So, why are guns necessary?

[Lemur]

Frankly, if you substitute "equipped" for "regulated" in the amendment, it makes alot more sense.

Only if you have a preconceived notion of what you want the Second Amendment to mean.

If you read the language for what it is, rather than what you think it ought to mean, it's pretty clear. "Well-regulated" means under some sort of organization and control, rather than a bunch of angry dudes in a mob. The founders' intent is pretty clear in this case. They want the state protected, and they want it done by a "well-regulated militia," as opposed to a disorganized bunch of shooters. (And it's clear from letters and speeches of the time that the founders were leery about having a standing army, so the "well regulated militia" was clearly being posited as an alternative to a permanent military force.)

"The distinction between a well regulated Army, and a Mob, is the good order and discipline of the first, and the licentious and disorderly behaviour of the latter."—George Washington, August 25, 1776

"The irregular and disjointed State of the Militia of this Province, makes it necessary for me to inform you... your first object should be a well regulated Militia Law."—George Washington, January 24, 1777

"The devising and establishing of a well regulated militia, would be a genuine source of legislative honor... carrying to its full energy the power of organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia; and thus providing, in the language of the constitution, for calling them forth to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions."—George Washington, Address to Congress, November 19, 1794