PANGASINAN COLLEGES OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CRIMINOLOGY REVIEW CENTER

REVIEW NOTES IN FORENSIC BALLISTICS
1. Single Shot Firearms those type of firearms that is designated to
shoot only one shot.
2. Repeating arms this type is loaded with more than cartridge into
the chamber when it is fired rather having to perform this operation by
hand.
3. Bolt Action Type a firearm in which the breech closure is (1) in line
with the bore at all times, (2) manually reciprocated to load, unload
and cook (3) and is locked in place by breech bolt lugs and engaging
abutments usually in the receiver.
4. Lever Action Type a design wherein the breech mechanism is
cycled by an external lever generally below the receiver.
5. Slide Action Type a firearm which features a movable forearm
which is manually actuated in motion parallel to the barrel by the
shooter. Forearm motion is transmitted to a breech blot assembly
which performs all the function of the firing cycle assigned to it by the
design. Also known as PUMP ACTION.
6. Semiautomatic type A firearm requiring a separate pull of the
trigger for each shot fired, and which uses the energy of discharge to
perform a portion of the operating or firing cycle.
BLOWBACK- In firearm, an automatic and semi-automatic firearm
design, that directly utilizes the breech pressure exerted on the head
of the cartridge cases to actuate the mechanism. In ammunition, a
leakage of gas re-ward between the case and chamber wall from the
mouth of the case.
7. Automatic Action Type a firearm design that feeds cartridges fires
and ejects cartridge cases as long as the trigger is fully depressed and
there is cartridge available in the feed system.
8. Machine Gun Type primarily used only in military combat and will
seldom be encountered by the firearms technician.
9. Submachine Type is alight, portable machine gun which uses pistol
size ammunition. It differs from a pistol in it that has a shoulder stock
which may or may not fold but is designed to be fired by the use of
both hands.
10. Shotguns
a. Single Barreled shotgun it is loaded with a single shotgun
cartridge, closed. Fired and then de-loaded by the shooter.
b. Double barreled shotgun the two barrels may be side by
side or they may be one over the other. Each barrel may have its
own trigger.
c. Pump action shotgun - operates in the same manner as a slide
action rifles, by means of sliding lever under the barrel.
d. Auto loading shotguns - these are the same as auto-loading or
self-loading rifles in that the recoil action reloads the gun form
the magazine without any effort on the part of the shooter.
11.

Miscellaneous Guns
a. Gas Guns these will be found in all shapes and sizes and used
for firing tear gas and other forms of disabling gases.

b. Traps these are designed to be set in the woods and left where
animals will encounter them. They may fire a bullet or a poison
charge, depending on their construction.
c. Cane gun, Knife pistols, etc. - many devices primarily
designed for another purposes will have a gun mechanism
incorporated in them. (also known as FREAKISH DEVICE)
d. Tools there are a number of tools using cartridges which are
designed to drive studs, punch holes or cut tables. Such tools
may be encountered in the investigation of an accident.
e. Zip guns - these may be in any form, since the name has been
applied to all homemade guns. A great many of this class will be
found to be exceedingly clever mechanisms and most effective
weapon.
f. Multi Barreled guns in particular one will find guns having
the three or four barrels are mounted in one receiver. Some may
have a combination of several different gauges of shotguns, or a
combination of shotgun barrels and rifle barrel.
g. Liberator made by the US government for use in occupied
countries in Europe during the recent war and fired the .45ACP
cartridge, single shot and smooth bore.
h. Flare guns- used in cases such in sending signals and enabling
to see enemies in the dark.
i. Harpoon Guns- barbed spear in hunting large fish.
INVENTORS AND MANUFACTURERS
ARMALITE occasionally, the home of manufacturing company becomes
almost a generic term. It happens with the colt produced M16, which has
been designed and develop at Armalite. The Armalite business was form by
Charles Dorchester and George Sullivan in 1950. Armalite employed Eugene
Stoner, Chief Engineer and one of the top designer of the country.
BROWNING, J.M. - born in 1855. Started the production of single shot rifle
that was adopted by Winchester.
CETME- Centro dos Studios Technicos de Materiales Especiales. This is
Spanish government weapon development agency, based in Madrid.
COLT- Samuel Colt was born on July 1814 in was to be instrumental in
making the revolver a practical type of pistol.
DERRINGER, HENRY- born in the beginning of 19 th century. Worked at
Philadelphia where he manufactured Pocket Pistol.
GARAND, JOHN C. - was born in North Carolina in 1818. Developed the
hang-ranked machine gun. A development of Duver Gatling type of machine
gun.
LUGER, GEORGE- was born in Australia in 1849. he did lasting designed
work in connection with 9mm Parabellum cartridge.
HAMMERLI, JOHANN ULRICH- hammerli weapons has always been the
epitome of Swiss precision Engineering ability.
HECKLER AND KOCK Edmond Heckler has been a plant manager with
Mauser, and Alex Siedel a designer with Mauser.

