ElmerThud
Handloader
- Jul 16, 2011
- 789
- 83
http://www.gunproof.com/
Just Thursday 27th Feb this wk, I and a group of friends visited the Birmingham Proof House where they have a tour and museum. Of course included in this is a 'rogues gallery' where firearms that have failed in one way or another are displayed.
The failures may have occurred while being tested at the proof house or elsewhere and been sent in for forensic evaluation of why the failure happened.
It's a fascinating place and open to groups of not more than 10 people and dates back to 1813 when the place was first established. Prior to then, all proof testing was carried out at the London proof house.
Oddly enough, while certain countries proof testing is perfectly fine and guns may be sold without first being tested, all guns imported from the USA have to be proof tested as no UK valid proof testing system is in place in America.
While I was there, two Westley Richards barrels 'in the white' 1x .505Gibbs & 1x .600Nitro double were to be tested, also two Barrett .50cal. rifles and 1 x.338Lapua Magnum.
Incidentally, they also often test black powder cannons there, and some small ones (5lb) were being prepared for testing too.
It was a very interesting four hour tour and excellent question and answer time made for technical matters and clarification. If you're ever in London or Birmingham and able to make time for a visit, arrange it in advance and you won't be disappointed. (Currently it's a £15 per head charge)
Incidentally, you can also get your own ammunition tested and get a full detailed analysis of pressure and chrono done with their barrel under proper laboratory conditions. There is of course a charge for this service..I'm going to get my own hunting loads tested..the downside is I'll have to re-fireform my brass again!
Cheers, ET
Just Thursday 27th Feb this wk, I and a group of friends visited the Birmingham Proof House where they have a tour and museum. Of course included in this is a 'rogues gallery' where firearms that have failed in one way or another are displayed.
The failures may have occurred while being tested at the proof house or elsewhere and been sent in for forensic evaluation of why the failure happened.
It's a fascinating place and open to groups of not more than 10 people and dates back to 1813 when the place was first established. Prior to then, all proof testing was carried out at the London proof house.
Oddly enough, while certain countries proof testing is perfectly fine and guns may be sold without first being tested, all guns imported from the USA have to be proof tested as no UK valid proof testing system is in place in America.
While I was there, two Westley Richards barrels 'in the white' 1x .505Gibbs & 1x .600Nitro double were to be tested, also two Barrett .50cal. rifles and 1 x.338Lapua Magnum.
Incidentally, they also often test black powder cannons there, and some small ones (5lb) were being prepared for testing too.
It was a very interesting four hour tour and excellent question and answer time made for technical matters and clarification. If you're ever in London or Birmingham and able to make time for a visit, arrange it in advance and you won't be disappointed. (Currently it's a £15 per head charge)
Incidentally, you can also get your own ammunition tested and get a full detailed analysis of pressure and chrono done with their barrel under proper laboratory conditions. There is of course a charge for this service..I'm going to get my own hunting loads tested..the downside is I'll have to re-fireform my brass again!
Cheers, ET
. I could see me spending some time there with a camera & a gun friend or 2!!
