I know a few people that have guns, some for target use, others for hunting and pest control, but it's not a topic I know very much about. As I understand it, if I wanted to legally own a gun, I can apply, and subject to meeting the requirements, I'm liable to be allowed one.
Do you have any specific examples of the inconvenience to legitimate owners?
Criminals will always be able to get one if they want one, but I think the current system at least makes it more difficult to get, and to explain owning one, so the criminals weapon of choice tends to be something other than a gun as a consequence.