MARLIN, JONH MAHLON- New Haven, Connecticut manufacturer of lever

action rifle, 1800s.
MAUSER- Paul and Wilhelm brothers produced parts of the rifle which had
been adopted by the German government in 1871.
MOSSIN, SERGEI- Colonel of Russia Army. Designated in Russian Service
Rifle in 1891.
MOSSBERGE, OSCAR- born in Sweden in 1866 and went to the United
States. The maker of high quality .22 rifles. Sporting rifles and pump action
shotguns.
NAMBU, KIJIRO- an army gun officer designer. His first design was produced
by the Kayoba Factory in 1904.
SIG (SCHWEIZERISCHE INDUSTRIE CESSELSHALF) - adopted by the
Swiss government as their standard service weapon. The company started to
produced railway engines and carrege in 1853.
SMITH AND WESSON- Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson formed a
partnership in 1852. They manage by producing what is probably the best
double-action revolver in the world. (Daniel Wesson left the company to set
up his own firearm business).
THOMPSON, JOHN- born in 1860 in Newport, Kentucky. Designed the
Thompson submachine gun in 1920.
TOKAREV, FEDOR- born in Egorlikshaya in 1971. Designed the service pistol
of the Soviet forces.
WALTHER, CARL- developed a reliable small caliber automatic pistol in
1866.
WINCHESTER, OLIVER- he led the formation of the Winchester Company.
AMMUNITION- (found in chapter VII, Sec 290 of the National Revenue Code
in Sec. 877 of The Revised Administrative Code). Shall mean loaded shell
rifle, muskets, carbine, shotguns, revolver and pistol from which a bullet,
ball, shot, shell or other missiles may be fore by means of a gun powder or
other explosives. The terms also include ammunition for as air rifle as
mentioned in this code.
CARTRIDGE- a term to describe a complete un fire unit, consisting of bullet,
primer, cartridge case and gunpowder.
CLASSIFICATION OF CARTRIDGE ACCORDING TO RIM
1. RIMMED TYPE- the diameter of the rim is greater than the diameter
of the body of the cartridge case. e.g. caliber .38 and caliber .22.
2. SEMI-RIMMED TYPE- the diameter of the rim is slightly greater than
the diameter of the body of the cartridge case. e.g. caliber .25. 32
auto. Super .38.
3. RIMLESS TYPE- the diameter of the rim is equal to the body of the
cartridge case. e.g. caliber .5.56mm, .30, .9mm, .45.

4. REBATED TYPE- the diameter of the rim is smaller than the body of
the cartridge case. e.g. caliber 8mm x 59.
5. BELTED TYPE- there is a protruding metal around the body of the
cartridge case near the rim. e.g. caliber 338 magnum 13.9 x 39
TYPES OF CARTRIDGE CASE According TO LOCATION OF PRIMER
1. PIN-FIRE CARTRIDGE- the pin extent radially through the bead of the
cartridge case into the primer. This type of cartridge is no longer use.
2. RIM-FIRE CARTRIDGE- the priming mixture is place in the cavity
formed in the rim of the head of the cartridge case.
3. CENTER-FIRE CARTRIDGE- the primer cup is force to the middle
portion of the head of the cartridge case.
4. PERCUSSION- a means of ignition of propellant change by a
mechanical blow against the primer or percussion cap.
a. Low power- a cartridge giving a muzzle velocity of less than
1850 ft/sec.
b. High power- a cartridge giving a muzzle velocity of between
1925 and 2500 ft/sec.
c. High intensity- a cartridge giving a muzzle velocity over 2500
ft/sec.
FUNCTION OF CARTRIDGE CASES
1. It holds the bullet gunpowder and primer.
2. It serves as a water proof container for the gunpowder.
3. It prevents the escape of gases to the rear.
DEFINITION OF PRIMER
The ignition components of cartridge primers are used for
igniting prominent. A blow from the firing pin of the firing cup compresses
the priming composition to detonate. This detonation produces a flame
which passes through the vent of flesh hole in the cartridge case, igniting the
gunpowder.
The Composition of a PRIMER
1. Potassium Chlorate
2. Antimony Sulfide
3. Fulminate of Mercury

45%
23%
32%

GUNPOWDER- any of the various powder used in firearms as propellant

charge. The inventor of gunpowder is BERTHOLD SCHWARTZ, (real name is
CONSTANTIN ANKLITZEN) a Franciscans monk in the town of Freiberg in
Germany.
TYPES OF GUNPOWDER
1. BLACK POWDER- consists of the jet black and rather shiny grains.
Although black powder has been in used for about six centuries, and
although methods of manufactured are naturally led to greater
efficiency in action, its composition has remained practically the same
in all countries.
2. SMOKELESS POWDER- a mixture of nitrocellulose 60 parts,
nitroglycerine 35 parts and Vaseline 5 parts. These substances are
almost entirely smokeless in action. They are all given the generic term
of nitro powders and are legion in number. All nitro powders used in

