…with this perspective on our Founding Fathers’ grant of the inalienable right to bear arms: They didn’t have assault rifles in 1791 when the 2nd amendment was passed. Arms – specifically, guns – as they existed at the time of the ratification: Guns in 1791 WOULD* …be made by a gunsmith.* …have rudimentary rifling.* …be single-shot weapons.* …be loaded through the muzzle.* …fire by means of a flintlock. Guns in 1791 WOULD NOT* …have interchangeable parts. (Popularized in 1798)* …be revolvers. (Invented in 1835)* …be breachloaded. (Popularized in 1810)* …use smokeless powder. (Invented in 1885)* …use a percussion cap, necessary for modern cartridged bullets. (Invented in 1842)* …load bullets from a clip. (Invented in 1890)