Firearms licensing: proof
Adaptation of shotgun magazines
Section 1 (3) of the Firearms Act 1968, as amended by Section 2 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, defines the types of smooth bore guns which may be held on a shotgun certificate. It includes a smooth bore gun which has been adapted to have a non detachable magazine, incapable of holding more than two cartridges. In such a case the magazine must bear a mark approved by the Secretary of State, and the adaptation must be certified in writing, by the London or Birmingham Proof House, as having been carried out in a manner approved by him.
This adaptation is carried out on pump-action and semi-automatic, large magazine shotguns which, prior to the above Act, could have been legally held on a shotgun certificate. Unless the required adaptation is carried out, these weapons can now only be held on a firearms certificate.
The following show those proof marks, approved by the Secretary of State under Section 1 (3A) of the 1958 Act, for denoting that guns have been so adapted. The figures "89" relate to the calendar year and changes as appropriate.
| London Proof House |
Birmingham Proof House (1) |
Birmingham Proof House (2) |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
Deactivation of firearms
Section 8 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 provides that a firearm which has been certified by one of the Proof Houses as having been deactivated in a manner approved by the Secretary of State, and marked to that effect, shall no longer be regarded as a firearm.
Firearms so deactivated and proof marked, are no longer subject to any of the conditions or controls contained in any of the Firearms Acts or Rules.
The following show those proof marks, approved by the Secretary of State under Section 8 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, for denoting that guns have been so deactivated. The figures "89" relate to the calendar year and changes as appropriate.
| London Proof House |
Birmingham Proof House (1) |
Birmingham Proof House (2) |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |