The 1997 handgun ban remains the most transformative event in the history of British handgun legislation, following the 1996 Dunblane tragedy. This technical guide explores how the Firearms (Amendment) Acts dismantled a century of sporting tradition, the subsequent rise of Long-Barrelled Pistols (LBPs) to meet the 60cm length requirement, and the modern 2026 regulatory challenges. From the “Full Cost Recovery” fee increases to the impending 2028-2029 REACH lead ammunition ban, we analyze the current state of the British handgun landscape for the contemporary marksman.