Welcome to AH, Woody!
Please, don't exaggerate tour problems. If declare that Illinois is a Communist republic, whta can say a poor European (or, worst, a Brit) about her/his Country?
You can possess as many guns as you like, handguns are not forbidden and I may continue for ages.
In France and Britain private shooters and hunters are forbidden to posses pistols. In Europe the max gage for shotguns is 12 , i.e. 10 ga. is forbidden.
Look for some other shoulder to weep on, as ours are wet and aching for humidity.