0000029262 00000 n this location now so you can return often. These early Mausers were produced by the . Published by Vintage Guns Ltd on 28th June 2019. U.S. Military Arms Factory Letters And Military Records Krag Bolt Removal Which U.S. Bayonet? There are also a number of countries which have a separate military proofing system for service weapons. or E.C. Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model .44 Revolver, Smith &, Wesson Model No. 0000013830 00000 n The letter "P" superimposed on the bottom. Fjestad. It ought to become a rule of the Commission Internationale Pour Lepreuve des Armes a Feu Portatives (CIP), which is the international organisation of proof houses. Military History Percussion locks marked "J. C. M." "Dayton" and letter "H" pierced by an arrow. percussion Kentucky rifle with back action lock by Moore, Henszey & Co. 0000004652 00000 n It may be possible to get your beloved side-by-side reproofed for steel shot for a modest sum, unless it has Damascus barrels. 0 Curly maple half stocked plains rifle with engraved brass hardware and Jas. Examine the shape of the gun. 1637 - First use of firearms proof-marks. M1815 and M1818 Springfield Pistol Stocks. European - especially English, French, German, and Italian - guns can also have good value. These marks have all the characteristic appearance of a rectangle, with a small blob at the top rather like a tied up sack of corn. 0000099401 00000 n The home of Shooting Times, Sporting Gun and Airgun Shooter, How to read proof marks on your gun and serial numbers, CIP and fleur-de-lis stamp on a modern gun, A frequently asked question received by Sporting Gun magazine is about proof marks on guns. 0000104236 00000 n Possibly Ohio, crude, homemade percussion (possibly converted) fullstock rifle with strap-iron trigger guard. 1750-1850 - Dueling pistols come into fashion . 0000002933 00000 n Knowledge of commonly used military ammunition assists I have recently aquired a nice old single barrel shotgun, I think it is Spanish and can find various proof marks on the barrel. Proof Army & Navy Percussion Double Action Revolvers. 2/3/2023, Edged Weapons Austrian. Bargain Stamping inside lock of early flintlock Ken tucky rifle. Decoding these proof marks is very useful in determining the age and history of the gun. 2002BS Birmingham did not establish its proof houses until 1813, and though another Act was passed in 1815 to strengthen the former, the laws were not stringent enough, and the Birmingham proof was not recognized as sound until much later, when the Act of 1855, still unsatisfactory, and the eventually satisfactory one of 1868, was passed. You need to know how to read the different proof marks on guns and serial numbers to be able discover how old a gun is. Roman nose butt, flintlock Kentucky rifle. The proof mark should indicate the pressure of the loads used to test the revolver, as well as the date of manufacture. Generally, but not always, Belgian made guns will have a bit lower value ("ELG" proofmark indicates a Belgian made gun. 1776 - 1941 Military Manuals to identify the manufacturer. Mark indicates gauge prior to 1925, a 3-inch chamber, but after that year chamber length had to be indicated in inches. These marks are customarily the cipher of the gunsmiths guild and the mark of the State or city. Spain depended for long upon the proof of individual armourers, and most Spanish barrels were marked with the stamp of the maker set in a square or oblong block under a crown. <<421B3FD89E55944EA1FB205BE7ED37D9>]/Prev 780315>> The majority of marks will be found on the barrel flats, though early guns may have stamps on the tubes, under the forend. Marking on a percussion Kentucky Squirrel rifle. Q. Z=1; Y=2; X=3; W=4; V=5; T=6; R=7; P=8, N=9; and M=0. 0000117775 00000 n Completely updated and expanded, this new edition of The Official Guide to Gunmarks identifies manufacturers' marks that appear on American and foreign pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Register your details here for invitations to events and special offers from The Vintage Gun Journal, Vintage Guns Ltd 2023. Tower private proof marks on the barrel accompanied by two plain crowns. Markings on a full stock, percussion Kentucky rifle. Many proof marks will be stamped into the barrel, frame, or cylinder. Late flintlock period Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. Walnut halfstock percussion rifle of indifferent workmanship. 