Yes, states' rights is a much bigger issue in the US.

I've talked to my serious gun rights people, and they're not joining the current debate (nor voicing the "arm teachers" argument, which I think we can all agree is stupid). They're just waiting to see what kind of legislation actually turns up.

Then they'll show up at the hearings on that legislation.

I ran my idea of uniform gun laws past one friend and he pointed out that most states in the US have weak gun laws. So for most gun owners a uniform federal law would mean an increase in gun control, and they'll oppose it.

My suggestion of uniform laws won't help in the immediate future. It'll just help for the long term, eroding the support for the NRA that's caused by the constant irritation of unequal laws.

Interestingly, they're all jumping on board the "let's increase access to mental health care" bandwagon, even the ones who oppose Obamacare.