[Fenris6]

In 1783, the term "well-regulated" meant efficient and ordered - it had nothing to do with government oversight.

[wolfpat]

To put it another way, We the People are the regulators, not the regulatees.

[Griptilian]

In 1783, the term "well-regulated" meant efficient and ordered - it had nothing to do with government oversight.

Sort of, but, no.

"Well regulated" means a state [not Fed] is to have regulations for their militia. Primarily at that time it was to set up a chain of command for communication. You didn't just get on the phone and call the governor if the militia was needed.

The system for a militia, defined by regulations passed by the legislature, insured prompt response to threats, disasters, and other needs. It was also to make sure there were enough people in place to handle the needs of the state. (ie: state tried to make sure everybody didn't just live in a few areas, but rather able men lived in outlying areas as well.)

Sarah Brady's opinion of the laws during that period do not reflect the real laws nor reality itself. The regulations put in place called for men to have weapons and ammo.

Never did 'well regulated' mean gun control or the oppression of liberty to own and possess a weapon for use in a militia [which, yes, is military style weapons].