This is one of those half-truths which sounds credible and matter-of-fact. The actual purpose of the Second Amendment is of course not hunting or skeet shooting. It's also not so folks can go out in a blaze of bullets when the SWAT team crashes through the front door. It has the specific purpose of organizing a "well regulated militia". Why? Because our Founders knew a state militia was "necessary for a free State". I'm not talking about the National Guard, or some weekend yahoo anarchists spoiling for a fight, but every man in your community, aged 18-45+, able to purchase and operate a firearm. This is how the Colonists did it, and it worked pretty well for them. Anyone not willing to participate could pay a fee to avoid duty, with that revenue going to "regulate", equip, and train militia. This is how the Swiss do it today. Google Edwin Vieira 'The Purse and the Sword' for more.