The Government last night proposed a ban on private ownership of most handguns in response to a report on the Dunblane massacre in which 16 children and their teacher were killed.
At least 80 per cent of Britain's 200,000 legally held handguns would be covered by the proposed ban, which would be one of the strictest sets of gun laws in the world, the Government announced.
It proposed legislating in the next session of Parliament to ban all handguns of more than .22 calibre.
Other, smaller handguns, used for target shooting, would have to be kept under lock and key at licensed gun clubs, the Government added.
But gun enthusiasts said yesterday the move would mean the end for many clubs.
The Labour Party is expected to push the Government further by calling for a ban on all handguns - even in clubs.