Not everyone wanted to listen, however.

The students' overtures to several congressmen opposed to gun-control legislation were sternly rebuffed.

Colin Cunliffe, 18, of Littleton attempted to engage Rep. Bob Barr, R-Ga., a member of the National Rifle Association and an opponent of gun control, in the Capitol. The congressman walked away, refusing even to shake Cunliffe's hand.

Meanwhile, Winkler approached Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., asking for two minutes of his time. "He said, 'I'm busy. Write me a letter,"' Winkler said. "He wouldn't even give me his card."