Proof master David Miles sheds light on the thorough processes of gun proving and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the London Proof House, which has upheld firearm safety standards since the 1600s. As he shares insights on proving iconic Rigby guns and recounts memorable experiences, David highlights the importance of craftsmanship.
Can you explain what gun proving is and provide a brief history of the London Proof House?
It’s a process of inspecting, gauging and firing overpressure ammunition through a firearm to stress test it. If the pressure bearing parts (bolt, action, barrels) change, or it does not meet the measurement tolerances, the firearm fails the test. If it passes, it will be proof marked.
The test first came about in the 1600s because back then, anyone could attempt to make a gun and sell it. There was no safety standard, so firearms were often dangerous to the user. As a result, skilled gunmakers wanted recognition and a City Livery Company of their own to control the quality of gunmaking and the safety of firearms.
In 1637, King Charles I issued a Royal Charter which set up the Gunmakers Company, which in turn set up a Proof House. To this day that Royal Charter (and the Gun Barrel Proof Act of 1868) gives us authorisation to seize guns if we believe someone is selling unproven guns and requires anyone selling a gun to ensure it is proven and in proof.
What are the steps involved in the proving process?
The test involves measuring the gun’s chamber and bore dimensions, and checking the headspace is within specific tolerances. We also conduct a visual check for faults such as cracks, dents and bulges. At this point, we will reject firearms outside of the tolerances or for having a fault.
We then proof fire, typically two rounds per barrel. We control the maximum pressures that ammunition can achieve, and from this our proof pressures are typically 25-30 percent higher. We use a secure, remote room where the gun is held in a jig and fired into a snail trap. After firing, we will headspace gauge again and conduct a second view. If the gun is out of tolerance, or if there has been any material change in the pressure bearing parts, we label it as failed proof.
If it passes, then we apply our proof marks that indicate what pressure ammunition can be fired through the gun and include crucial dimensions of the bore. The London Proof House has applied the Crowned GP proof mark to all guns which have passed the tests since our Royal Charter of 1637. Next time you hold a British-made gun, have a look for it!
Can you discuss extra considerations when proving Rigby guns?
When looking at a Rigby or any London best gun, we often say it feels ‘alive in the hands’; perfectly balanced yet relatively lightweight. That means using as little metal as possible, but the gun must still work safely, so clearly proving is essential. Rigby is renowned for producing some of the largest calibre hunting rifles, such as the .450 and .416, and our work demonstrates their safety and reliability.
Additionally, the exquisite finish of Rigby rifles, including rust blacking and intricate engravings, demands careful handling. To protect these finishes, the metal surfaces are wrapped and specialised firing jigs are used to manage recoil.
Tell us about working with Rigby and any special memories you have?
After studying law, I realised I didn’t want a normal office job, so started looking for something I could be interested in. In early 2013, I came across an advert for a gunroom manager position at a gunmaker which had recently re-opened in London; John Rigby & Co. I had been shooting since I was six years old, so it seemed perfect. After pestering to get an interview, I was finally interviewed by Marc Newton and Patricia Pugh, then co-directors of Rigby. I wanted the job so badly that when I left, I switched off my mobile in fear of a rejection call. When I plucked up the courage to check, there was a voicemail from Marc asking me to start early the next day, because there was a lot to do! That pace continued for the next eight years until I left in 2021. We grew from a handful of people with very varied job roles to a much larger team.
One special memory is a customer, a member of a royal family, flying me over to their country to help zero their new rifle. After several hours shooting guns with his top military officers in attendance, we went to one of the royal palaces for lunch with 15 members of his family. Another prominent family member stood up, took my plate and served me heaps of succulent, spiced lamb. That simple act of service, from a man who had such a high position and power, was a lesson in humility, class and hospitality that I won’t ever forget. It also made up for a time two years previously when it had been my turn to show humility…
We had been instructed to fly by helicopter with His Royal Highness (HRH) of the same country to hunt a huge red deer. I had expected good weather so was wearing a shirt and a very light raincoat. Naturally, it was a cold and very wet day. HRH was using a new rifle that he didn’t want to scratch but was nonetheless keen to take a huge stag with. He asked me to take off my coat and roll it up for him to use as a soft rifle rest. I paused to see if he really was serious… before handing over my coat, neatly rolled up, tolerating the cold rain in just a shirt. But I had an excellent day, saw the most incredible deer and two years later was sitting around a table being served by a member of his very own royal family.
