<P> The 1997 law did not ban pistols as such and was drafted in terms of small firearms . British law defines a `` pistol '' as a firearm with a barrel shorter than 30 cm ( 12 in ) or a total length of less than 60 cm ( 24 in ) ( this definition encompasses revolvers , revolving pistols ) . Only muzzle - loading pistols -- including muzzle - loading revolvers -- are permitted ; in practice all such firearms use black powder -- a Class 1 explosive -- as the propellant . Small quantities of muzzle - loading pistols and revolvers in various calibres , which comply with the regulations , are manufactured . All other pistols are prohibited in Great Britain , with some exceptions such as pistols used for the humane dispatch of injured animals ( such as deer ) and some historical firearms . </P>
<P> The 1997 law did not ban pistols as such and was drafted in terms of small firearms . British law defines a `` pistol '' as a firearm with a barrel shorter than 30 cm ( 12 in ) or a total length of less than 60 cm ( 24 in ) ( this definition encompasses revolvers , revolving pistols ) . Only muzzle - loading pistols -- including muzzle - loading revolvers -- are permitted ; in practice all such firearms use black powder -- a Class 1 explosive -- as the propellant . Small quantities of muzzle - loading pistols and revolvers in various calibres , which comply with the regulations , are manufactured . All other pistols are prohibited in Great Britain , with some exceptions such as pistols used for the humane dispatch of injured animals ( such as deer ) and some historical firearms . </P>
when were handguns made illegal in the uk
when were handguns made illegal in the uk
1997
1997