I was in school in the 70s and 80s, and i don't recall actually having a gun in class, but i remember gun and hunting safety being discussed by a wildlife ranger that came to school.
I remember we brought toy guns to elementary school to play at recess. One time, a boy brought a toy rifle that looked so realistic the principal examined it to be sure it was a toy. After he verified it was a toy, he handed it back with a smile and said it was ok.
I remember my 8th grade teacher took a cap gun from a student from someone in a class before mine because he was being disruptive with it. When my class entered, the teacher started firing it. Some of the students jumped out of their skin, but once we saw what was going on, it was no big deal. I'm sure an incident like that today would be on the news.
I also remember we had jerky and peanut sales in FFA. The highest salesman won a rifle. Those were the days.