Safety Question

[Jc5]

The proof house does not pre-judge any firearm. They are asked to test it and they do.
They do not check for headspace, they just fire a 'proof load' and if it doesnt explode/fall apart or bulge the barrel it passes.

Yes, but they have a defined viewing stage before testing any proof loads, to determine suitability for proof, as directed by the Proof Act. I am surprised that they would agree to proof a DP rifle. I know that they will not conduct a private proof of a government rifle unless it has the Sold Out of Service stamp. Is anyone on these boards associated with the Proof House who can comment?

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[Thunderbox]

Yes, but they have a defined viewing stage before testing any proof loads, to determine suitability for proof, as directed by the Proof Act. I am surprised that they would agree to proof a DP rifle. I know that they will not conduct a private proof of a government rifle unless it has the Sold Out of Service stamp. Is anyone on these boards associated with the Proof House who can comment?

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The Proof Houses are commercial organisations which make a great deal of money on the back of the the UK government's rafts of firearms legislations (eg proof certificates for de-acts).

I can assure you that they will test anything that is submitted to them, and make no distinction as to provenance or appearance. A great many DP rifles have been submitted for proof (DPs are one of the main sources of original early SMLEs for UK collectors, as there are so few of these types in circulation), and none have ever failed. The Proof Houses do not check headspace or any other specification feature - AFAIK they just make a quick check of the bore to ensure there are no obstructions. Thus barrel bulges are sometimes detected and picked up.