They're not illegal but IIRC there are limitations. Gun crime has gone up considerably since the law was passed. Guns are now much cooler and more of a status symbol because they are so hard to get. No robbery is ever commited with a legally owned firearm.

In fact if everyone did have a gun it would reduce crime, right now in the UK if you have a gun you can be certain anyone you're going to rob won't, then the first Police on the scene won't either.

Its psychology, by making guns illigal you reduce the risk of committing a crime so people who might have been deterred now aren't. This is why concealed carry laws reduce crime, the risk to the crimal goes up because anyone he robs on the street might shoot him.

Its a very sad truth.