[SoFloFreeper]

Yes, so let us look at what that meant to the founders.

My recollection is that bearing arms meant, to the founders, carrying them when and if there is a reason to bring them out into a public place. The founders didn’t foolishly carry arms into a place where they weren’t normally needed...unless they were expecting trouble from the redcoats.

Am I off base in that recollection?

[Dead Corpse]

Yes. You are wrong.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1933938/posts

Unless they’ve changed the meaning of “to be at all times armed” along with “shall not be infringed”.

[ZX12R]

Am I off base in that recollection?

I don't know, I wasn't there, but I'd guess it meant that in order for any federal militia to be well regulated and kept in their place, that citizens should display their weapons when ever they liked, so as to remind them that we are not their subjects, if we are not criminals, made so by constitutional laws.

[rolling_stone]

yeah you are way off base
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpK84illOPA

right to bear arms included right to cross state lines with them, unlike today in some instances..

[S.O.S121.500]

Am I off base in that recollection?
------------- Yep. Foul ball in fact. An arm was an accoutrement like a hat when you ventured forth.

[Apogee]

Well, if you’re old enough to recollect expecting trouble from the redcoats, we can forgive you for getting a little off base from time to time.
At least you have an excuse...
;)

[Mad Dawgg]

"Am I off base in that recollection?"

Yep. Many folks in those times carried weapons with them constantly. Brigands, Indian attacks, and all around personal protection were always a concern. When you traveled on the road there were no phones or radios, help was days away. You were armed or you were at risk. Hell even traveling from the farm into town was an ordeal and not being armed was a risk for those few hours. So it was nothing to see people who had arms on them walking into businesses. See they didn't have car trunks to lock them in.