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.
FWIW: the “machine gun” was effectively invented in 1717. Go look up “Puckle Gun” - it was a sort of crank-operated cylinder-loaded 9-round muzzleloader. While not as handy as an M16, the basic premise was there. ...and, FWIW, the M16 is a 50-year-old relic with little modification thereafter - we aren’t talking bleeding-edge unpredictable technology here.
as were they aware that the burgeoning ‘arms industry’ was a good chunk of the GNP and employment at the time...and was equally necessary for national ‘security’. “the first US Government pistol, the Model 1799 flintlock, had been a direct copy of a French design of 1777. (French and Germans used barrel bands. The English hard joined the stock and barrel, and were only accurate to about 20 ft.). Springfield and Harper’s Ferry Arsenals were producing weapons around 1794. dunno if they were also producing dueling pistols or not...if we’re lucky we’ll get back to that form of peaceful debate soon. ;)