If a gun in the UK is out of proof it is illegal to offer it for sale. It is illegal to export it or otherwise trade it.
This is partly due to unscrupulous US dealers buying out of proof guns and selling them in the USA. Because of a number or reported failures, the US authorities took steps to redress the issue and the no export clause was enforced.
Don't misunderstand me. I think proof laws can and have in the past helped the Gun Trade by ensuring that every gun made is tested as fit for purpose.
My current argument is about whether the CIP adoption is an improvement to the old system or whether it is imposing standards that are less useful in practice.
Also, the other issue has been lack of communication and the timing of the adoption of new shotgun gauges this year.
