In the UK so stay the fuck in the UKIn the UK, the government cannot stop you from owning and using a shot gun. Most Americans don't know that. The way it works is, the police need to find a reason why you're not suitable to own the shotgun, so just need to know the serial numbers, record of sales, and your gun cabinet is secure. So you obtain a certificate where the information is collated. The only thing that stops you from owning a shot gun, is you. So the police will check your background, your police record, your driving licence, your medical history, and the referees you supplied. There's no age limit, even 9 year olds have had shotgun certificates issued. So who's taking your shot gun away? You?
With other firearms, that's where you need to make a case on why you should own one. So if you're part of a gun club etc ...
One thing is for sure, a responsible society wouldn't allow citizens to wander around public areas with guns.
So with strict gun regs, the UK government cannot deny a citizen from owning and using a shotgun. That is down to the conduct of the citizen, and if they're dumb enough to say they need a rifle or long barreled hand gun for self defence, kiss your arse goodbye to owning a firearm.
And that's why many American gun owners are thick as pig shit. They want a gun for self defence, willingness to shoot others, yet they think they're the good safe guy. You can't get any more fucking stupid than that