All guns in the UK have to be licenced with the police and there are strict rules on how they are locked up. Saying that we still get gun crimes by illegal guns that are not registered with the police, though they are few and far between.
Some folks would like to see the police carrying side arms, but for most of us we believe that would cause the criminals to go out looking for guns to retaliate with.
From what we see on the TV and in the movies is a person in the USA walking about the streets with guns.
If people want guns, then let them have them, but the ammunition and the firing of the weapon should be done at a gun club.
The way I see it, the Americans say they have the right to bear arms. This was correct 200 years ago, but the trouble is, as the country progressed and become more peaceful, the laws have not been amended to suit present day standards of living.
Just my own thoughts on your question.
Silky