Hence the very purpose of the second amendment: At the time, the point was to use force against our government. Nowadays, I think general protection from harassment, as well as the right to privately assemble and to dissent, are just as important tools against dangerous government.
Owning a weapon whose expressed reason for creation is the ability to use deadly force against those that you believe might harm you is the reason you own said weapon. Hence you want the ability to kill, injure or maim someone if you feel threatened.