I grew up on a farm in SD close to a small town (1200 pop.), graduated HS in 1980. Most of my friends and I always had at least one gun in our cars or pickups (back window) even on school property (gasp)! And yes, we actually used them for hunting, imagine that. We were far from perfect kids back then, but I believe with all my heart that what we are seeing with these tragedies today have to do with our morals and values as a nation. When did we stop teaching our kids right from wrong?
I graduated in 1962 @ Neligh HS, NE. We carried shotguns in our transportation vehicles in the fall so we could hunt pheasants during the drive home (~ 8 mi.). I took 3 periods of shop my senior year (I had already completed everything else worth taking) and completely sporterized a 98 Mauser 7X57 (I believe it was a Chek CZ). This included turning down the the barrel, turning down the bolt handle, smoothing and polishing all metal, shaping, smoothing, finishing and glass bedding the stock. Result was beautiful. Used it to take a couple of whitetails. The stupidest thing I ever did was to trade it for a 55 Ford when I was 19.
It isn't just that.
When we got our first guns, it was as much a vote of confidence in our maturity, and the responsibility for the use of that firearm safely and wisely was a burden we embraced.
But we saw it, more responsibility as a reward for more maturity.
Kids who aren't raised to be responsible don't see it that way, instead they get a rush of power, not the feeling of that awesome mantle of responsibility and adulthood.