Under Obama, the ATF had drafted a rule that would require gun dealers to make secure gun storage or safety devices available anywhere that firearms are sold to unlicensed individuals. "That is something that could really save a lot of lives," said Avery Gardiner, co-president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

"There could be instances of real confusion that would lead to tragedy if we had more guns in more classrooms," said Avery Gardiner, co-president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. "What about the time the teacher accidentally leaves the gun unlocked in the desk drawer, and it's picked up by a student?"

"If having more guns in more places where more people go more days of the year actually kept people safer, then America would have the lowest rate of gun violence of any developed country in the world and the exact opposite is true." said Avery Gardiner, co-president of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence

Now, in the wake of another wrenching shooting rampage — this one at a high school in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17 — and in the absence of any federal action, gun-control advocates, Democratic politicians and others are pointing to the success of states like Connecticut in addressing the spiraling toll of gun violence.