See how they prove inside the Birmingham Proof House…

On the face? Birmingham Proof House series, Matthew Brown Photography
On the face? Birmingham Proof House series, Matthew Brown Photography

If you spend any time looking at old English and European guns, “proof” is something you’ll hear about.

In Great Britain and throughout the continent, state-recognized “proof houses” test every new firearm built in, or imported into, that country. Basically, they do this by trying to blow the gun up. If it survives. this process “proves” the shotgun, pistol, or rifle is safe to shoot.

The UK has two proof house: The London Proof House, founded in 1637, and the Birmingham Proof House, founded in 1813. Both are still proofing guns today.

With this series of pics, photographer Matthew Brown takes viewers into the inner workings of the Birmingham house and give us a rare look at one goes on throughout the proofing process.

Great dog photos you’ll really want to see…

Maisey, © Craig Koshyk Photography
Maisey, © Craig Koshyk Photography
Souris-Manon © Craig Koshyk Photography
Souris-Manon © Craig Koshyk Photography
French Spaniel © Craig Koshyk Photography
French Spaniel © Craig Koshyk Photography

Craig Koshyk is a great researcher and writer. He’s also a skilled. The pics you see here are just a few of the fantastic shots you’ll see when you visit his site: Craig Koshyk Photography.

And if you love hunting dogs, you need to follow Craig’s Pointing Dog Blog and pick up a copy of his book: Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals

All pics © Craig Koshyk Photography

New header: A Six Pack of Promise, from www.ChrisMathanPhoto.com

English Pointer Pups, from ChrisMathanPhoto.com
Pointer Pups, from ChrisMathanPhoto.com

I love Pointers. So does professional photographer and graphic/website designer Chris Mathan. She’s an amateur dog trainer, field trialer, and avid upland bird hunter with a passion for pointers and setters.

Chris is also the founder of The Sportsman’s Cabinet, and she offers a full range of marketing services for hunting, shooting sports and outdoor industries,  including marketing strategy development, identity creation, print advertising, graphic design, website development, outdoor photography, and consultation.

Her photos and stories have appeared in Field Trial Magazine, The American Field, and in the Ruffed Grouse Society’s magazine. She has also designed web sites for top kennels like Erin Kennels and  Northwoods Bird Dogs and done some impressive work for Davis Quail Hunts and Dogs Unlimited. On top of all that, Chris is also the co-founder and co-editor of Strideaway, the online publication dedicated to FDSB field trials for pointers and setters. And I thought I was busy!

If you like to see lots of great pics of hunting dogs, be sure to check out Chris’ photography.