Two things are now clear
It ain’t about hunting
And it ain’t about fishing.
Amen!
Never was. That point needs to be driven home hard.
Just imagine that you are a Revolutionary veteran, returned to the homestead after the Conflict. You were issued an M-1776 flintlock complete with scary bayonet by the Continental Army, and left the weapon you carried with the unit armory as you returned home to the plot of land and your family in PA.
As things congeal post-war, are you:
1. Concerned with your right to continue hunting rabbits and squirrels or grouse?
2. Concerned that soldiers of some various militia or organized army might commandeer your farm and goods?
3. So comfortable with the new word-of mouth developments that you wish to cheerfully disarm and trust a fledgling government?
4. Seeking out your own M-1776 complete with bayonet so that you and your homeboys never get caught pants down again?
Many people seem to think this is all water under the bridge. If it weren’t for the privateers we’d have lost. The citizens must retain arms sufficient to resist the government, wayward militias, criminal and pirates and any other threat to freedom.
Oh yea, we want to shoot ducks too.