The London Proof House is proud to announce that it has successfully passed its ISO 9001 audit conducted by BSI, reaffirming its commitment to the highest standards of quality management, traceability, and public safety. For an institution entrusted with safeguarding firearms users and the wider public since 1637, this achievement is far more than a certification, it is a confirmation that the systems, processes, and expertise that underpin gun proofing continue to meet modern expectations of rigour, control, and accountability.
ISO 9001 is the world’s most recognised quality management standard. Passing an audit from BSI, the British Standards Institution, demonstrates that the Proof House not only meets the standard’s requirements, but does so under independent scrutiny from one of the most respected auditing bodies in the country. This reassurance is vitally important in the firearms sector, where confidence in process integrity is non-negotiable.
Leadership from the Proof Master
Central to the success of the audit was the leadership, oversight, and vision of the Proof Master. As the senior officer responsible for all proofing activities undertaken by the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, the Proof Master ensures that every firearm passing through the Proof House is subject to consistent, compliant, and meticulously controlled processes.
Over the last year, the Proof Master has overseen a programme of continuous improvement designed to strengthen quality assurance, modernise documentation, and enhance process repeatability. This work has touched every stage of the proofing journey: from initial receipt and inspection, through the internal handling of firearms, to testing, recording, marking, and safe release back to the trade.
The Proof Master’s responsibility is not simply technical; it is custodial. The proofing system is a critical part of the UK’s firearms safety framework, and it relies on absolute confidence that every step is performed to an agreed, auditable, and traceable standard. The recent successful audit confirms that the systems he manages meet these expectations.
Why Audited Processes Matter in Gun Proof
Gun proofing is about one thing above all else: safety. Every firearm must withstand the pressures generated when it is discharged, and the only way to ensure that is through controlled proof testing. But the safety outcome relies not only on the physical test, it relies on the reliability of the processes behind it.
Properly audited processes ensure:
Consistency of Testing
Every firearm is tested in the same way, under the same conditions, and against the same benchmarks. ISO 9001 ensures that documentation, calibration, equipment checks, and handling procedures support absolute consistency.
Traceability and Record-Keeping
In the event of a query, whether from a gunmaker, dealer, insurer, or law enforcement, there must be a clear chain of evidence showing precisely how the firearm was tested. ISO 9001 strengthens the Proof House’s existing record-keeping and ensures that every stage is trackable.
Accountability and Independence
It is not enough that processes exist; they must be demonstrably followed. Independent auditing ensures transparency and avoids complacency, reinforcing the high levels of trust placed in the Proof House.
Continuous Improvement
Firearms technology evolves. Materials change. Expectations change. ISO 9001 embeds the discipline of regularly reviewing and improving processes, ensuring the Proof House stays aligned with best practice and modern risk-management principles.
Confidence for the Trade and the Public
Whether a gunmaker submitting a new rifle, a dealer selling a second-hand shotgun, or a member of the public seeking assurance, properly audited processes protect everyone involved. They provide the certainty that proof marks stand not just for a single test, but for a system that works reliably day in, day out.
A Standard Worth Upholding
The London Proof House has operated for nearly four centuries, serving as one of Britain’s oldest safety regulators. Achieving ISO 9001 accreditation with BSI shows that heritage and modern quality management can work hand-in-hand. It reflects the professionalism of the staff, the leadership of the Proof Master, and the unwavering commitment of the Gunmakers’ Company to public safety.
This successful audit is not the end, it is part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that the London Proof House remains a benchmark for safety, integrity, and excellence in gun proofing.
