when america was being colonized by european countries, firearms were very important to colonists. when europeans came to america, they brought with them the idea of land ownership by an individual. they received this right from their king through land grants. this was completely foreign to native americans who considered a particular territory belonged to the tribe. colonists defended their claims against native americans and other europeans whose kings may have granted them the same lands. they also needed firearms for hunting. in many towns and villages, men were required to own firearms for the defense of the community. most colonists coming to america in the 17th century had no experience as soldiers. the british kept few soldiers in the colonies, and colonists soon found they needed to establish militias.