As to cost of Proof. The real cost is in the preparation for Proof in that the action must be tight and the barrels free from dents, bulges or pits and is what the Gunsmith charges and what has to be done. Very often only the action and barrels are sent minus the stock and forend. This is the initial View stage. On calling at the Proof House the gun is passed through the doors and visually checked; hence 'View'. If it passes this initial examination is is taken away. If it fails it's handed straight back with reason it has failed this stage and there is a small fee to pay at that point. It can be Proof tested while-u-wait or more usually collected the following week. Cost was a little over £20 per barrel or double that if done on the day. Interesting place to visit and small parties can be taken around by prior arrangement. Anyone with a copy of Greener's 'Gun & its Development' can look at the illustrations there and virtually nothing has changed to this day. Lagopus.....
