The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 came into force as a response to the Hungerford massacre of 1987.
The perpetrator had legally owned some firearms, including a semi-automatic assault rifle.
Before the amendment came into force, what were the requirements for a UK citizen to be issued a license to possess firearms such as semi-automatic military rifles? Was there any connection to the applicants profession or could, in theory, anyone deemed sane by the authorities receive such a license?
