Gun Control & RKBA

tortoise, cont'd: This ban was extended for another 6 months in April 1775, but of course by then open hostilities had begun) As a direct response to the knowledge of the ban reaching the colonies, an armed colonial force overran a British fort at Portsmouth and confiscated all arms and ammunition.

What does tortoise mean by 'colonial force'? without specificity you imply the rebels. Please tell us what side the 'armed colonial force' was on, that you refer to.
Let's scrutinize tortoise' rendition above of the attack on british fort pownal, maine:

Letter from British general Gage to Ft Pownal's col Goldthwaite, ~april 1775: Considering the present State of the Country, the most daring and illegal Attempts that have been made against his Majesty’s Government even to the Seizing and dismantling of his Forts. Lt. Graves Commander of his Majesty’s Armed Schooner “Diana” together with a Detachment of His Majesty’s 64th Regiment, are Ordered to Fort Pownal, with directions to take onboard all the Artillery and spare Arms belonging to, and in Store at said Fort: and this is to require you to deliver said Artillery and spare Arms into the Charge of said Lt. Graves, that they same may be secured for the present, and returned at a proper season

same time, observer writes: Presently after came on shore an officer who enquired for the commander of the fort and on seeing him presented an order from General Gage for the cannon and spare arms. He then returned on board and immediately appeared a large number of soldiers on the deck (which had not before been seen) who directly got into boats and came ashore, marched into the fort and went to work getting out the cannon which was carried on board

link: Goldthwaite said that was a reasonable request and then read them Gage’s letter which had ordered the removal. He then explained he had had no choice, it was King George’s fort and weaponry after all, and then pointed out Graves’ threat to destroy everything if opposed. https://allthingsliberty.com/2016/09/fort-pownal-colonial-maine-1775/