See post number 21.
Between 1800 and 1845, a man named John Chapman lived in the pioneer areas of Ohio and Indiana. One remarkable characteristic of John Chapman was that he went about never carrying a gun. It was so unusual as to be described as unique among his contemporaries. These observations tell us that virtually everyone carried guns at least part of the time and that guns were very common. It certainly contradicts Michael Bellesiles thesis in every respect.
By the way, John Chapman is more commonly known as Johnny Appleseed.