They can have my guns when the pry them from my cold, dead hands.

Second Amendment

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-2/

Historical Context of the Second Amendment

The Second Amendment emerged from debates in the late 18th century, reflecting concerns about balancing power in the newly formed United States. The Federalists and Anti-Federalists, while differing on the structure of government, shared concerns that shaped this key part of the Constitution.

Many Americans, influenced by English history, saw standing armies as potential tools of oppression. The Founding Fathers, mindful of British disarmament of citizens, viewed the right to keep and bear arms as fundamental to preserving freedom. They sought to prevent any government from having unchecked ability to disarm its citizens.

Anti-Federalists feared a strong central government would strip states of power, leaving them defenseless without militias. They saw well-regulated militias as essential to liberty and a safeguard against tyranny. Federalists, while less concerned about federal oppression, agreed that an armed citizenry would naturally resist subjugation.

https://www.usconstitution.net/second-amendment-rights/

Three points:

1. Many Americans, influenced by English history, saw standing armies as potential tools of oppression.
2. They sought to prevent any government from having unchecked ability to disarm its citizens.
3. Federalists, while less concerned about federal oppression, agreed that an armed citizenry would naturally resist subjugation.

The 2nd Amendment isn't and never has been about guns for hunting. It's about the citizenry being able to resist an oppressive government; to defend themselves against tyranny.