Keep And Bear Arms

The words "bear arms" as used in the constitutional provision have reference to their military use, and the wearing of them in war or in peace, 3 Heisk. 194, and were not employed to mean wearing them about the person as part of the dress. 2 Hump. 158. The "arms" are such as are needful to, and ordinarily used by the militia; weapons ordinarily used in battle, and such as are necessary and suitable to enable a free people to resist oppression, prevent usurpation, repel invasion, etc.; and include guns of every kind, swords, bayonets, pistols, etc.; with the right to load and shoot them and use them as such things are ordinarily used in battle. 53 Ga. 474; 1 Ga. 251; 31 Ark. 458; 11 La. Ann. 633; 35 Tex. 476.