Let Me Explain the 2nd Amendment to You.

"A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

First off read the amendment.  Most people I argue with about this have no concept what the amendment actually says.  If your argument is the most basic, "the government has no right to regulate our fire arms!" you are already wrong.  It says a "well regulated militia" meaning that you have the right to bear arms because a militia is necessary, a well regulated one.  Regulations are laws.  Gun laws = regulation.  If I lost you, and you don't understand that simple logic leave now and don't return.

Second.  Arms is not defined.  Anything not defined in the actual wording of the amendment is left up for definition by Congress and the States at a later date.  That's US Constitution 101.  This means that Congress and the States, should Congress pass on it, get to define what "arms" means.  So if they decide getting to bear arms doesn't apply to hand guns and assault rifles too bad.  Don't hold your breathe on a Supreme Court ruling in your favor.

Third.  You, and your "militia", aren't going to defeat the US Military in a Civil War, prolonged stand off, military excursion etc.  Sorry, you just aren't.  Even if 5,000,000 men armed to the teeth with Assault Rifles wanted to overthrow the government you could not.  Do not flatter yourself.  The army wouldn't even have to engage you in a battle.  The Air Force wouldn't need to send planes low enough for you to shoot at.  They would wipe you out from high up or a long range out.

The argument that you have a right to own Assault Rifles and Handguns so you can resist the American government, should it become tyrannical, is laughable.  Literally the idea makes me laugh it is so ridiculous.  And before any of you "survivalists" jump in about fortifying an Urban area with a large armed populace think of this.  If the government actually became so corrupt that you felt compelled to rebel; do you honestly believe a government that corrupt would think twice before dropping a nuke on your pathetic rebellion?  Seriously, grow up, you don't need Assault Rifles and Handguns.

I am all for having Shotguns, Hunting Rifles, Crossbows, Composite bows etc.  I think hunting is a great sport that is loved and enjoyed by a great and growing number of Americans and Patriots.  But you don't need Assault Rifles or Handguns to hunt.  You don't need a Handgun to defend your home either, your shotgun will be more than sufficient.

It is time for people to take a seriously look at the 2nd amendment and start to make actual, well reasoned, arguments for things.  No more vitriolic and ignorant rants, just real reasoned debate.  Please.  Our children deserve it.