0000014945 00000 n Gun owners ask how old is my gun or can I date my gun from its serial number? Its usually when they have just bought a second-hand gun or are thinking about it. Curly maple full-stock, octagonal barrel, flint lock Kentucky rifle. These Golcher, Philadelphia, back action lock. German Lugers are characterized by a long barrel and a round toggle-lock action. Longarms To the best of my knowledge there is only one American proof law, adopted in Massachusetts around 1804 (I've forgotten the exact date). A number of other countries have their own forms of proof, either in-house or centrally run. Remington Cast Steel barrel. Part marking on locks and barrels by Desverneys, Charleston, S. C. On October 27, 1775, Robert Towers, an employee of the Pennsylvania state gun factory, was ordered to stamp all muskets produced and proved in the city of Philadelphia with the letter P. Flintlock Kentucky rifles. Book of Gun Values by S.P. When can deer be hunted? Revolvers are marked on barrel, on the frame, and on each chamber. 2008 CC Before quality control markings were changed in 1934-1936 . Initials "O.M. Marking on a Model 1795 musket lockplate. Stamped inside hand-forged lock of early flintlock Kentucky rifle by I. P. Beck. This is from a Deluxe engraved Pedersoli Le Page pistol, and all of the stampings are on the underside of the barrel. Applies primarily to guns made outside the U.S. Information courtesy of The Blue Book of Gun Values by S.P. 0000003320 00000 n All of the artifacts came from the estate of James May. This marking is also found on percussion Kentucky rifle. Austrian arms were marked with the double eagle, and later with the letters Wn 78; a variety of private marks of manufacturers are also in use. cases. 199.". 148 0 obj <> endobj Before sending it to the proof house he will check that the action and barrels are jointed properly, that the ribs are sound and that the bores havent grown in diameter beyond laid-down limits, through either constant firing or overzealous cleaning, or both. 0000007161 00000 n 10/25/2022 Continue reading here: Brief History of Ammunition Introduction, Free 2nd Amendment Gun Rights Silver Coin, FREE Military Tough 6-in-1 Tactical Survival Knife, Green Beret Master Sergeant Home Security Checklist, Winning Plays Texted To Your Phone That Comes Directly From An Elite Team Of Sharps, Internal External and Terminal Ballistics, High Standard Pistols - Firearms identification, Drop In Auto Sear - AR15 to M16 Conversion, Urban Survival Secrets for Terrorist Attacks. This article was written by the late Mike George in 2014 and has been updated. 0000071997 00000 n xref Some older foreign 0000147394 00000 n (Shotgun restoration where to get it done and what to spend. Marking on barrel of fine relief carved Kentucky rifle circa 1800-1810. Proof Marks or "Proofs" as they are sometimes referred to have changed over time, therefore assisting in dating the arm. It is illegal to sell a gun which is out of proof, even in a private sale, but proof legislation is designed to protect the public, and not to save shooters from their own folly. How are guns proofed and how do you tell? Underneath the whole appears the word St. Etienne. 0000009527 00000 n Understand the standard proof marks. Assess the proof mark. Search Mf+wwJcC] }oUA!o=}OWWAn7 Marking on an over-under, flintlock Kentucky rifle. Handguns The simplest date coding of the lot is applied to Japanese-made Miroku shotguns, and the break-action guns they build for Browning. Stamped on barrel of heavy halfstock Plains rifle with brass tube for ramrod socket. 0000001896 00000 n Britain accepts the proof standards of all CIP member countries, but the products of all other nations have to be proofed in this country before they can be legally sold in the UK. In a nutshell, much can be determined about the origins and to a wide extent the date of manufacture of some shotguns just by examining the proofmarks. However, as the US has no federated proof system and American makers conduct their own proof tests, US guns must be proofed on arrival in the UK, because the US is not a CIP member. 