rifles, pistols, and revolvers are a gelatinized powder that is they are
made by forming dough into sticks or grains. The identification of
partially burnt powder grains may become a matter of vital
importance, since such grains maybe found around the entrance hole
of a wound, and it will obviously help if the type of powder can be
identified from these unburnt grains.
BULLET- a projectile propelled from the firearm. A metallic or non metallic
cylindrical projectile. Originated from the French word BOULETTE, a
small ball. In common police par lane, a bullet maybe called SLUG.
MODERN CONCEPT
BULLET in its modern concepts or sense has become into mean primary to a
projectile propelled from a filed firearm which is cylindrical in shape. There
are two basic types of commercial bullets in common used today. LEAD
BULLETS are used in almost all revolver ammunition and in some low or
medium powder rifle cartridges. JACKETED BULLETS are used for automatic
pistols ammunition and medium and high power rifle ammunition.
LEAD BULLETS are produced in automatic swedging machine from
extruded wire containing the proper percentage of tin and antimony for
hardening.
JACKETED BULLETS most frequently met within crime and simple cupronickel or gliding metal envelop covering lead cores fired from automatic
pistols. The most common are those from the blowback- .25 ACP, .380 ACP,
9mm luger, .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) and several types of high velocity
.30s. These are all made automatically by swedging a cup of metal around a
lead core.
ARMOR-PIERCING BULLETS is pointed flat base bullet with gliding metal
jacket. The core is of pointed, boat-tailed shape and is made of harden
tungsten, chrome steel and has a blackened tip. Used to penetrate armored
cars and vehicles.
TRACER BULLET this when fired, emit a light red flame from its base, there
by showing the gunner by the trace of flame, the path as well as the striking
pint of the bullet, the flame continuing to burn and trace for about 600 yards.
These are intended primarily for machine gun use and can be seen by day
and night. The point of the bullet colored red is for identification. These are
used only in the military service, and were never sold to individuals. Should
an individual obtain one or more of these cartridges, he should at once
return it to military control or else dispose of these by throwing into a deep
river or lake, as they are exceedingly dangerous to have around. This should
never be Monkeyed with, and particularly no attempt should be made to
unload them for examination, as these may ignite and cause exceedingly
serious burn on fire. The ingredients used in tracer and igniter mixtures are
confidential.
INCENDIARY BULLET is similar in construction to a tracer bullet, but the
composition contained in the cavity burns fiercely impact with a very hot
flame which will quite reliably ignite anything that the bullet strikes. For
identification purposes the incendiary bullet has a light blue color. The same
precaution should be observed as with tracer cartridges.

DUM-DUM BULLET- this word and type of bullet were invented by British
Ordinance force stationed at their arsenal at Dum-Dum, India. The British
army was engaged in extensive Pumitive expedition on the Northwest
Frontier of India, fighting against Afghan and Pathan tribesmen. It soon
develop that such a full jacketed bullet was of no practical effect against
primitive natures. So the English made some of these bullets expanding by
grinding of the nose of the jacketed bullet. These are now known as Hallow
Point bullet and Soft Point Bullet.
GAS CHECK BULLET- to prevent the melting of the base, lead bullets
intended to be fired at higher velocity have their gases protected with a
small copper cups. The bullet is casts with a slightly tape-ring base, and the
copper gas chock is then pressed lightly on the bore, the cup remaining on
the bullet when it is fired.
WAD CUTTER BULLET- a cylindrical bullet design having a sharp
shouldered nose intended to cut target paper clearly to facilitate easy and
accurate soaring.
WAX BULLET- a bullet made from paraffin and other wax preparation
usually used for short range indoor target shooting.
ARMS MANUFACTURING
IDENTIFICATION

PROCESSES

RELATED

TO

FIREARMS

It is very important that a Ballistic Expert or Firearms Examiner be

sufficiently familiar with the various steps in the manufacture of the firearm
in order that he will be able to explain the source or cause of the different
markings which may be found on the firearms evidence which may be found
basis of his identification. There should always be sound for all markings,
scratches, or dents visible on firearms evidence and it is function of the
firearm examiner to determine how and why they made, and also to interpret
their significance both to himself and to the court. Most of these markings
are transferred on the firearm evidence by deliberate or accidental
operations of the tools during process of manufacture.
HOW THE BARREL IS MADE
All barrels, regardless of the type of weapon for which they are being
manufactured from a solid piece of metal. The metal from which the is made
is carefully selected for tits chemical and metallurgical structure, thus,
assuring a high quality product after the various machine operations and
heat treatment are completed.
The first step is the drilling operation. This operation results in a
longitudinally rough hole of uniform diameter from one end of the barrel to
other. The next step consists or reaming the drilled hole. This removes some
of the scars and scratches left by the drilling operation. If the barrel is to be
rifled, it is done by means of several rifling methods. Some of the rifling
methods used to make the rifling inside the gun barrel are the following:
1. BROACH, GANG A tool having a series of cutting edges of slightly
increasing height used to cut the spiral grooves in a barrel. All
groves are cut with a single pass of the broach.
2. BROACH, SINGLE a non-adjustable rifling cutter which cuts all
the grooves simultaneously, and is in a series of increasing
dimensions until the desired groove depth is achieved.

3. BUTTON a hardened metal plug, called a button, with a rifled

cross section configuration. It is pushed or pulled through a drilled
and reamed barrel so as to cold form the spiral grooves to the
desired depth and twist. When the carbide button was first
introduced it was described as a SWAGING PROCESS or SWAGED
RIFLING
4. HOOK a cutting tool which cuts has hook shape and only cuts one
grooves at a time.
5. SCRAPE a cutting tool which cuts two opposing grooves at a time.
6. SWAGE an internal mandrel with rifling configuration which forms
rifling in the barrel by means of the external hammering. Also
known as HAMMER FORGING.

