Because of government regulation it is now a complex, time consuming and costly process send damascus guns to the U.K for nitro proof testing. In the past I have resorted to the following proceedure to satisfy my self that the gun I wish to shoot is safe to use with low pressure loads;
1/ I inspect and measure the barrels, and chamber length to ensure that they are, "in proof", relative to the Black powder marks.I also check to ensure that the barrel wall thickness is at least .020 inch.
2/ I check to ensure the action is tight and not, "off the face" and that the barrels are free from dents, loose ribs and serious pitting.
3/My improvised method of testing is to wedge the gun in an old tire with the butt inside the tire walls with the barrels resting on the outer,opposite tire wall. I load the gun with field shells having 1 1/4 ozs, shot. I fire the barrels individually using a long string so that I am out of harms way. If the gun is sound after this test, I repeat the proceedure but for the second test I try to discharge both barrels simultaneously.If the gun is not damaged in any way by this test I am comfortable using it with low pressure loads.
I would hasten to add, that testing in this manner is strictly at the owners own risk. It dose not confir the kind of guarantee that a formal proof house test provides.
