Free speech in 1776 was the same ideal it is today, modern arms are not. The musket was a single shot, slow loading weapon that was inaccurate as well. But, that's beside the point. What is everyone so scared of that they feel the need to be armed at all times? That's not a society I want to live in where everyone needs to carry a gun to feel safe. Are people to let their kids go to school or are parents supposed to guard them 24/7. Are families supposed to withdraw behind barricades in fear.