Does the Second Amendment exclusively refer to guns?

The Second Amendment does not exclusively refer to guns; it encompasses all types of weapons. The text of the amendment speaks to "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms," which is interpreted to include a wide variety of weapons beyond just firearms. This inclusivity is rooted in the historical context of the amendment, which was intended to ensure that citizens could possess the means to defend themselves, participate in a well-regulated militia, and resist tyranny.

This broad interpretation recognizes that "arms" can include anything from swords and knives to modern firearms and potentially other forms of weaponry. While discussions about the scope of the Second Amendment frequently center on gun ownership and regulations, the language suggests a more expansive view of what constitutes "arms," thus reflecting the amendment's original intent to protect an individual's right to bear a broader range of weapons as necessary for security and defense.