Back in 1800 it might have made sense, that the people having equal weaponry with government forces would keep the government in check. (Of course nobody would have made that argument at the time, because insurrections were quickly put down.) But how many individuals owned cannons or other artillery? By the time of WW I, how many owned tanks or large machine guns? By WW II how many owned bombers, or atomic weapons?
Ever since the government has had standing armed forces, this argument has just been silly. When idiots claim it, they should be laughed down.
Hunting, hobby target shooting, or self defense are perfectly legitimate uses for weapons.