3, 1st Model 44 Revolver. Fancy flintlock Kentucky rifle with raised carv ing, 45 silver inlays; engraved C. Bird & Co., Phila., lock. Items Golcher, Philadelphia, back action lock. 0000005284 00000 n The table below can be used to see if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham. Books on As the UK is a signatory of the International Proof Commission (CIP), it recognises the proof marks of every other member state. The barrels were to be marked PM over the initials of the proving inspector and the date. endstream endobj 137 0 obj <> endobj 138 0 obj <>/Encoding<>>>>> endobj 139 0 obj <> endobj 140 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB]/ExtGState<>>> endobj 141 0 obj <> endobj 142 0 obj <> endobj 143 0 obj <> endobj 144 0 obj <> endobj 145 0 obj <> endobj 146 0 obj <> endobj 147 0 obj <> endobj 148 0 obj <>stream 0000042008 00000 n 2013 CL 0000010481 00000 n 0000003452 00000 n be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the written permission of '. Probably Ketland, Walker & Adams, listed in Birmingham, England in 1818. ), So whats the answer? Seen 0000009831 00000 n Lockplate marking on locks marked "J. C. M. DAYTON" also locks on two rifles by J. Double set-triggers; cut out patchbox. Lot# 2 - pick up on 3/15 10-6pm. 0000060740 00000 n State of New Jersey marking for "State Property.". 0000107556 00000 n Script marking on barrel of circa 1820 No. Many old guns may have been re-proved once or more, often in a different proof house from the original one. We have provided you Guns can also be re-proofed to take different ammunition, any gun which has had its chamber lengthened must be re-proofed. Destructive test marks may be found on the barrel or cylinder, and will indicate the gun has been tested with a higher load than the standard load. Provisional proof is only for shotgun barrels in the early stages of manufacture. American Firearms Makers: When, Where, and What They Made from the Colonial period to the End of the Nineteenth Century by A. Merwyn What looks like "T. D." in old German script on a long flint lock Kentucky rifle, is "C. D." The initials of Christian Durr. Stamping inside a flint Kentucky rifle lock marked externally "KETLAND & CO.". xb``b``` @16 l-,8sh-[1%3*.\ M=S!b6B>&X=ME#e*U3\'VC~Aa1 &w"2))vttgh \4 Tb@Rj hd`@ )fc``T v`#l> ^1?Y,Zi;?I+OT)po=|:U:EK{ mg`r#w /r] This will be an on going 0000080540 00000 n Appendix 6 Gun Marks Gun marks can include proof marks, but for this chapter, they are restricted to manufacturer ' s marks, inspector ' s marks and arsenal marks. Determine the maker's proof mark. For example, Winchester. Cowboy & Old Western History Script initials on a fine, silver-inlaid percussion Kentucky rifle, Colt Walker and 1st Model Dragoon Revolver. The third is the storage place itself. 2009CD determination. Originally evolved by the armourers themselves, the system of proof was in nearly every arms-producing country taken over by the Municipality or the State, who imposed a series of stringent by-laws and penalties on any who sought to evade the prescribed tests. B. Reynolds barrel. The proof house marks and manufacturing code are stamped elsewhere on the gun. Miscellaneous Look for a "P.08" marking on the side of the gun. Guns have to be proofed in Britain to be sold here. 0000062418 00000 n Ordinance and Proof Houses were established by law in almost every 12/7/2022, Ammunition for Collectors Marking on the barrel of a Kentucky type, flint lock pistol with lock marked "C. E. Hardy & Co.". The fourth the crossed branches, with the letters S.E.E., and a cross in their angles. 12/7/2022, U.S. Longarms American shotguns and rifles are tested, though the extent of testing is left up to discretion. Thomas Palmer, U. S. Inspector of Arms 1808-10. To establish this rule, they constructed a proof house near the City of London. French. 2014 CM Marking on late flintlock period, highly decorated Kentucky rifles. Proof marks are the official stamps or ciphers showing that a barrel has been properly tested with the prescribed excess charges of powder and ball that allow a large factor of safety to the user. 0000004954 00000 n The proof marks for Eibar, in Spain, are the letters Po, surmounted by a crown. Smith & Wesson New Model No.3 Turkish .44 Revolver 1875. These, once again, are not accepted by the. 0000016641 00000 n trailer 0000011853 00000 n A number of other countries have also established their own proof houses and by agreement at consular level, reciprocal arrangements have been made for their proof marks to be mutually accepted. When they were made, all British guns had to be subjected to proof testing (they still are) to ensure that they were fit for purpose. Fine craftsman. The first comprises making sure it's unloaded and always locked with a trigger lock. 222 0 obj <>stream 2000BN Lot# 4 - shipping. Gunsmith James Reynolds puts a wreck back into service on a budget. Want to buy a single issue of Shooting Times, Sporting Gun or Airgun Shooter? Yk1wJuYdBY"dS =\ =bz_$[om^+eh,*({5)JIZDf? The letter P superimposed on the bottom of a W surrounded by an oval is the familiar Winchester proofmark, Remington