry, can't cite it at the moment) that Congressional funding for a regimented army could not exceed two years - I don't think the shrub read that part. Nevermind - I don't think he can read anyway.

There was never a question about a standing Navy. That was a given for the times. But individuals with the sorts of weapons that are common today could not have been anticipated anymore than lasers, nuclear weapons, cell phones, or space telescopes. There are rational and reasonable restrictions on RPGs, tanks, mortars, and other highly destructive weapons in the hands of civilians currently in place. I just think we can use some common sense with respect to semi-automatics and magazines.

For the record, I own guns. My shotgun has a two-cartridge clip. That's plenty for me, AND I keep the clip out of the gun. It's bolt-action, not semi-auto. If we're attacked by zombies, a rabbid skunk, or the whacky wingnut neighbor down the street, I think two 20 guage cartridges will handle it rather well, and I can reload the clip in about 30 seconds. I'm not so worried about the zombies, but the skunk and neighbor might pose a serious threat.

The two semi-auto pistols and the revolver I own are in a fire safe and I don't have ammo for any of them or even know where the two clips are - box somewhere. They're family heirlooms, not "weapons" for me.

But again, the words "well regulated militia" seem to have been redacted from the NRA's version of the 2nd Amendment. Random fucks shooting up toilet seats in the woods aren't part of a militia, much less a well regulated one. That's really the main point. I'm not part of a militia at all, much less a well regulated one, but I've got guns that should probably be banned. The shotgun is a different matter. I don't think I know anyone who would oppose owning one of those. They aren't military weapons.