CTLawyer – in fact in 1785 they DID have semi-automatic weapons. They were however very expensive and were not profitable to make which is why people didn’t have them. The technology existed. I think the Supreme Court also has been clear that regardless of what you or I think, the Bill of Rights is a statement of personal rights, and specifically (regardless of what you or I think) the second amendment has been repeatedly confirmed by the SC to be an individual right, not a group right. Finally all the laws that people pass are relevant ONLY for law abiding citizens. Ridiculous magazine limitations affect only you and me – not criminals. Criminals will have rifles. And full capacity magazines. The question is not will the law remove them from criminals hands. They are ALREADY prohibited from possession (felons are prohibited). So regardless of what laws are passed, criminals will have these weapons. The only question is – if there is a bang on your door in the night and a home invasion – do you want to defend your family or do you want your only option to be prayer and hope they don’t mean you harm. G-d gave us saichel. We are obligated to go to doctors even though healing comes from Him. We are obligated to work even though parnassa comes from Him. We are obligated to become familiar with self-defense even though protection comes from Him.
Personally I think you are making a mistake and I think you should get the skills necessary for self defense. But that is your decision not mine and I appreciate that in this country we are free to disagree.