I'm assuming that it's illegal to make your own handgun if handguns are illegal in the UK (except, I think, in Northern Ireland). You see, unlike the Americans, we cracked down on firearms when we had a mass shooting.
UK firearms policy is based on the fact that firearms are dangerous weapons and the State has a duty to protect the public from their misuse. Gun ownership in the UK is a privilege, not a right. Firearms control in the UK is among the toughest in the world, and as a result firearms offences continue to make up a small proportion (less than 0.2 percent) of recorded crime.
Some firearms, shotguns and rifles may be licensed and are held on a firearm or shotgun certificate. Low-powered air weapons are not licensed in England and Wales unless they are of a type declared specially dangerous by the Firearms (Dangerous Air Weapons) Rules 1969 but there are restrictions on their sale. An air weapon is "specially dangerous" if it is capable of discharging a missile with kinetic energy in excess, in the case of an air pistol, of 6 foot lb or, in the case of other air weapons, 12 foot lb.
Unlike in America, a person has to go through strict and rigorous checks before they are allowed to own a firearm.
Permission to possess or to purchase or acquire a firearm will be granted to an individual who is assessed by the licensing authority, the police, as not posing a threat to public safety and having a good reason to own the firearm. Organizations, such as target-shooting clubs, museums and firearms dealers must also apply for licences if they wish to possess or use firearms. Persons who have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three years or more cannot possess a firearm or ammunition (including antique firearms) at any time.
The police are the licensing authority for firearm and shotgun certificates as well as for firearms dealers. The authority rests with local police forces rather than a central licensing authority because of the local information that police will use to inform their judgement. Prohibited weapons, such as handguns, are authorized by the Home Office on behalf of the Secretary of State.
To decide whether a person is fit to own a firearm, the licensing authority will conduct a number of checks that will usually include interviews, visits to the person's property, criminal records checks and references from friends. In addition, the applicant's GP (doctor) may be contacted.
Britain's Gun Laws: Who Can Own A Firearm?
