I am amazed that this thread went as well is it has. That my friends is a tribute to the quality of the folks on this forum.
Papa Jaun: I want to point out one aspect of American History. Yes, the colonists had firearms & those that didn't need them didn't. The firearm was a necessary part of life for the majority. Many of the out lying villages/towns kept small arsenals of guns, powder & shot for emergency situations (Indian raids/attacks, etc). However, the British King ordered the military to confiscate all colonial firearms, powder & shot. It was not the Tax on Tea, but firearm confiscation that precipitated "The Shot Heard Around the World" at Concord Bridge & Lexington Green.
Many good points have been expressed. All coming from individual perspectives. As for me: I'm a NRA-LM; Hunter, reloader, collector; My children learned early to respect & use firearms; I am licensed for Curio & Relic (C&R), & concealed carry.
I truly believe in our Constitution & that without our 2nd Amendment we would not have our 1st Amendment. We are a country the relies on the Rule of Law.
Yes, we have far too many gun laws that are rediculous. Where is the accountability/responsibiilty for doing something wrong. Thanks, I'm done.