Come on, this is ridiculous. The militia used whatever guns they had to hand, be it a squirrel rifle, a Brown Bess, or a blunderbuss.
Some colonies had regulations about required calibers of bullets and quantities of lead and powder, as well as laws promoting periodic militia drills, but (especially in times of peace) they were widely ignored even back in Colonial days.
And I have NEVER seen a militia law specifying a smoothbore musket rather than a rifle. I defy you to show me any such thing.
-ccm
From Militia Act of 1792,Passed May 8, 1792 section I (starts about halfway down the page)
That every citizen, so enrolled and notified, shall, within six months thereafter, provide himself with a good musket or firelock, a sufficient bayonet and belt, two spare flints, and a knapsack, a pouch, with a box therein, to contain not less than twenty four cartridges, suited to the bore of his musket or firelock, each cartridge to contain a proper quantity of power and ball; or with a good rifle, knapsack, shot-pouch, and power-horn, twenty balls suited to the bore of his rifle, and a quarter of a power of power; and shall appear so armed, accoutred and provided, when called out to exercise or into service, except, that when called out on company days to exercise only, he may appear without a knapsack.
Actually the 2nd Amendment itself used the word arms with specific reason. The founding fathers (most of 'em) were certified "gun nuts" and they knew that firearms technology didn't start, nor would it end with the current technology available at that point in time. Hence the reason that the word arms is given rather than a specific type of weapon. They knew that firearms technology was still evolving, even after over 300 years. That's why our firearms are covered, including semi and full auto and why our PHASERs will one day be covered (God willing this nation will still exist)! This little bit of genius is why I always laugh at the antis who try the juvenile assertion that the Amendment -- even if it DID cover citizens firearms -- only extends to the type available during the Revolution.
I see the issue was addressed.
Sure, there were sharpshooters using rifles. There were also cannoneers using cannon. Calvary riding horseback.
But the average Militia member had a musket.