"The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is
inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all
times armed."-- Thomas Jefferson
"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks."
-- Thomas Jefferson (1785)
Of course, back in 1785 muskets didn't have a rifled barrel which spun the bullet to make it stay in course. Moreover, the bullets or shots were round pieces of lead, which if they got to a spin, could taper off to any direction. Experts say that the force of the gunpowder probably gave them 20 feet in a fairly straight line. 200 ft would have been just sheer luck.
Muskets were used during the war and for hunting. We didn't have that many people living here back then (less than 3 million in 1785) and they didn't go out and kill people for the hell of it. Drugs were not on the scene and crazed people were rare. I am not convinced that our forefathers would not consider revisiting the 2nd Amendment in today's violent world.
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