U.S. gun control activists newly optimistic, but change may be elusive

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - After years of thwarted efforts to tighten restrictions on firearms, gun control activists are heralding the 2016 elections as a watershed moment.

They have more money than ever before to finance their fight. They have Hillary Clinton, the Democratic front runner for president, solidly in their camp, calling for stricter gun controls at campaign stops - a turnaround from her 2008 presidential bid when she kept the subject at arm's length.