SPORTING ANSWERS
Out of mothballs into fire
ANTIQUE GUNS
Q I want to use an antique percussion shotgun for clays and rough shooting. When I applied for it to be put on my licence, the police said that I had to have it proof tested before they would allow me to use it. Is that correct?
A No. Whether or not a gun has been proofed is not a matter for police licensing departments and they have no jurisdiction in the matter. I have fired dozens of antique shotguns and have never known one to fail. Blackpowder is a forgiving propellant. Make sure the gun is in sound condition. Give it a thorough inspection and look for cracks, excess pitting or pinholes in the barrel walls. Drop a small bore light down the tubes and have a good look.
If you have any doubts, fire the gun in a rest — a Black+Decker Workmate is ideal — with a larger charge of powder and shot than you will be using. Fire it with a long piece of string, preferably while standing around the corner of a building when you do so.
It is a simple matter
