The founders were very well aware that the revolution would have failed if the people were unarmed. If they had no weapons, they would have been forced to accept whatever the British thought fit to impose. No weapons means your freedom and liberty depends on those in power who have the guns being tolerant and just.
What do you think the reaction would have been if you had handed a 1000 rounds and an AR15 to the patriots at Lexington and Concord? Probably “naw. I got his here single shot smooth bore”.
Which is exactly what is happening in uk these days.The people have no way to throw off a tyrannical government.