[Peisistratus]

"I assume, at a minimum, that this clause means that the purpose of the "RKBA" is related, in some way, to the necessity of well-reguated militias to the security of a free state."

You'd assume correctly.

A well-read electorate, being necessary for the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and read books shall not be infringed.

It's presented as a REASON that the people may be armed. In fact, the "letters of marque and reprisal" power of the Congress would indicate that "arms" has no limits - as that requires privately-owned warships.

[robertpaulsen]

"A well-read electorate, being necessary for the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and read books shall not be infringed."

Close. "A well-supplied library, being necessary for the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and read books shall not be infringed.

Some would look at that and conclude that the library and the books are intertwined. Otherwise, why even mention a library, right?