A serial number indicating the year of proofing is also marked on these parts. decisions.Īfter the proof test and if successful, two or three proof marks are always applied to the main (highly stressed) parts of the arm, namely the barrel, the chamber (when not part of the barrel) and the locking mechanism. member states without prior successful proofing in an accredited proof house according to the C.I.P. No small arm can be put on the market in any of the C.I.P. member countries are obliged to request one of the accredited Proof Houses to perform the proofing of all arms they manufacture or import. Small arms manufacturers and importers within the C.I.P. standards for their service firearms and ammunition. compliant, since those organizations often choose to self-impose the relevant C.I.P. This does not automatically imply that all firearms and ammunitions used by governmental organizations in C.I.P. member states are legally exempted from having to comply with C.I.P. Governmental organizations, like military and police forces and other firearms bearing public power agencies, from the C.I.P. established data and decisions obtain(s) indisputable legal status in all C.I.P. formally distributes established data and decisions to the member states through diplomatic channels for publishing in their official journals. These decisions can also easily be obtained by everyone involved. and updates to the various test methods are issued in the form of "decisions".
Technical procedures describing how to perform proofing are also established by the C.I.P.
established data can be accessed by everyone. independently assesses, approves and publicizes manufacturer's data such as ammunition and chamber dimension specifications, maximum allowed chamber pressures, caliber nomenclature, etc. Primarily orientated towards the proof houses and manufacturers, the C.I.P. For example, aspects like the correct cycling of cartridges etc. does not test any further aspects regarding the correct functioning of the tested firearm. A proof mark is stamped in every successfully tested firearm. maximum pressure limit is also possible for consumers who intend to use their firearms under extreme conditions (hot climates, long strings of shots, etc.). For pistol, revolver and rimfire cartridges, the standard proof is performed with overloaded cartridges that produce 30% more chamber pressure than the C.I.P maximum pressure limit for the same cartridge in its commercial version. The standard proof of firearms consists of firing two overloaded cartridges producing 25% more chamber pressure than the C.I.P maximum pressure limit for the same cartridge in its commercial version. has progressively established a set of uniform rules for the proofing of firearms and ammunitions to ensure the reciprocal recognition of the proof marks of each member states.Ī convention between the 13 member states was signed in 1969, ratified and converted into law in each signing state, so that the rules can be enforced to assure that every firearm and cartridge on the market has successfully passed the compulsory proofing and approval. Joseph Fraikin (director from 1908 to 1946), was the originator of the creation of the Permanent International Commission for Firearms Testing (C.I.P.).
In 1914, the director of the Liège Proof House in Liège, Mr. Progressively, national proof houses were set up in other countries and proof marks were introduced. The Liège Proof House was created at this occasion. Proof testing is compulsory in Belgium since the decree of Maximilian Henry of Bavaria dated May 10, 1672. All firearms of reputable brands were proofed this way. At that time, proofing was executed by "proofers" at public places. In Styria Austria by decree from Maximilian of Habsburg on the 12th of September 1501, a little later in London, and in the 17th century in Liège Belgium. accredited Proof Houses.įirearm safety tests were made compulsory in some countries at the beginning of the 16th century. At regular intervals, cartridges are tested at the C.I.P. accredited Proof Houses before they can be sold to consumers. To achieve this, the firearms are all professionally proofed at C.I.P. safeguards that every civil firearm and all ammunition sold in C.I.P. or CIP) is an international organization whose members are 14 states, mainly European. The Commission Internationale Permanente pour l'Epreuve des Armes à Feu Portatives (Permanent International Commission for Firearms Testing - commonly abbreviated as C.I.P.