Hi GunnyGene
Interesting - what makes you think so? (I will check the article later on)
In Poland you just need to pass the sporting license exam (or hunting, or collectors, or personal protection) and you are allowed to buy guns from .22" up to .5" (.5" not included) and 12GA. They need to be manual or semi-auto (full-auto only for instructors, special security and law enforcement). Then you are able to modify them any way you want providing that you are not replacing "vital gun parts" (bolt/receiver/barrel/gun frame/ammo drum for revolvers) or messing with gun serial no. In my case replacing the barrel in 10/22 required special document (it was like buying another gun with dedicated serial no.).
So no, I am not a special citizen

maybe my hobbies are a bit special I give you that.