The founding generation passed a law in 1792 requiring all able-bodied male citizens to possess militia arms. There were no religious exemptions in that law. Putting your butt on the line was the price of being a citizen. I suspect strongly that they knew what the Constitution said. Certainly better than some here at FR.
Paladin asked me to come up with a constitutional argument, which I tried to do (rather lamely at that). Doesn’t mean I agree with what I said. Just that someone will probably come up with something like that.
When I found out about what the Swiss men do to defend their country, I thought COOL - that explains how a little neutral country can stay free.
Give me a break- I’m an old lady trying to figure out what gun to buy. I’m thinking oozi.