Question on second Amendment in old west

[KIMBER45]

We have all seen westerns where guns weren't allowed in some towns. Was this a violation of second amendment? The only reason I can see it happening was because these towns weren't part of the United States at that time, just territories. Anyone know the real reason?

[Mikey]

Yep!  Hollywood wrote the scripts....

[guzzijohn]

A number of cowtowns had at least periods of time when concealed weapons and at times open carry was banned. Wichita, Abilene,  Dodge City, Tombstone, Newton were examples. Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill enforced bans at times in their careers.
GuzziJohn

[KIMBER45]

A number of cowtowns had at least periods of time when concealed weapons and at times open carry was banned. Wichita, Abilene,  Dodge City, Tombstone, Newton were examples. Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill enforced bans at times in their careers.
GuzziJohn

Yes, but why was this not considered unconstitutional ?

[mcwoodduck]

The difference was for other than locals. 
You were allowed to own firearms you were just not allowed to walk down the street with them.
Not sure there was a constitutional question and at the time you were not going to bring  suit on a town as a visiting cowboy, you were usually young and did not have $ to hire a lawyer, and and then the suit would have to go from local to district to federal system.
Even the people living in the territory of the US have rights under the constitution.

[KIMBER45]

The difference was for other than locals. 
You were allowed to own firearms you were just not allowed to walk down the street with them.
Not sure there was a constitutional question and at the time you were not going to bring  suit on a town as a visiting cowboy, you were usually young and did not have $ to hire a lawyer, and and then the suit would have to go from local to district to federal system.
Even the people living in the territory of the US have rights under the constitution.

That makes sense.

[gstewart44]

Cowtowns in particular were "party spots" for the cowpokes that came in after weeks riding herd.    After collecting wages, the first trip was usually to the local saloon where they soon parted ways with their wages over whatever whiskey and beer was available.   As our laws show today alcohol and firearms don't mix.     The lawmen of the west were wise not to have a situation with a bunch of armed, drunk cowboys "partying".       they had to check their guns upon arrival and get them back when they left.  Was it consitutional by today's standards?    I dunno, but back then it was far less expensive to just comply and stay out of trouble.     A medium to large size belt knife was common back then as well but you could keep that on you in most cases.   

[SharonAnne]

any law prohibiting the carrying of a firearm is UnConstitutional.  "the right to KEEP (own) and BEAR (carry on ones person) shall not be infringed.  Pretty clear.

[SharonAnne]

btw. " ARMS" are not limited to 'fire'arms.