The Firearms discipline examines and compares bullets, cartridge cases, and shotgun shells to determine if they were fired from a particular firearm. Firearms Identification is not ballistics , which is the study of projectiles such as bullets in motion. ...
What is firearms and ballistics?
Forensic ballistics involves the examination of evidence from firearms that may have been used in a crime . When a bullet is fired from a gun, the gun leaves microscopic marks on the bullet and cartridge case. These marks are like ballistic fingerprints.
What is the definition of firearms identification?
Firearms Identification: A discipline of Forensic Science which has as its primary concern to determine if a bullet, cartridge case, or other ammunition component was fired in a particular firearm to the exclusion of all others .
What is an example of ballistic evidence?
How is Ballistic Evidence Used in Court? ... For example, a person who says a gun accidentally fired may be proven truthful or untruthful by forensic evidence that shows the trigger pressure of the weapon, the angle of the gun when fired, and the distance from which the gun was fired.
What is the principle of firearm identification?
The basis for firearms identification is founded on uniqueness: upon close examination, virtually all objects can be distinguished from one another , and the same is true for firearms.
WHY ARE NO 2 firearms the same?
Firearms Identification
Studies have shown that no two firearms, even those of the same make and model, will produce the same unique marks on fired bullets and cartridge cases . Manufacturing processes, use, and abuse leave surface characteristics within the firearm that cannot be exactly reproduced in other firearms.
What causes a particular firearm to be unique?
Individual characteristics are marks unique to that particular firearm barrel. In a barrel, the individual characteristics are produced by the random imperfections and irregularities of the tool or tools used to produce the lands and grooves, and by use, corrosion, or damage.
What are the 3 types of ballistics?
The science of projectiles and firearms is defined as ‘ballistics’ and it can be divided into three distinct categories: internal, external and terminal .
What are the 4 branches of ballistics?
Ballistics can be broken down into four areas: interior, transitional, exterior, and terminal .
What is the biggest problem in making an identification in bullets?
One of the biggest problems in making an identification is that few evidence bullets are submitted intact . Most are badly distorted, wiped and/or fragmented.
What are the four things that terminal ballistics can determine?
The concept of terminal ballistics can be applied to any projectile striking a target. Much of the topic specifically regards the effects of small arms fire striking live targets, and a projectiles ability to incapacitate or eliminate a target. Common factors include bullet weight, composition, velocity, and shape .
Which is an example of a serial number restoration process?
Chemical etching is the most common and successful method for restoration of serial numbers on the metal surface.
Who uses ballistics?
Ballistics experts are often involved in crime scene mapping , which involves using computer design programs, photogrammetry, and laser measuring tools. Crime scene mapping is also used to create diagrams for police reports and for courtroom presentations.
How many parameters are used to identify bullets?
A system has also been described for identification of jacketed sporting rifle bullets using twelve parameters : Identification number.
What are three of the most important pieces of equipment for a firearm examiner?
What are three of the most important pieces of equipment for a firearm examiner? The specialized equipment used by firearms examiners includes microscopes, measuring tools, testing tools, and balances . These tools enable the examiner to carry out the various aspects of firearms examination and comparison.
What is the first step of the comparison process?
The first step in comparison is determining which properties from the suspect and the standard/reference specimen to compare . This step attempts to determine whether the two samples are the same.
