[robertpaulsen]

I was going by Madison's numbers in Federalist 46. He estimated the number of Militia members at "near half a million of citizens", and the total population in 1788 at 2.5 to 3 million.

So, a little less, a little more than 20%. Let's call it 20% for sake of argument. That would be the percentage of the population in 1792 who were free white adult male citizens (who were called "the people").

Here's my point. Their right to keep and bear arms was protected by the second amendment. Only 20% of the population. Now, wouldn't you think that if the right was protected for self defense and hunting, the Founders would have protected it for more than 20% of the population?

[thackney]

The citizens of the time were the primary home protectors and hunters.

Do we agree the 2nd amendment provides the right to keep and bear arms for the citizens and not just the militia?