• Small arms testing
• Small arms neutralization
• Approval and testing of munitions
• Ballistic Materials Resistance Laboratory

Small arms testing

A unique service in France, that has been compulsory for all small arms since 1960.
Only small arms and munitions from countries that are already members of the International Permanent Commission for portable firearms are not subject to supplementary testing.
http://www.cip-bp.org

The National Test Facility, administered by the Saint-Etienne/Montbrison chamber of commerce and industry, has been testing small arms for almost 300 years.

Focused on providing user safety, the test determines the firearm's strength.

Whether a firearm or a hunting rifle, absolute safety can only be guaranteed by testing it at loads greater than normal loads in service.

After examination by a sworn test officer who checks the condition of the barrel and the closing and percussion mechanisms, the arm is tested by firing 2 over-pressure cartridges. A second examination is carried out after this test. Approved small arms are then stamped and certified by an official document.

This test concerns absolutely all small arms, replacement barrels and even pyrotechnic devices and their munitions (sealing devices, slaughtering pistols, cement cannons, etc)

Testing small arms in Images