BREECHFACE MANUFACTURE
The breech face of all firearms is machine cut in the first place, and in
the higher grade is finished off by hand rifling and grinding. Similarly the
striker(firing pin) of all weapon are cut in shape, receiving different degree of
fire finishing according to the grade of weapon in which they are to be used.
Another face to face firearm manufacture which is of great importance
to the firearms identification field is the finishing operation on the breechface
of the weapon. This is that portion of the firearm against which the cartridge
case in the primer are force backward when shell will be imprinted by the
tool markings on the breechface of the gun. This happens because the base
of the cartridge case is softer than the breechface of the firearm and
naturally follows that when a soft surface comes in contact with a harder
surface under tremendous pressure, it is the softer surface that is engrave or
imprinted with the tool mark from the harder surface.
MARKS FOUND ON FIRED BULLETS
1. LANDMARKS - depressed portion caused by the lands.
2. GROOVEMARKS - raised on elevated portions caused by the grooves.
3. SKIDMARKS - when the bullet enters the rifled bore from a stationary
position and is forced abruptly into the rifling, its natural tendency is to
go straight toward before encountering the regular rifling twist.
4. SLIPPAGE MARKS - bullets fired from a worn-out barrel, oily barrels and
slightly oversized bullets.
5. SHAVING MARKS - most commonly these marks are found on the
bullets fires from a revolver due to a poor alignment of the cylindrical
with the bore.
MARKS FOUND ON FIRED CARTRIDGE CASES
1. Firing pin impression the indentation in the primer of a tentative
cartridge case or in the rim of a rimface cartridge case cause when it is
struck by the firing pin.
2. Breechface Markings negative impression of the breechface of the
firearm found on the head of the cartridge case after firing.
3. Chamber Marks individual microscope marks placed upon a cartridge
case by the chamber wall as a result of any of the following:
a. Chambering
b. Expanding during firing

c. Extraction
4. Extractor Marks toolmarks produced upon a cartridge case form
contact with the extractor. These are usually found on or just ahead of
the rim.
5. Ejector Marks toolmarks produced upon a cartridge or cartridge case
on the head, generally at or near the rim, form contact with the ejector.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Are those characteristics which are
determinable only after the manufacture of the firearm. They are
characteristics whose existence is beyond the control of man and which have
random distribution. There existence in the firearms is brought about by the
tools in their normal operations resulting through wear and tear, abuse,
mutilation, corrosion, erosion and other fortuitous causes.
TYPES OF RIFLINGS
1. STEYR TYPE- four lands, four grooves, right hand twist and lands
or equal widths ( 4-R-G=L) used in earlier self-loading pistols.
2. SMITH AND WESSON TYPE- five lands and five grooves, right
hand twist and lands of equal width (5-R-G=L)
3. BROWNING TYPE- six lands, six grooves, right hand twist, narrow
lands and broad grooves. (6-R-G-2x)
4. COLT TYPE- six lands and six grooves, left hand twist, narrow lands
and broads grooves. (6-L-G-2x)
5. WEBLEY TYPE- seven lands, seven grooves, right hand twist,
narrow lands and broad grooves. (7-R-G3x)
6. ARMY TYPE- four lands and four grooves, right hand twist, narrow
lands and broad grooves. ( 4-R-G3x)
PRINCIPLES OF IDENTIFICATION OF A BULLET
1. No two barrels are microscopically identical as the surfaces of their
bores all possess individual and characteristics on their own.
2. When a bullet is fired from a rifled barrel, it becomes engraved by
the riflings and this engraving will vary I its minute details with
every individual bore. So it happens that the engravings on the
bullet fired from one barrel will be different from that on a similar
bullet fired from another barrel. And conversely the engraving on
bullets fired from the same barrel will be the same.
3. Every barrel leaves its thumb marks on every bullet which is fired
through it, just as every breech face leaves its thumb marks on the
base of every fired cartridge case.
PRINCIPLES OF IDENTIFICATION OF SHELLS
1. the breech face and striker of every single firearm leave
microscopically individualities of their own.
2. The firearm leaves its fingerprints or thumb mark on every
cartridge case which it fires.
3. The whole principle of identification is based on the fact that since
the breech face of every weapon must be individually distinct, the
cartridge cases which it fires are imprinted with this individuality.
The imprint on all cartridge cases fired from the same weapon are
always the same, those on cartridge cases fired form different
weapons must always be different.
TYPE OF PROBLEMS:
Ballistics, namely:

there are six (6) types of problem in Forensic

Type 1

Given a bullet to determine the caliber and type of firearm from

which it was fire.

Type 2

Given fired cartridge case, to determine the caliber and type of

firearm from which it was fired.

Type 3

Given a bullet and a suspected firearm, to determine whether or

not the bullet was fired from the suspected firearm.

Type 4

Given a fired cartridge case a suspected firearm, to determine

whether or not the cartridge was fired from the suspected
firearm.

Type 5

Given two or more bullets, to determine whether or not they

were fired from only one firearm.

Type 6

Given two or more cartridge cases, to determine whether or not

they were fired.

