HOW THE LONDON PROOF HOUSE HANDLES BRITAIN’S BEST GUNS

David Miles, proof master at the London Proof House, offers a rare look behind the scenes at how best guns are assessed, handled and ultimately proven - not for beauty or brand, but for their ability to withstand the pressures that define a working firearm.

At the London Proof House, best guns stand apart not because they are tested differently, but because they tend to arrive much earlier in the manufacturing process. While factory-made guns usually arrive fully finished - stocked, engraved, blacked and ready to be boxed - best guns are generally submitted “in the white.” At this stage, the gunmaker has completed the barrels and action, but left off the stock, forend and finish. The result is a raw but critical form, submitted before the most expensive and intricate handwork begins.

This approach is as practical as it is prudent. Given the cost and time involved in engraving, stocking, oiling and chequering, gunmakers need to know early on whether the core action and barrels will pass proof. “You don’t want to invest all that craftsmanship only to find out the gun won’t make it through the test,” explains David Miles, proof master at the London Proof House. “Submitting it earlier allows gunmakers to reduce risk and protect the work still to come.”

To accommodate the special care required by high-value guns, the Proof House operates a dedicated proof bay for best guns. Here, a purpose-built testing jig is used to minimize the risk of damage during the firing process. The staff, many of whom come from the gun trade themselves, understand the stakes. “I worked at Rigby for eight years,” says Miles. “Our team knows how much time and expertise goes into these guns, and they handle them accordingly.”

Today, the British best gun trade is largely export-led, with a significant share of production destined for the United States, mainland Europe and the Middle East. “We see new best guns coming in every week,” Miles notes. “That’s a really positive sign for traditional British gunmaking.” Alongside these new creations, the Proof House also sees a steady stream of historic best guns, usually submitted by leading auction houses for reproof before resale or export.

The types of guns coming through the doors have evolved, too. In the past, side-by-sides were the dominant format for shotguns, but that has shifted. “Now, the majority of best shotguns we see are over-and-unders,” says Miles. “It’s been a gradual change since the Second World War.” In the rifle category, bolt-actions have largely overtaken double rifles, driven in part by cost — with best double rifles commanding prices at the very top of the spectrum.

Another notable change is the rise of steel shot proof. “Just a few years ago, the majority of shotguns were still coming in for lead shot proof,” Miles explains. “Now, most are submitted for steel. It’s a significant shift and speaks to how the trade is adapting.”

Modern manufacturing techniques are playing a role in this evolution. CNC machining has been widely adopted across the industry over the last 40 years, with 3D design becoming more prominent in the last decade. While hand-finishing remains the hallmark of a best gun, CNC allows manufacturers to create precisely engineered components earlier in the build, which can then be refined by skilled craftspeople. “It’s particularly helpful when designing shotguns to withstand higher steel-proof pressures,” says Miles. “But whether a gun is made by hand or by CNC, our job is the same: to verify that it passes proof.”

The iconic Crowned GP mark, stamped on firearms proven in London since 1637, plays a lasting role in maintaining the credibility and reputation of British gunmaking. It is found on many of the world’s most revered sporting arms: Holland & Holland, Purdey, Boss and others. “There’s a brand association between the London Proof House and the best gunmakers,” says Miles. “It’s part of what reinforces trust and quality in the eyes of buyers around the world.”

Ultimately, the definition of a best gun comes down to the finesse of the final product. “Functionally, all quality firearms should perform well,” Miles explains. “But the expectations for a best gun are far higher, wood-to-metal fit, engraving, finish, chequering, all of these elements have become more refined over the years. Gunmakers have had to raise their game to continue earning that title.”

The proof process may be hidden from the end customer, but it is essential to maintaining standards, safety and tradition in one of the UK’s most revered craft industries. A best gun enters the London Proof House not as a luxury item, but as a precision instrument — understood in full, proven with care.