Birmingham Proof House facts for kids
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| Government-owned | |
| Industry | Firearms |
| Founded | 1813, by act of Parliament |
| Headquarters | 52°28′49.69″N 1°53′4.65″W / 52.4804694°N 1.8846250°W,
Banbury Street, Birmingham
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| Services | Proving and certification of firearms and ammunition, quality testing |
| Footnotes / references The house itself is now a grade II* listed museum |
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The Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House is a special place in Birmingham, UK. It's where guns are tested to make sure they are safe to use. This important building is located on Banbury Street. It was designed by John Horton. A cool gateway was added in 1883. The building itself is very old and important, known as a grade II* listed building. This means it's a historic site that needs to be protected.
Contents
Why Was the Proof House Started?
The Proof House was set up in 1813. It was created by a special law from the government called an act of Parliament. The gun makers in Birmingham at that time asked for it. They even paid for it themselves!
The main job of the Proof House was to test guns. They wanted to make sure guns were built well. This was especially important for the gun barrels. They needed to be strong enough not to explode when fired. In 1855, the organization was renamed "The Guardians of the Birmingham Proof House."
How Guns Are Tested for Safety
Testing a gun is called "proving" it. This process checks if a gun is safe and strong.
The Proof Process
- Guns are tested using a very powerful bullet. This bullet is called a proof load.
- It's much stronger than a normal bullet.
- The gun is fired in a special, armored testing room.
- This test puts a lot of pressure on the gun. It's far more pressure than it would ever get in normal use.
- If the gun survives without breaking or getting damaged, it passes the test.
- After passing, the gun gets a special stamp. This stamp is called a proof mark. It shows the gun is safe.
What Happens if a Gun Changes?
If a gun gets damaged or changed a lot, its proof mark might not be valid anymore. This means it's "out of proof." If this happens, the gun must be tested again. It needs to pass the test again before it can be sold or given to someone else.
Rules and Importance Today
Laws were made to ensure all guns are tested. The Gun Barrel Proof Act 1868 made it a rule. It's against the law to sell or give away a gun that hasn't been tested. There are some exceptions for military groups.
Why Following the Rules Matters
There are rules about gun proofing. If someone sells a gun that hasn't been tested, there are penalties. It's even more serious to tamper with or fake a proof mark. These rules help keep everyone safe. They make sure that only safe and properly tested firearms are used.
The Proof House Now
The Birmingham Proof House is still working today. It does the same important job it always has. It also offers more services now. These include testing ammunition and investigating gun accidents. The building also has a museum inside. You can visit it to see old guns and ammunition.
See also
- Birmingham Gun Quarter