THE IDENTIFICATION OF FIREARMS

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DIFFERENT FIREARMS
MAKES/MODEL
TYPES
CALIBER
CLASS
CHARACTERISTIC
S
Thompson
SMG
.45
6R-G2x- Browning
Reising
SMG
.45
6R-G2x- Browning
S and W
Auto Pistol
.45
6R-G2x- Browning
Llama
Auto Pistol
.45
6R-G2x- Browning
Star
Auto Pistol
.45
6R-G2x- Browning
Colt
Auto Pistol
.45
6L-G2x-Colt
Ithaca
Auto Pistol
.45
6L-G2x-Colt
Springfield Armory
Auto Pistol
.45
6L-G2x-Colt
Swissvale
Auto Pistol
.45
6L-G2x-Colt
Remington Rand
Auto Pistol
.45
6L-G2x-Colt
Remington Arm
Auto Pistol
.45
6L-G2x-Colt
Llama
Auto Pistol
.45
6L-G2x-Colt
Star
Auto Pistol
.45
6L-G2x-Colt
Colt
Revolver
.45
6L-G2x-Colt
Grease-Gun
SMG
.45
4R-G3x-army type
AK-47
Assualt Rifle
.30
4R- G3x
Garand
Rifle
.30
4R-G3x-army type
Enfield
Rifle
.30
4R-G3x-army type
Browning
Rifle
(Auto) .30
4R-G3x-army type
Springfield
Bar
.30
4R-G3x-army type
Machine Gun
Rifle
.30
4R-G3x-army type
U.S. carbine
Air cooled
.30
4R-G3x
CETME
Round nose
.30(7.62)mm
4R-G3x
U.S Springfeild M-14
Rifle
.30
4R-G3x
Remington M1917
Rifle
.30
5L-G-L
Amadeo Rossi (Brazil) Rifle
.38
G-R-G=L

Browning
Revolver
Llama
Auto Pistol
Star
Auto Pistol
Walther
Auto Pistol
Astra Cadix
Auto Pistol
Dan Wesson
Revolver
Taurus ( Brazil)
Revolver
Colt
Revolver
Colt
Revolver
Colt
Revolver
Squires Bingham
Pistol
Smith and Wesson
Revolver
Charter Arms
Revolver
Harrington & RichardsonRevolver
Iver Johnson
Revolver
Smith & Wesson
Revolver
Ruby Extra
Revolver
Llama
Revolver
Enfield
Revolver
Albion
Revolver
Webley
Revolver
Derringer
Revolver
Tell
Pistol
Dan Wesson
Revolver
Bridgeport Conn
Revolver
(undercover)
Revolver
RG- ROHM
DICKSON Commander Revolver
Browning
Revolver
Llama
Auto Pistol
Star
Auto Pistol
Beretta
Auto Pistol
Colt
Auto Pistol
Browning
Auto Pistol
Llama
Auto Pistol
Helwan (Egypt)
Auto Pistol
Firebird (W.Germany)
Auto Pistol
Star
Auto Pistol
Walther M-PPK
Auto Pistol
FB- Radom VIS
Auto Pistol
Star
Auto Pistol
SIG
Machine pistol
Sterling
SMG
German Luger
SMG
S and W model-76
Auto Pistol
UZI
SMG
M.A.C
SMG
Browing
Auto Pistol
Melior
Auto Pistol
Beretta
Auto Pistol
Llama
V
Star
Auto Pistol

.38
.38 super
.38 super
.38
.38
.357
.38
.38
.357 magnum
.38
.38
.38
.38 Spl.
.38
.38
.357 magnum
.38
.38
.38
.38
.38
.38
.38
.38
.38

GR-G2x-browning
GR-G2x-browning
GR-G2x-browning
GR-G2x-browning
GR-G2x
GR-G2x
6-R-G+
GL-2x-Colt Type
GL-2x-Colt Type
GL-2x Colt type
GL-2x
5R-G-L S&W Type
8R-G-L
8R-G-L
8R-G-L
8R-G-L
8R-G-L
8R-G-L
7R-G3x
7R-G2x
7R-G2x
10R-G2x
10R-G2X
6R-G2x
8R-G+

.38
.38
.380
.380
.380
.380
.380
9mm
9mm
9mm
9mm
9mm
9mm
9mm
9mm
9mm
9mm
9mm
9mm
9mm
9mm
.32
.32
.32
.32
.32

8R-G+
8R-G=L
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x
6R-G2x
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G+
6R-G+
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G+
6R-G=L
5R-G=L
4R-G2x
4L-G+
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning

10

Type
Type
Type
Type
Type
Type
Type
Type
Type
Type

Type
Type
Type
Type
Type

Astra
Walther
Bernardelli
Webley and scott
Smith & Wesson
Hibar
National
VZOR- &) (Czech)
Luger model 1924
Walther model 4
Sauer Model 38 (H)
Browning
Basque (spain
Star
Mauser
Browning
Rhoner(model
Reck(w.Germany)
Marlin M-57
H.S. Germany
Gecado
Marlin
Wischo
Walther
Car Walther
Stevens
Mossberg
Tell
Arminius
Burgo
RG-63
RG-16
RG-24
Celta
Tell
Anshutz
Ranger-88
Gecado
Ruger
Iver Johnson
Astra Cadiz
Ruby Extra
High Standard
Junior Colt
Falcon
Unique
Lancer
Combo
Stat
Llama
Kodiak

