"I think it's just prudent, myself being a law-abiding citizen who happens to have a concealed weapons permit, that we have a set of laws that are congruent across the state," he said. "So we don't get caught in some trap in, say, Missoula."

In total, three different versions of the ballot measure are now on the table: Fox's original ballot language, the opponents' suggested ballot language to include school districts, and another version submitted Friday by the GOP lawmakers, in case the Supreme Court decides Fox's language is insufficient. The most recent version is explicit: the measure, if passed, would not affect schools.

Melton is not convinced, no matter what compromise has been offered to the language from the opposing legal party. But having the Supreme Court decide?

"Well, then at least we've got a binding opinion from the highest court in the state," Melton said.

It's worth noting that group of 50 lawmakers who joined the Supreme Court case this week includes a healthy mix of GOP legislators from the self-described moderate "solutions caucus," as well as hard-line conservative legislators who scolded the moderates during a contentious 2016 Legislature.

Sales said Friday he believes the Second Amendment does transcend those fractures in the GOP.