I'm still a member of a gun club (rifle, firearms) in the UK, even though I moved permanently last year, so recieve up to date info and first hand info from members, reference renewals etc. That's members in at least 4 counties, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Lancashire.
I still stand by my post, its not difficult to get a shotgun certificate.
There was still a home visit required when I had shotguns over 30yrs ago.