Auto
Auto
Auto
Auto
Auto

Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol

Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Pistol
Auto Pistol
Auto Pistol
Auto Pistol
Auto Pistol
Auto Pistol
Auto Pistol
Auto Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Rifle
Revolver
Revolver
Rifle
Rifle
Rifle
Rifle
Rifle
Rifle
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Pistol
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Rifle
Rifle
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol/Rifle
Pistol/Rifle
Pistol/Rifle

.32
.32
.32
.32 (7.65mm)
6R-G3x
5RG=L
.32
.32
.32
7.65mm
.32(7.65mm)
.32
.32
.25 (6.35)
.25
.25
.25 (6.35mm)
.25 (6.35mm)
6.35mm
6.35mm
.22
.22
.22
.22 Magnum
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22 Magnum
.22
.22
.22
.22 Magnum
.22 Magnum
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22 Short
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
11

6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning

Type
Type
Type
Type

6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x
4R
4R
4R
6R-G2x-Browning
6R-G2x
6R-G2x
6R-G=L
8R-G3x
8R-G3x
8R-G2x
20R-G+
10R=G2X
10R-G+
8R-G=L
8R-G=L
8R-G=L
8R-G=L
8R-G=L
8R-G=L
8R-G=L
8R-G=L
8R-G2x
8R-G2x
8R-G2x
8R-G2x
8R-G2x
8R-G3x
8R-G3x
8R-G3x
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L
6R-G=L

Type
Type
Type

Type

L.G. Landman
H and R (Sportsman)
Llama
Ithaca
Commanche
Rigarmi
Erma
Sentinel
S and R.M.-51
Bernardelli
Remington
Armalite
Ithaca
HK-53
Armalite Ar-18
Armalite AR-16
Armalite AR-15
Beretta
Echasa Elbar
Hi-Standard M-HD
Smith and Wesson
Rohm
Krico
Carbine
Winchester
Gevarn
H and R
Armalite
Texas scout
Meroku Japan
Savage
Heym
Squibman
Commanche
Ithaca
Hi-Standard M- RD
Arminius
Tell
Llama
HS (germany)
H and R (sportsman)
Gecado
Astra model 200
Colt Pocket Model
Junior Colt
Unique
British Rifle No. 4
Mark
1
Rimmed
Cartridge
German KAR 98
Mosin Nagant Rifle
(soviet)

Rifle
Rifle
Revolver
Revolver
Rifle
Revolver
Pistol
Pistol
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Rifle
Pistol
Pistol
Machine gun
Rifle
Rifle
Rifle
Pistol
Pistol
Pistol
Revolver
Revolver
Rifle
Rifle
Rifle
Rifle
Rifle
Rifle
Revolver
Pistol
Rifle
Revolver
Riflle
Revolver
Rifle
Pistol
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
Auto Pistol
Auto Pistol
Auto Pistol
Auto Pistol
Rifle
Rifle

.22
.22
.22
.22 Magnum
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22 LR
.22 Magnum
.223
(5.56mm)
.223
(5.56mm)
.223
(5.56mm)
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.22
.25
.25
.25
.25
.303

6R-G=L
6R-G+
6R-G+
6R-G+
6R-G+
6R-G2x Browning
6R-G2x Browning
6R-G2x Browning
6R-G2x Browning
6R-G2x Browning
6R-G2x Browning
6R-G2x Browning
6R-G2x Browning
6R-G2x Browning
6R-G+
6R-G+
6R-G+
6R-G3x
6R-G3x
6R-G3x
6R-G3x
6R-G3x
6R-G3x
6R-G3x
6R-G3x
6R-G3x
6R-G3x
6R-G3x
4R-G2x
5L-G+
4R-G=L
4R-G=L
4R-G3x
6L-G+
6R-L+
6R-G3x
8R-G2x
8R-G2x
6R=G+
10R-G2x
6R-G+
10R-G+
5L-G2x
5L-G2x
5L-G2x
5L-G2x
5-L/2-L
4R-R-G3x
4R-R-G3x
4R-R-G2x

12

type
type
type
type
type
type
type
type
type

Russian Tokare

Pistol

7.92mm
7.62mm
7.62mm

.22 SHORT, RIM FIRE HIGH SPEED

HIGH VELOCITY, SUPER X, Etc
Bullet diameter
Bullet weigh
Length of bullet
Diameter of case of hand..
Diameter in case of mouth
Length of the case.
Length of the cartridge (overall)
Factory black powder charge
Velocity, 6 inch revolvers
Factory Lesmok Load
Pressure..
Velocity, (6 inch barrel)..
Factory Smokeless Load.
92
Pressure..
inch
Energy (6 inch revolver).
Penetration (7/8 inch pine board).

.223 inch or .224 inch

.29 or 30 grams
.36 inch
.279 inch
.228 inch
.42 inch
.69 inch
2.6 grains FFFG
755 feet second
1.7 grains Lesmok A
10,000 pounds
755 feet second
82 grains Du Pent No.
10,000 pounds square
750 feet pounds
2 boards

.22 LONG, RIM FIRE (REGULAR)

Bullet weight
Bullet diameter..
Velocity in rifle
Muzzle energy
Muzzle Velocity(inch revolver)..
Muzzle energy (6 inch revolver)...

