It was an up to 30 round semi automatic assault rifle, invented in the 1600s.
Now, it wasn't used a whole lot, because it was fairly expensive and also wasn't mass produced (Although it WAS actually used in a couple conflicts, by specialized forces!). But to claim that such things were "almost beyond belief" is ridiculous.
I am not sure why everyone believes this, because it is completely untrue.
During the time that the constitution was written, 30 round semi automatic assault rifles had existed for around ~100 years.
Yes they did. Really.
Check out the Kalthoff repeater: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalthoff_repeater
It was an up to 30 round semi automatic assault rifle, invented in the 1600s.
Now, it wasn't used a whole lot, because it was fairly expensive and also wasn't mass produced (Although it WAS actually used in a couple conflicts, by specialized forces!). But to claim that such things were "almost beyond belief" is ridiculous.