London Proof House waiting times

[Double0gorgeous]

Hi Folks

Can anyone give me an idea of the current waiting times at London proof house? I spoke to a very helpful man (I'm sorry I didn't catch his name) a few weeks ago who said for standard proof 6 weeks but if the person called in they were normally looked after there and then. He also mentioned a premium service where you could book a time, not exactly sure what was involved in this.

Unfortunately I have been waiting a few months on a rifle and my patience is pretty much gone.

Thanks

Jonny

 

[User00003]

oh, I've had rifles that have taken 3 months + in Birmingham. The last one's they even lost for over 2 months and couldn't find as they had accidentally thrown out the paperwork I submitted and then dared say I never included the proof request..the cheek!

 

[dropmdead]

In the fickle world of rfd/gunsmithing/ paperwork (which i have no part in) I too sometimes feel like the workers of an orange grove awaiting for "the man from delmonte" to say ye! At the same time when he does, there is jubilation.
All good things come to who waits.....although it can feel a pita before the officials say ye, it is always worth it.

Not much help in your question.......but patience is the better answer than stress if we can't do anything about it!

 

[dropmdead]

Just to add........I am awaiting 2 rifles to be proofed, but they will be ready when they are ready. All I can do is continue with the rest of my jobs with the tools I have.
Bureaucracy is never someone's friend. ....

 

[AnthonyR]

I currently have 2 rifles at the London proof house, they have been there over 3 weeks now.

My smith told me that the last lot he sent in took nearly 2 months, something to do with a huge military order going through

 

[Double0gorgeous]

Thanks for the info folks

 

[lw woodlands]

Hi Folks

Can anyone give me an idea of the current waiting times at London proof house? I spoke to a very helpful man (I'm sorry I didn't catch his name) a few weeks ago who said for standard proof 6 weeks but if the person called in they were normally looked after there and then. He also mentioned a premium service where you could book a time, not exactly sure what was involved in this.

Unfortunately I have been waiting a few months on a rifle and my patience is pretty much gone.

Thanks

Jonny

How long did it take? Or is it still there?! Currently waiting for my rifle, 6 weeks today....

 

[enfieldspares]

Harrumph! Make work schemes for the otherwise unemployable. Minimum charge and 50% addition to that for "same day" service.

Now compare what labour is involved to certifying an de-act bolt action rifle is properly de-activated to what labour (and specialist equipment) is involved in MoT Test and it's hard not to see the thing as a monopoly long past its end time.

It must be the only remaining "standard" appraisal test in the UK that hasn't been "privatised" or opened to other service providers. Imagine if, still, only Oxford or Cambridge Universities could offer medical degrees.

 

[Ziplobb]

got stuff at London - just had some stuff from Viking (Ruger Precision rifles) and there was a delay because they did not have enough proof ammo in 6.5 creedmore ????

 

[Paul 600]

The jungle drums are telling me that the London proof house is temporarily closed!

 

[brock and norris]

got stuff at London - just had some stuff from Viking (Ruger Precision rifles) and there was a delay because they did not have enough proof ammo in 6.5 creedmore ????

Last Week I supplied Birmingham Proof House with 200 creedmoor brass cases so they could proof the ruger precision rifles as they had no brass , neither did the importers . Birminham produces all the proof ammo for both themselves and London .

 

[Wapinschaw]

Does anyone know how long the wait is at London at the moment?

 

[Kalahari]

While we are still in the EU has anybody ever thought of asking the Liege or some such proof house to do it? Still CIP after all.

David.

 

[takbok]

Does anyone know how long the wait is at London at the moment?

A couple of months ago they were taking about a week. Mine took longer as it was a non-standard calibre (about 4-5 weeks IIRC).

 

[enfieldspares]

As another has said all proof cartridges for London are now loaded in Birmingham. CIP makes good sense and, indeed, it will still last long after Brexit...soft or hard...as there are an number of non-EU countries that are in the CIP. AFAIR all imported Winchester stuff is proofed either in Belgium or Liege. I've long and painful experience of Birmingham Proof House from when I was an RFD in the 1980s. To be honest I saw it in respect of some of he employees there as a make work scheme for the otherwise unemployable.

 

[Wapinschaw]

...... To be honest I saw it in respect of some of he employees there as a make work scheme for the otherwise unemployable.....

Rather disconcerting. I have thought for some time that the primitive test approach of "nearly blow it up and see if it breaks" could be replaced with a more scientific, quantifiable approach of verification of metallurgical specification, certification and compliance of machining processes of manufacturer and secondary supplier where applicable, with inspection by several NDT techniques including X-Ray, MPI and Eddy Current. This system works in many critical industries including aerospace, oil and gas and others involving pressure vessels with verification provided by Lloyds, BV and in house approvals such as issued by the CAA.

However, I guess it is a case of "we have always done it like this", and protection of a lucrative, niche monopoly market is powerful.

 

[mealiejimmy]

Rather disconcerting. I have thought for some time that the primitive test approach of "nearly blow it up and see if it breaks" could be replaced with a more scientific, quantifiable approach of verification of metallurgical specification, certification and compliance of machining processes of manufacturer and secondary supplier where applicable, with inspection by several NDT techniques including X-Ray, MPI and Eddy Current. This system works in many critical industries including aerospace, oil and gas and others involving pressure vessels with verification provided by Lloyds, BV and in house approvals such as issued by the CAA.
However, I guess it is a case of "we have always done it like this", and protection of a lucrative, niche monopoly market is powerful.

Couldn't agree more.
Having worked in Oil and Gas NDT for over 40 years, proof as it exists is entirely unnecessary. There are far better and more reliable ways of ensuring the safe working pressure of what is, after all, just another pressure vessel.

Cheers

Bruce

 

[enfieldspares]

However, I guess it is a case of "we have always done it like this", and protection of a lucrative, niche monopoly market is powerful.

And there you go Wapinschaw. Bullseye!

Had your car MoT'd recently? How much did that cost? For a WALK IN ON DEMAND test? And ALL the specialist equipment, the rolling road, the ramp, the headlight beam checker, the emission tester. A lead light. Dedicated waiting area for you. Ain't cheap. And how long did it take? Thirty minutes and TWO men's labour.

Now if I walk in to either Proof House and want an "on demand" De-activation Certificate? On one side by side shot gun. How much does that cost? And what specialist equipment? A Mark 1 Eyeball and, maybe, a metal scribing tool. Oh and a set of two stamps. Really it is appalling what they can charge by virtue of their monopoly.

 

[NigelM]

Much depends on what you are having proofed. I heard a story today about a 300 SAUM that had been with them since January as they couldn't get the ammunition. I have also experienced common chamberings being turned around in 2 weeks. I have a 22BR in there at the moment. Went 2 weeks ago. We shall see...

 

[kripton]

I wasn't impressed with the proof house when a new border barrel in .223 calibre was proofed and marked by the proof house as .243 - Border had to send it back for the proof marks to be redone!