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The London Proof House has launched a secure firearms storage service as part of a wider move to develop new revenue streams and introduce more certificate holders to the historic institution’s work.
While proofing and deactivation inspection remain the core of the Proof House’s business, David Miles, proof master, said the storage offer provides an opportunity to develop a business-to-consumer service alongside its established trade work.
The additional income, he said, could help fund investment in proofing facilities and equipment without increasing proof charges to the trade.
Who can use the storage service?
The service is based within a previously unused armoury at the Proof House’s Commercial Road premises in London. It is available to certificate holders, gunmakers and registered firearms dealers, although Miles said individual owners have so far accounted for most firearms placed in storage.
“We have offered our storage space to the trade, who are welcome to use it if they are running out of guns storage space themselves,” he said.
Storage for house moves, renewals and dealers short of space
The service responds to a range of practical circumstances. Customers have used, or enquired about using, storage while moving home, travelling abroad, going on holiday or awaiting certificate renewals. It also offers an option for people moving into rented accommodation where they cannot install their own cabinets, and for those who prefer not to keep firearms at home.
Dealers have also made enquiries when relocating premises, undertaking refurbishments or running short of capacity. Miles said the facility could be useful for businesses approaching the quantity or value limits of their insurance cover.
How does storing a firearm at the Proof House work?
For customers, the process is designed to be straightforward. They arrange a time with the Proof House to drop off or collect firearms, while new users sign a storage agreement. Firearms can also be shipped around the country with notice, including transfers to another RFD.
The Proof House can accommodate individual firearms and collections. Miles said it would not be practical to hold every firearm belonging to some of its largest trade proof customers, whose collections can run to tens of thousands of guns, but the facility offers substantial capacity for normal commercial and private requirements.
Security and a controlled climate in the armoury
Security is central to the service’s offer. The Proof House holds an RFD issued by the Metropolitan Police for the armoury and storage business, while its proofing and deactivation work is carried out under the Royal Charter and a Firearms Act exemption.
Miles said the armoury was located centrally within the building, in an area not accessible to regular visitors, adding another layer of security to the requirements applied to any RFD premises.
“The Armoury itself has all the security requirements of an RFD, but within the Proof House which itself has high security,” he said.
The firearms are stored in secure racks, rather than being crammed into a restricted space, and access to the armoury is limited to selected staff. Miles also highlighted the controlled environment as an important distinction for owners of valuable firearms and collections.
“We don’t just see security as an issue. The climate in the Armoury is also very important,” he said.
Temperature and humidity are monitored and controlled to prevent corrosion and mould, while the facility is protected from UV exposure and pests. Miles said the service was insured and confidential, with no access to the armoury for customers or other visitors.
Links with proofing and the trade
The Proof House’s existing role offers potential links with proofing, repair and onward transfer, although Miles said the two customer bases have largely remained separate so far. Most proofing work comes from the trade, while most storage customers are members of the public.
However, dealers have already asked about holding stock firearms or work in progress when they have run out of space, while repair work for storage customers can be outsourced to the trade. The Proof House keeps storage physically separate from proofing activities.
For those unable to collect firearms in person, the Proof House can use Parcelforce to send them to a local RFD or to an RFD close to a customer’s shooting location. Local collection and delivery can also be arranged in some cases, although Miles said the business was careful not to compete directly with specialist London storage providers.
The launch also provides an opportunity to explain proofing to a wider audience. Miles said new storage customers often ask about proof marks and whether their firearms remain in proof, helping to reduce the mystery surrounding the process.
With nearly 400 years of history, a central London location and established security arrangements, Miles believes the Proof House is well placed to provide the service.
“The Proof House is a trusted brand and secure building; we have been here for nearly 400 years and, God willing, we will be here for 400 years more to come,” he said.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the London Proof House firearms storage service?
It is in a previously unused armoury at the London Proof House on Commercial Road, London, held under an RFD issued by the Metropolitan Police.
Can a dealer use the Proof House to store stock?
Yes. The service is open to registered firearms dealers and gunmakers as well as certificate holders, and dealers have already asked about holding stock firearms or work in progress when they run short of space, are relocating or refurbishing, or are nearing the limits of their insurance cover.
Can firearms in Proof House storage be sent to another RFD?
Yes. With notice, firearms can be shipped around the country, including by Parcelforce to a local RFD or one close to the owner’s shooting location.
