Gear Considerations for the Modern Minuteman or Responsibly Armed Citizen

The Term Minuteman comes from just prior to the Revolutionary War. It was someone skilled at arms with a base of physical and martial prowess – able to “go” in a minute.

Minutemen were volunteers and trained more frequently than the Militia – up to two or three times a week. They were also typically paid –  one shilling per drill on average, due to their serious time and commitment to training. Minutemen kept their arms and equipment with them at all times.

So, what is a modern-day Minuteman? It is a responsible armed citizen ready to defend our country and way of life, and prepared to fight tyranny.  After all, that’s the real meaning of the Second Amendment – not so we could bear arms to hunt and participate in shooting sports (although I enjoy these activities) but as a defense from a tyrannical government. 

Our founders had just finished taking down their own tyrannical government, and they wanted future generations to have the ability to deter, resist and defeat tyranny, if necessary.

One of the first things tyrannical governments do is remove firearms from the hands of their citizens – making the citizens “subjects” who are unable to defend themselves. The war in Ukraine is also an excellent example of why citizens should own firearms and be prepared to defend their country and way of life. 

Here are some characteristics and equipment I would expect the modern-day Minuteman to have: 

  • Proficiency – Consistent performance with a handgun and carbine/rifle, physical fitness, baseline bushcraft skills. 
  • Equipment – Pistol and carbine/rifle, kit consisting of body armor/carrier, multiple magazines, IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit), hydration, communications, and the commitment to have quick access to these items. 
  • Training – Staying up to date with equipment options and advancements in weapon technology and techniques for optimum preparation.

Remember, the Minutemen of the American Revolution helped to win our independence 247 years ago – with the firearms and equipment available to them at the time. It behooves us to keep up the tradition of always being ready to defend and protect with our current equipment…even if on a moment’s notice. 


Big Daddy Unlimited advocates strongly for Second Amendment rights because we believe that the right to keep and bear arms exists to protect all of the other God-given rights of American citizens. Become a member today to join our community of freedom-loving Americans, and let’s work together to support and defend our Second Amendment rights.

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