uses REP within a box, etc. Weapons bearing military proof marks have thus to be commercially proofed before they can be legally sold in those countries. barrel began as a means to insure its safety and integrity. C-96 country requiring that weapons sold within the respective country, and By seeking the marks listed in the table, the latest a gun could have been proved originally can be established, as can the time frame of any re-proof that may have been applied later in the guns life. Even 40mm UBGLs are proofed using a lead shot loaded projectile instead of High Explosive. Some older foreign manufactured firearms, such as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a location, rather than a manufacturer. acknowledge the testing - called "Proof Marks". 0000000016 00000 n Tobias Snider, Liberty Township, Bedford County, Pa. Maker of a side-by-side, double barrel, curly maple stock, percussion Kentucky type rifle, as well as of percussion, Kentucky single barrel rifles. Copyright 2023 National Rifle Association, Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics, Volunteer At The Great American Outdoor Show, Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award, Women's Wildlife Management / Conservation Scholarship, National Youth Shooting Sports Cooperative Program, Shedding New Light on the Air Service Springfield M1903, Springfield Armory's First Model 1903 Rifle, M1903A4 Development: The U.S. Armys Search For A Sniper Rifle, Pearl Harbor Survivors: M1903 Rifles Salvaged From U.S.S. A good sampling of proofmarks can be found in the NRA Firearms Fact Book and elsewhere. Probably abbreviation for one of the Pennsylvania Angstadt family. Proof - The test-firing of a gun with an extra-heavy load, at an official establishment, to verify the safety of a gun, which is then marked with formal stamps showing, among other things, the loads for which it is intended. Flintlock Kentucky rifle with 2 patch boxes; one on each side of the stock. Here's the inside story of what they found and how they're rebuilding an industry giant. 1941 - 1945 0000014575 00000 n On barrel of very early flintlock Kentucky rifle with incised Roman nose stock. If we think about clear dating on guns, why do we have to have codes at all? Proof date code table. 0000012820 00000 n The second is to put it in a safe, preferably made specifically for guns. 0000002251 00000 n A voluminous schedule of rules and scales of charge for the proof of various kinds of small arms is in existence, and the proof is the same at London and at Birmingham; though different proof marks are employed. This is a reliable indicator that the gun is a German Luger. These firearms Script initials on barrel of late Kentucky .28 cal. Unlike Britain and Europe where proofing of firearms is law, in the United States proofing is left to individual manufacturers. 0000126405 00000 n below are samples of Proof Marks of different countries. Reported first used in 1877 in Moravia, Iowa. View Full Photo Gallery. 0000009076 00000 n 0000143308 00000 n 0000037574 00000 n Colt M1860 .44 and M1873 S.A. .45 Revolvers. Percussion Kentucky rifles of fine workmanship. 0000049974 00000 n Since 1995 a number presented in blocks of digits presents the information like this: The first two digits identify the maker (for instance, 16 is AYA, and 13 is Lanber). Possibly John Eberly, gunsmith under William Henry I, Lancaster, Pa., 1729-1786. A. Proofmarks could be a story or a book themselves. . Bedford County, Pa., silver inlaid percussion Kentucky rifle. 0000001752 00000 n Therefore, a serial number ending in MV indicates the year 2005. 0000008871 00000 n 0000108581 00000 n (Read more on buying guns second-hand here. Identify the maker. 10/25/2022 0000115678 00000 n The majority of marks will be found on the barrel flats, though early guns may have stamps on the tubes, under the forend. These marks are the Belgian Lion rampant over the letters S.C.H. I have identified two from info on the web - One appears to be (crossed muskets)1923 Eibar final black powder proof and the other is (a shield with crossed muskets)1929 Eibar admission proof for for gunswith old marks. Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd and 3rd Model.44 Revolver. The second is the crossed branches, with the letters A.E. 2/3/2023 An early percussion Kentucky rifle with hand hammered barrel marked in script, 16 silver inlays, long patch box with side plates shaped and engraved to represent snakes. 