29 grains or 30 grains
.224 inch
976 feet per second
63 foot pounds
870 foot second
50 feet pounds

.22 CALIBER LONG RIFLE (REMINGTON KLEAN BORE, WINCHESTER

STAINLESS, PETERS RUSTLESS, AND WESTERN SUPER-MATCH)
Name.
fire
Overall Length..
Length Case
Bullet Grains..
Bullet weight (Hollow Point)..
Charge, smokeless Powder
Charge, Black Powder..
Charge, Lesmok Powder.
Pressure (Smokeless Load)..
inch.

13

.22 long rifle rimmed

995 inch
.613 inch
40 grains
37 grains
1.35 Du Pent No. 93
3.5 grains FFFG
2.5 Lesmok A
11,000 lbs. per sq.

Muzzle Velocity (rifle..

Muzzle Velocity (6 inch Revolver).
Muzzle energy..
Penetration (7/8 inch board)..

950 foot per second

750 foot per second
50 foot lbs.
3 boards

.25 CALIBER (6.35mm) AUTOMATIC COLT PISTOL

Overall length of Cartridge.
Bullet weight..
Type of Bullet used
Seating Depth of Bullet
Bullet Diameter
Bullet Length.
Diameter of Cartridge Head
Diameter of Cartridge Mouth
Length Of Cartridge Case
Length Of loaded Cartridge..
Type of Cartridge..
Factory Charge ..
Pressure

.905 inch
50 grains
Metal Jacketed
.15 inches
.251 inch
.46 inch
.298 inch
.275 inch
.62 inch
.91 inch
Semi-rimmed
1.65 grains infallible
10,00 lbs.per sq. inch

.32 SHORT COLT

Bullet Diameter
Bullet Weight...
Bullet Length.
Diameter Cartridge Head
Diameter Cartridge Mouth..
Length Of Case.
Length OF loaded Cartridge..
Factory Charge, Loaded powder
Factory Charge, Smokeless Powder.
Pressure..
Velocity in 6 inch Revolver
Energy.
Penetration, 7/8 inch pine board

313 inch
82 grains
.48 inch
.315 inch
.375 inch
.64 inch
1.05 inch
7.7 grains FFFG
1.4 grains Bulls eye
8,000 lbs. per sq. inch
810 F.S
116 foot lbs.
4 boards

.32 LONG COLT

Bullet Weight..
Bullet Diameter..
Bullet Length..
Diameter Cartridge Head.
Diameter Cartridge Body Outside
Length of Case..
Length of Loaded Cartridge..
Typical Factory Change
Pressure..
Velocity, 4 inch Barrel..
Energy...
Penetration: 7/8 inch pine board..

80 Grains
.280 inch
.62 inch
.374 inch
.313 inch
.92 inch
1.26 inch
2.1 Grains Bulls Eye
8,000 pounds
770 f.s.
110 ft. lbs
4 Boards

.32 CALIBER (7.65mm) AUTOMATIC COLT PISTOL

14

Bullet Diameter.
Bullet Length..
Bullet Weight
Diameter cartridge head
Diameter cartridge mouth
Length case.
Length loaded cartridge
Factory charge..
Pressure
inch
Velocity, 3 inch barrel
Energy
Penetration 7/8 inch pine board.

.314 inch
.46 inch
73 grains
.354 inch
.331 inch
.93 inch
1.03 inch
2.3 grain bulls eye
14,000 lbs. per sq.
967 foot sec
154 ft. lbs
5 boards

.38 CALIBER & W SPECIAL

Bullet weight..
Bullet diameter.
Bullet length..
Diameter of cartridge head
Diameter of cartridge body
Length of case..
Length of cartridge.
Powder charge..
Pressure
Muzzle velocity (6 barrel)..
Muzzle energy
Penetration 7/8 inch pine board..

158 grains
.359 inch
.74 inch
.433 inch
.377 inch
1.16 inch
1.56 inch
3.6 grains bulls eye
15,000 f.s
860 f.s.
260 ft. lbs
7 boards

.380 AUTOMATIC (9mm SHORT)

Bullet weight
Bullet diameter
Bullet length.
Diameter of cartridge head..
Diameter of cartridge body..
Length of the case
Length of cartridge..
Powder charge
Muzzle velocity, 3.75 inch barrel
Muzzle energy..
Penetration, 7/8 inch pine board

95 grains
.356 inch
.46 inch
.372 inch
.46 inch
.68 inch
.93 inch
2.5 bulls eye
870 f.s
160 ft. lbs
5 boards

.45 AUTOMATIC COLT

Bullet weight.
Bullet diameter
Bullet length.
Diameter of cartridge head..
Diameter of cartridge mouth
Case length..
15

230 grains
.4515 inch
.662 inch
.471 inch
.471 inch
90 inch

Length loaded cartridge

Factory charge, bulls eye..
powder
Pressure.
sq. in
Velocity..
Factory charge, pistol no. 5.
Pressure..
Velocity

