Understanding Imported Shotgun Barrel Markings
- Sep 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 4
Importance of Barrel Markings
Barrel markings provide essential information about the shotgun. They indicate the country of manufacture, the manufacturer or brand, gauge and chamber size, barrel length, choke markings, and proof and safety marks. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in ensuring the firearm's safety and functionality.
1. Country of Manufacture
Imported barrels usually have a country code or abbreviation that shows the origin. This tells you where the barrel was manufactured and often indicates quality standards.
Country Code | Country |
GB | United Kingdom |
BE | Belgium |
IT | Italy |
DE | Germany |
FR | France |
2. Manufacturer or Brand
Imported barrels often carry the maker’s logo or initials, sometimes alongside the country code. For example, F.A.I. represents Italy, Browning represents Belgium, and Purdey represents the UK. This information helps verify authenticity and trace the manufacturer for warranty or repairs.
3. Gauge and Chamber Size
These are always marked numerically. The gauge can be 12, 16, 20, 28, etc. The chamber size is indicated as 2¾”, 3”, or 3½”, which refers to the length of the shell the barrel can safely fire. For example, a marking of 12 GA 2¾" means a 12-gauge barrel designed for 2¾” shells.
Using a shell longer than the marked chamber length can be dangerous.
4. Barrel Length
Imported barrels often indicate length in inches. Standard hunting barrels typically measure 26”–28”, while sporting or trap shooting barrels range from 30”–32”. Shorter barrels, around 24”–26”, are designed for maneuverability in dense areas.
5. Choke Markings
Chokes control the spread of the shot. Imported guns usually indicate this on the barrel.
Marking | Spread Type |
C | Cylinder (no choke, widest spread) |
M | Modified |
IM | Improved Modified |
F | Full (tightest) |
IC | Improved Cylinder |
Some barrels have interchangeable chokes, so check for threaded muzzle markings.
6. Proof and Safety Marks
Imported shotguns are proof-tested in their country of origin and often again in India if imported legally. Marks include firing proof symbols, nitro proof (for smokeless powder), and the date of proof. For example, "GB Nitro Proof 2017" indicates a 2017 UK barrel proofed for modern smokeless cartridges.
Decoding UK Proof House Barrel Markings
1. What Proof Houses Do
Firearms must be tested under extreme pressure to ensure safety. Once passed, the barrel is stamped with proof marks, showing it’s legal and safe to use. In the UK, there are two main proof houses:
London Proof House (est. 1637)
Birmingham Proof House (est. 1813)
2. Key UK Markings
Crown over V / GP / BV / NP – These indicate the official proof symbols applied after a successful test.
Gauge Numbers (12, 16, etc.) – Show the bore size. Sometimes marked as 12, 12B, or 14M depending on the era.
Choke Markings – Indicate if the barrel has choke restriction:
- CHOKE stamped → means the barrel has measurable choke.
- No choke mark → Cylinder bore (no choke).
NITRO PROOF – Means the gun was tested with smokeless (nitrocellulose) powder, not old black powder.
Tons / Bar Markings – Modern pressure test results, e.g.:
- 3 TONS per square inch
- 850 BAR (metric system after 1989)
Date Range – Each style of proof mark is tied to a specific time period. For example, Crown over NP is common from 1925 onwards, while BNP (Birmingham Nitro Proof) is used after 1954.
Other Countries’ Proof Marks
Belgium (Liège Proof House)
ELG in an oval with a star → definitive proof mark
PV with a lion → nitro proof (smokeless powder)
Peron mark (tower symbol) → provisional proof
Belgium is one of the biggest exporters of shotguns (FN Herstal, Browning, etc.).
Italy (Gardone & Brescia Proof Houses)
Star over letters (e.g., Star over PSF) → smokeless powder proof
FINITO → final proof passed
Date Codes – Italy uses letter codes in boxes (e.g., XX7 = 1971)
Very common on Beretta, Perazzi, and other Italian brands.
Germany (Suhl & Ulm Proof Houses)
Crown over U → definitive proof (pre-1940s)
Eagle over N → nitro proof (used post-WWII)
Stag Horn (Ulm proof house) → common modern mark
Date codes appear as a two-digit year (e.g., 72 = 1972).
France (St. Étienne Proof House)
St. Étienne proof mark – stylized shield or letters
PT with crown → smokeless powder
French guns often have metric bore sizes in mm rather than gauge numbers.
Spain (Eibar Proof House)
X in shield → provisional proof
P inside shield → black powder proof
R inside shield → smokeless powder proof
Date letters are also used (similar to Italy).
Quick Guide for Collectors
When checking an imported shotgun barrel, follow these steps:
Look for the proof mark symbol → tells you the country & proof type.
Read gauge/chamber marking → e.g., 12-70 = 12-gauge, 70mm chamber.
Check choke markings → “CHOKE”, “IC”, “M”, “F” or no marking.
Identify pressure rating → BAR or TONS.
Cross-check with the proof house chart → confirms time period & safety standard.
Conclusion
Understanding the markings on imported shotguns is essential for ensuring safe and responsible ownership. By familiarizing oneself with these markings, enthusiasts can ensure they are using their firearms correctly and legally. This knowledge promotes responsible ownership and compliance with Indian regulations, aligning with the goal of Mizo Guns to be the leading informational platform for firearm enthusiasts in India.