[ctdonath2]

I think the term arms would be limited to what an individual infantryman would carry and that one man only.

Why would the Founding Fathers, who just finished a war* of independence against the reigning superpower, write a recognition of a right of the people (individual & collective) to be armed for the purpose of creating a militia for the defence of self, state & nation against enemies both foreign AND domestic (fed. gov't included if appropriate), yet do so with the intent that only small/individual arms be available to those defending the essence of this country - the people and the Constitution??? You're basically contending that Jefferson et al said "Yeah, now that THAT conflict is over with at great cost to ourselves as citizens, let's make sure that if it has to be done again, the oppressive tyrranical gov't of the future will be able to prevent our grandchildren from having all the tools necessary to do so." Riiiiight.

(* - Tools of that war included cannon, mortars, battleships, and even submarines.)

[vincentfreeman]

"Why would the Founding Fathers ... "

Good point. They wouldn't. There is no reason to limit the definition of arms. There is nothing in the second amendment which allows this.

[ExSoldier]

Because the militia was responsible for showing up bearing their own BATTLE RIFLE and enough ammo (powder and ball) to get them thru an engagement until they could marry up with the supplies kept at the central armory. I can just see the call out for a TO&E inventory item:

Commander: Hey Larry, did you bring the 4.2" mortar?

Larry: Naaaaw that was Marty's job.

Marty: No way! My wife would kill me if I put that in the garage! I told you that!

Commander: Dang it! Who's got the 4.2?

Voice from the back: I've got it but I don't have the ammo, that was STEVE.

Commander: Where is Steve?

SILENCE and a quiet cough

Ummmmmm he had a small electrical fire at his place and ummmmmm well the ammo touched off.....

More silence. Commander: Okay who's got the 60mm Mortar? Please don't tell me it was STEVE!!!! Dang it, people! There's a war on! Now what do we do?

I doubt seriously if the 2nd Amendment was meant for the people to keep those terrible implements of war at home. They show up at a central place with their battle rifle and probably a sidearm and ammo for those.

Under those conditions, if I'm in opposition to my government a battle rifle is a fine starting place because with such I can almost by myself stop a division cold (sniper activity) and if I feel the need for bigger stuff, I can collect such from my enemy. If I have a rifle I can get a tank....and so goes the progression to forming my own "militia." If my militia is already formed, I show up with my rifle and my 4.2" mortars will be waiting for me so we can roll right out. But the basis is always the individual infantryman and his personal weapons.