Hundreds of opponents of gun control converged on the lawn of the old Mesa County Courthouse for a rally Saturday. Across the nation, thousands of people lobbied at noon against stricter gun laws.

With a gun slung over his shoulder, a man listens as former law enforcement officer Rich Bacher of Grand Junction speaks to a crowd of hundreds of people who are gathered on the lawn of the old Mesa County Courthouse to rally against gun control Saturday.

John Copper of Cedaredge cradles his rifle with a “Don’t Tread On Me” flag stuck down the gun’s barrel as he listens to a speaker at Saturday’s rally against gun control at the old Mesa County Courthouse.

Hundreds of people wait in line to sign petitions and pick up literature following Saturday’s rally against gun control at the old Mesa County Courthouse.

A man armed with three rifles listens to a speaker during Saturday’s rally against gun control.

Guest speaker Kevin McCarney addresses the crowd during a rally against gun control at the old Mesa County Courthouse.

Cheryl Holbeck and her husband Ron, both of Grand Junction listen to the speakers during a rally against gun control at the old Mesa County Courthouse.

Armed with guns, flags and signs, hundreds of people showed up at the old Mesa County Courthouse to rally against gun control.

A crowd of hundreds carrying guns and waving flags and signs rallied against gun control at the old Mesa County Courthouse.

Linda Lynch, center, of Grand Junction cradles a sign supporting the second amendment in her arms as she stands behind Sharon Smith, left, and Sandy Vickery of Cedaredge during a rally against gun control at the old Mesa County Courthouse.