The Proof House fears are well founded.....not just a few, but hundreds of out of proof guns were exported! Many countries did not have Proof Laws, so it was relatively easy for this to happen. Until the 90,s, it was common practice to be "given" the barrels if you purchased the forend, stock & actions, especially if you were in the gun trade. The rules were tightened, and the Proof House required out of proof barrels to be cut, but many were not! Between 1976, and 2006, my two dealer friends and I experienced this at almost every auction sale. If the auctioneer knew you were trade, you got the barrels uncut, if not then they had to be cut.