0000006511 00000 n Generally, but not always, Belgian-made guns will have a bit lower value ("ELG" proofmark indicates a Belgian made gun. Many British-made shotguns carry Birmingham proofmarks, with London proofing mainly found on top-of-the-line British shotguns. 0000076880 00000 n The Proof House can proof anything from .22 caliber up unto .50 caliber machine guns and the M230 30mm guns for Britain's Apaches. 2004 BU 0000088591 00000 n (tr_WXvvL6Eu'}OI U-XY!A:Xnid~g,~:@ZP&kl$VsYA<5FTbf]0>okJ!wK9ae0 Lc#As;$'NS.7 5bUSGD}pzYVn5"I-6.K3obuGUQ,qe2F'.2sAI/.Dr\,:cyH=y39'vT-[ 6T Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. Inspector of Contract Arms. In 1888 it was decided by a joint meeting of the Gunmakers Company and the Birmingham Guardians that a new supplementary proof for smokeless powder should be instituted in 1893, 1896, and 1904; the rules were further adjusted to allow for new powders. Here, he explains their advantages and disadvantagesand how to use them safely. 0000124308 00000 n When they were made, all British guns had to be subjected to proof testing (they still are) to ensure that they were fit for purpose. (Broomhandle). Modern pistols and revolvers are proved in their last stage of manufacture when complete with action and in firing order. It is also a good idea to have relevant documents when carrying a gun while traveling: Copies of your valid concealed carry permit (s) A copy of the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) Copies of 18 USC 926A code regarding interstate transportation of firearms. Older double guns will primarily carry Belgian or British proofmarks. The majority of those operational proof marks had no sense and meaning in a short scale production period and are senseless for future research. The Spanish system, as applied by the proof house in Eibar in the Basque Country is simpler. Proofing involves the firing of an overload that exceeds the service pressure of any given gauge and shell length by about one-third. The third is a plain stamp, with the letters A.V.E. C-96 (Broomhandle) Marlin Remington Ruger (& Factory Letters) Winchester U.S. Military Markings Gun Marks House Brands U.S. 0000009920 00000 n . 0000134772 00000 n 0000004172 00000 n The table below can be used to see if your gun was proofed in London or Birmingham. Two, four and six barrel pistols of Darling design are met with bearing the initials A. I. S. Curly maple, half stocked plains rifle with engraved brass hardware and Jas. Arms Collectors For example, this means that a gun with Belgian proof marks can be sold in the UK without being re-proofed because Belgium is a CIP member. 0000001623 00000 n B. Hixson. 2005 BZ Proof mark on a late percussion Kentucky rifle barrel bored out smooth to .69 caliber, with Jas. Flintlock Kentucky rifle of good workmanship. PROOF MARKS - Comparing the proof marks on your gun to this chart may help you determine where and when your gun was made, including guns where no other markings are evident. California, Rifleman Q&A: Shotgun Proofmarks? date, serial number and property marks as well as various acceptance and If you pick up an Italian gun made between 1954 and 1974, the date code will be in Roman numerals, and for the immediate post-war period the code is in Arabic numerals that is the conventional 1,2,3, etc. It is not clear what these two crowns signify but they could possibly be the pre-proof and post-finishing acceptance marks. 1999 BM 2011 CH for your continued support, encouragement and admonishment. Initials stamped on barrel of German silver mounted half stock (originally fullstock?) 0000099472 00000 n Marks on the gun indicate that it was used by German mercenaries during the American Revolution. referred to more commonly as "Proof Marks", Military firearms can be difficult to identify because they on barrel. Relevant Documents to Have. 0000026203 00000 n arsenal marks, you will find other marks or stampings. Deer seasons in the UK. 0000069587 00000 n There is no doubt that this system contributed much to the good report in which properly proved arms were held, and laid the foundation of much export trade. to identify antique arms from different parts of the world, we decided Period of 1810. Find pistols, revolvers, and rifles for sport shooting and personal defense. Printed reciprocity map (s) showing the states that . 