Yeah, yeah don't talk politics: The 4th amendment was created during a time that had a recent memory of forced quartering of British soldiers. A rifle was see

Yeah, yeah don't talk politics: The 4th amendment was created during a time that had a recent memory of forced quartering of British soldiers. A rifle was seen as part of a citizen's duty and contribution to the national defense when the fledgling country consisted of a few states on the Eastern-most shore. That's a far different time given today's political climate and the electoral college, the scenario for a charismatic dictator is just about nil. Canada is not going to invade and USM won't suddenly disappear. Beyond a rifle in wilderness, a pistol is more of a liability in most practical instances. Someone regularly practiced and cautious may have a tiny marginal benefit in an extreme situation... But how often do those occur? Cities are safer than ever. Worse case the weapon could be used against the owner, or accidentally discharged due to mistake identity: both liabilities. If a person intentionally chooses to keep a weapon where legal, they better be at the range at least twice a month or it's pure irresponsibility. (I'm both a member of the NRA and SAR.)