Editing Overview of gun laws by nation (section)

===United Kingdom (Except Northern Ireland)===
{{Main|Firearms regulation in the United Kingdom}}
The UK increased firearm regulation through several Firearms Acts,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1997/ukpga_19970005_en_1 |title=Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 |publisher=Opsi.gov.uk |access-date=2015-02-18}}</ref> leading to an outright ban on automatic firearms and many semi-automatic firearms. Breech-loading handguns are also tightly controlled.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nio.gov.uk/draft_northern_ireland_firearms_order_2004.pdf |title=Article 3 |page=75 |publisher=Nio.gov.uk |access-date=6 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313113221/http://www.nio.gov.uk/draft_northern_ireland_firearms_order_2004.pdf |archive-date=13 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
There are three main types of firearm that require different licences:

* Section 1 firearms require a firearms certificate (FAC), and includes any article that can be defined as a firearm but which is not covered under some other section. Section 1 most commonly includes bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles in [[Rimfire ammunition|rimfire]] only, long-barrelled pistols, and all shotguns that do not conform to section 2 requirements. There are additional requirements for both sections, such as length and ammunition type, and some accessories such as suppressors are also subject to licensing restrictions.
* Section 2 firearms are shotguns with a maximum magazine capacity of two cartridges, excluding those in the chamber, and require a Shotgun Certificate (SGC); unlike the other licences, the onus is on the police to find good reason not to grant applicants a licence.
* Section 5 firearms are generally prohibited from private ownership. A S.5 permit may be obtained under certain circumstances, but from the [[Home Office]], rather than local Police.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/518193/Guidance_on_Firearms_Licensing_Law_April_2016_v20.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414121718/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/518193/Guidance_on_Firearms_Licensing_Law_April_2016_v20.pdf |archive-date=2018-04-14 |url-status=live|title=Guide on Firearms Licensing Law|last=Home Office|date=1 April 2016|website=Gov.UK|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> Section 5 firearms include fully automatic firearms; semi-automatic rifles in centre-fire calibres; "short firearms" (most handguns); rocket launchers and mortars (other than for line throwing or pyrotechnic use); firearms disguised as another object; ammunition designed to explode on impact.<ref>{{cite web |title=Firearms Act 1968 - Section 5 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/27/section/5 |website=legislation.gov.uk |access-date=8 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804013458/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/27/section/5 |archive-date=4 August 2023 |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Section 7(3) permits bona-fide collectors to obtain Section 5 firearms ''"of particular rarity, aesthetic quality or technical interest"'' or ''"of historical importance"'' on the authority of local Police, rather than with Home Office.<ref>{{cite web |title=Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 - Section 7 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1997/5/section/7 |website=legislation.gov.uk |access-date=8 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101081416/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1997/5/section/7 |archive-date=1 January 2011 |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref> Section 7(3) permits are typically granted only to those with a demonstrable academic background in firearm or military history, such as members of the [[Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association]] (HBSA) or institutions such as the [[Royal Armouries Museum]] or [[Imperial War Museum]]. Section 7(3) firearms are subject to enhanced conditions of storage, being kept at Designated Sites.<ref>{{cite web |title=Heritage Pistol (Section 7.1 & 7.3) |url=https://hbsa-uk.org/hbsa-what-we-do/hbsa-what-we-do-heritage-pistol-section-7-1-7-3/ |website=Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association |access-date=8 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020093524/https://hbsa-uk.org/hbsa-what-we-do/hbsa-what-we-do-heritage-pistol-section-7-1-7-3/ |archive-date=20 October 2021 |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref>

An SGC allows the holder to purchase and own any number of shotguns, so long as they can be securely stored, and does not restrict purchase or storage of ammunition; additionally they may legally give shotgun ammunition to non-licence holders. Section 1 and 5 firearms require individual permission for each firearm or accessory, and there are restrictions as to the type and quantity of ammunition held.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.met.police.uk/firearms-enquiries/ |title=SC&O19 Firearms Licensing – Metropolitan Police Service |publisher=Met.police.uk |access-date=2015-02-18 |archive-date=18 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618072230/http://www.met.police.uk/firearms-enquiries/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Aside from Northern Ireland, private ownership of most handguns was banned in 1997, with exception for section 5 firearms licences, which are only generally issued to maritime security personnel, and those under police protection. In the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games, British Shooting reached agreement with the Home Office to nominate a small number of elite athletes who could keep and train with Section 5 pistols in the UK at designated ranges.

There are several factors that may disqualify applicants. A custodial sentence of between three months and three years disqualifies applicants for five years from release; three years or greater disqualifies applicants for life. "Intemperate habits", such as substance use, may disqualify applicants. Being of "unsound mind", meaning a history of mental illness, or other relevant medical conditions may disqualify applicants, however there are no conditions that "make them automatically unsuitable to possess a firearm", and police will contact the applicant's [[general practitioner]], who place a flag on the records of all licence holders.<ref name=":1" /> Applicants must also have suitable measures for storing firearms and ammunition, such as a gun safe. The FAC additionally requires demonstrating a good reason for each firearm the applicant wishes to own (such as hunting, pest control, collecting, or target shooting). Self-defence is only accepted as a good reason in [[Northern Ireland]].