What is a firearm proof mark?

What is a firearm proof mark?

: a distinctive symbol stamped into the metal of the barrel or other part of a firearm to indicate that testing of the part bearing the stamp by firing proof loads has been carried out.

What does it mean to prove a gun?

In simple terms, PROVE defines the steps to follow every time a firearm is handled. It stands for Point, Remove, Observe, Verify and Examine.

When did nitro proof start?

NP with crown over- the Birmingham Nitro Proof mark, introduced in 1896.

What does proof tested mean on a shotgun?

A firearm’s chamber and barrel become pressure vessels for brief periods. In firearm terminology, a proof test is a test wherein a deliberately over-pressured round is fired from a firearm in order to verify that the firearm is not defective and will not explode on firing.

Are Teague chokes good?

I use Teague flush mount chokes in a number of my guns. I think it offers a great clean look. The performance isn’t any better or worse but sure gives it closer to a clean, simple fixed choke look. Teague extended chokes are just as good and bad looking as Briley’s.

What does the London proof mark on a gun mean?

After re-inspection and gauging, guns that pass the test – and the vast majority do – are then marked with the London proof mark. Typically, this consists of the initials ‘GP’ beneath a crown, although there are special marks for unusual tests and circumstances.

Are there any marks on an English gun?

However, it is significant that almost none of their guns bear any proof marks. Only two pieces, one by Ellis and one by Paris, have been found with London marks (see “English Provincial Gunmaking 1680-1720” by A. Darling 1973 & “Great British Gunmakers 1540-1740” by W.K.Neal & D.Back, Norwich 1984).

Why did provincial makers mark their own guns?

Later on in the 18th century, it is probable that the strict control of quality and the proof marking of London-made guns by the London Gunmakers Company encouraged provincial makers to prove their own products and mark them as such.

What do you need to know about proof marks?

Proof marks are stamps applied to various parts of a weapon during and after manufacture to show that the weapon is safe for use with the ammunition for which it was designed.