Do not get carried away with what you read and hear about guncontrol here in the UK.
Tim Woodhouse although well read in the US is not highly regarded in the UK.
Maybe he rattles too many feathers of the Hoy Paloy? (spelling?)
We obviously have strict gun controls, no pistols, no concealed carry, no automatics, unless you are a criminal.
But shotguns and rifles are relatively easy to licence and obtain.
The problem we have here is that occassionally someone runs amok.
When the subsequent enquiry reveals that the felon usually is known to the Police, is a known offender or mental problem but the Police chose to take no action.
Then when all hell breaks loose they penalise the legitimate licence holding sportsman.
nil carborundum illegitimus