Drew,
What most don’t grasp from this point in time was that until 1960, proof was NOT OBLIGATORY in France. However, it might as well have been. I seriously doubt guns that were unproofed were actually offered for sale in France, but, I’ve been surprised before.
https://www.banc-epreuve.fr/en/small-arm-proof/Keep in mind, the proof laws were standardized and made universal in 1964. The proof level for guns with 3” chambers was standardized as identical to French proof for 2 1/2” and 2 3/4” guns, which makes things simpler, I guess. But basic proof in France was very high pressure.
Reproof, up until 1964, was voluntary. It could scarcely be “required” when proof was not technically required, but, it did exist and was used on civilian arms. The brief conversation I had with the proof master in St. Etienne led me to believe that reproof was rare, and if a gun was up to be reproofed, it typically failed the view segment. A bulge, honing of bores beyond about .005, or defects on construction would lead to fail of view. A gun that failed view was not reproofed. Keep in mind, sleeved, non monobloc guns were an automatic fail at view in France when subject to reproof. The basic level of proof was quite high in France, the highest in Europe, by law, and marginal or worn guns simply would not pass reproof. After reproof the gun could once again fail view if the bore measurements changed because of proof.
A long time ago, I decided that if a gun had passed French basic proof, and remained within a few thousandths of the initial measurement of the bore that was stamped on the flats at proof, I was done worrying about what loads I fed said gun with regards to pressure. Using light loads for the sake of the stock, or, my shoulder might feature, but, the barrels would be up to basic hunting loads going forward.
So it goes.
Best,
Ted