0000002659 00000 n Many papers and books have been written on this subject, but probably the most authoritative is 'The Standard Directory of Proof Marks' by Wirnsberger, distributed by Blacksmith Co., Southport, Connecticut 06490. Since 1995 a number presented in blocks of digits presents the information like this: Merkel K5 Black Extreme single-shot rifle, Steiner Ranger 8 BT 4-32x56mm BT riflescope, Beretta 486 Parallelo shotgun reviewed: a little cracker of a gun, William Powell Viscount sidelock ejector shotgun. Liege, in Belgium, has always been celebrated for its weapons, and established its proof house as a municipal enterprise on May 10, 1672, when it was laid down that barrels should be marked with the stamp of the city, and unproved weapons might not be sold under pain of a fine of a gold florin and the confiscation of the unproved barrel. Though not American gunmakers, listed as marking likely to be found on American made rifles. These firearms are cottage industry type weapons without a specific brand name. 0000086754 00000 n Early flintlock rifle of crude workmanship. In addition to This will help you to determine the year of manufacture as well as the country of origin. The fifth a crown, with three crossed spikes set over a capital E. Other French towns had their special marks, such as Check the finish of the gun. Smith & Wesson's new M&P FPC is a compact, folding pistol-caliber carbine chambered in 9 mm Luger and designed to accept the company's M&P handgun magazines. Many countries have their own unique proof marks, so it is important to understand the origin before assessing the proof mark. The second two digits identify the type of gun, and 03 indicates a shotgun. Two Barrel Darling pistols are marked with H. 10/25/2022 Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle. Half-stock Kentucky rifle with long ramrod tube. 0000096938 00000 n location, rather than a manufacturer. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Constitution provides a right to carry a gun outside the home, issuing a major decision . 0000106738 00000 n Golcher lock. Marking on a very early flintlock Kentucky rifle. Serial Numbers. 0000090159 00000 n Marking on a barrel of a two-shot, single barrel, percus sion, Kentucky type rifle. Generally, this calls for between 30 and 50% increase in pressure over the standard round of ammunition. Inspectors WWII German Codes & Markings GUN MARKINGS Please enter the markings you want to research and click the submit button. to share our findings by this means of communication. 0000006260 00000 n that we have found on this subject. Look at an Italian-manufactured gun and you will see the letter sequences appear in a little rectangle near the proof information. 2015 CN proof marks. Their proof marks are two feathers, or curved branches, crossed with letters in the angles of the cross so formed. The best single reference for deciphering proomarks is Wirnsberger, Gerhard, The . 0000000016 00000 n Proof mark add value because they can indicate provenance, date of manufacture, or in a best case scenario truly set a gun apart if it has an especially rare origin. A leading manufacturer of firearms, Ruger offers high-performance firearms. Converted factory lock, mother-of-pearl star in cheekpiece. The drawings vary in style due to differences in the original information. Probably abbreviation for one of the Pennsylvania Angstadt family. 0000010816 00000 n Found in Scotland, ready for putting back together. Thank you for Two letters at the end of the serial number indicate the year. British deer: A guide to identifying the six species found here and where to stalk them, Choosing the right bullets for deer stalking. Heavy percussion Kentucky rifle with H. Elwell lock, J. 0000008370 00000 n Percussion Kentucky rifle with artificially striped stock. Decades of experience with handguns and holsters have given the author some excellent insights into the most popular designs. 0000002539 00000 n 0000037090 00000 n manufactured firearms, such as pistols from Spain and Italy, will list a Italy and Spain both build date codes in the proof information stamped on their guns. Proof Marks or Marking on a pair of flintlock Kentucky type pistols carried by Col. Nathan Dennison at Battle of Wyoming, Pa., July 3, 1778. In 1849 the additional ciphers for provisional proof the letters E.L. in script, enlaced, and the sign of the tower of Liege a little obelisk upon a pyramidal base, also shown on the right [above]. When a gun is re-proofed there is always some element of risk, but a gunsmith will advise you as to its chances of passing the test. %PDF-1.3 % 0000092657 00000 n 12/7/2022, US Militaria 0000055241 00000 n This Mossberg 26B bolt-action rifle in .22 caliber belonged to my dad, Robert Elmo Babington. 136 43 Typical operational proof marks on a 1934 receiver. will normally provide the information needed to make a caliber