1.26 inch
4.9 grains bulls eye
14,170 lbs. per
821 ft./sec
6.1 grains no. 5
13,900 lbs. per sq. in.
824 ft/sec

PROCEDURE AT THE SCENE OF SHOOTING

The first duty is to clear the premises of all persons so that an
intelligent investigation can be carried out. To properly investigative the
circumstance is not a definite routine shall not be done or followed if
mistakes are to be avoided. Things should be done which may appear wholly
unnecessary at time, but only to become vitally important later. One can
never for see the angles that will develop later and it is far better to do a
hundred things unnecessarily than to miss doing one that might mean the
solution of the case. The victim is dead and will stay dead forever. The officer
may be importuned by reporters or other to do things which he is not yet
happy to do- to give statements to the press or to draw conclusions. In spite
of all persuasion, he should bear in mind that there is one purpose only and
that is to carry out an intelligent investigation.
Upon receiving a call to the scene of the shooting, the officer
should always take along a loose-leaf notebook and pen to make notes at the
time and on the place and not trust the memory to reconstruct the situation
at his future convenience.
When the officer is summoned on such an errand, his procedure
should follow a logical pattern. His observation should be put in writing at the
time of last investigation for future reference and procedure in court if
necessary. These steps are as follows:
1. Note accurately in writing. The time the call was received and
but whom it was sent.
2. Note accurately the time of arrival on the scene and the correct
address.
These first two items may seem to be the trivial, but it is amazing how
in court they become of vital importance. It is not uncommon that the officer
is unable to fix the time accurately within an hour to the satisfaction of the
court or jury.
1. The investigator should ascertain if the victim is dead and if not,
summons medical aid or bring to the hospital. Otherwise, the body
should not be disturbed.

16

2. Immediate clear the premises of all by-stander and under no

circumstances allow anyone to touch or remove anything in the
vicinity.
3. Use every effort and means to identify the deceased.
4. Take the names and addresses of all witnesses and take written on
the statement of as many persons as practicable.
5. Measure with type the exact distance of the body with the
relaxation to the previously mentioned fixtures of the premises.
6. Examine the ceiling, floors and furniture for bullet holes, blood
stains fired bullets, fired shells or shotgun wadding.
7. If there is a firearm at the scene, he should note in writing the
following observation:
a. Exactly where found.
b. Type of weapon-automatic pistol or revolver, rifle or shotgun,
caliber or gauge designation.
c. Make a serial number and that time he should mark his initials on
the butt or frame of the weapon for future identification.
8. at the crime scene, note down where the empty shells, bullets and/
of firearms were found and make a diagram to illustrate the same to
show their relative distances from the body of the victim.
Photograph if possible
9. Mark the empty cartridge cases inside or near the mouth by
scratching the initials of the investigator or the initials of the victim.
10. Mark the bullet at the give (or nose) by scratching the
investigators initials or initials of the victim, but definitely not at the
rifling marks (land marks or grooves marks).
11.
Mark the empty shotgun shells with indelible ink at the body.
12. The barrel of the firearm must mark too.
13. After marking the empty shells and bullets, wrap them with
separately and individually with soft tissue paper and note down on
the wrapper where each was found, the time and date. The purpose
of wrapping them separately is to avoid being scratch.
14. When an empty shell is found at the scene of the crime, the
presumption is an automatic pistol or automatic weapon was used.
15. When no empty shell is found at the scene of the crime, the
presumptions is a revolver was used.
16. in the bore of a barrel the depressed portion or the grooves and
raised portions are the lands.
17. on a fired bullet, it is the reverse, the landmarks are depressed
portions, and the grooves marks are the raised portions.
18.
To determine the real direction of the rifling twist in a rifled
barrel, peep through the barrel place a land or groove on the top
and look away form you. If the land or the groove inclines to the
right, then it has a right twist and if it incline to the left, then the
rifling twist is left.
19.
To determine the direction of the twist of the bullet, look on the
bullet in an elongated position. If the land and grooves inclined to
the right, then the rifling twist is right. If the inclination is left, then
it is left.
20.
It is the rifling of the bore that marks a fired bullet.
21. A fired bullet will acquire the class characteristic of the bore the
bore of the barrel form which it was fired. Therefore if a bore has
class characteristics of a .45 caliber, 6 lands, 6 grooves, right twist,
groove wider than the eland such characteristics will be mark on the
bullet it fires.

17

22. So, if a fatal bullet will have the same class characteristics as the
bore of the suspected gun, then it is possible that the bullet could
have been fire from the suspected firearm or gun.
23. To determine definitely if the bullet above was fired or not from
the suspected gun, then the case must be sent to a forensic ballistic
expert who will conduct the proper examination.
24.
If two bullet do not have the same class characteristics,
definitely and conclusively the bullets were not fired form the barrel.

LIST OF EQUIPMENT USED IN BALLISTICS LABORATORY

1. COMPARISON MICROSCOPE
This valuable instrument is specially designed to permit the
firearm examiner to determine the similarity and dissimilarity
between two fired bullets or two fired cartridge cases by
simultaneously observing their magnified image. It is actually
two microscope couple together with a single or two eye piece,
so that when one looks through this comparison eye piece, he is
seeing one half of what is under the other in other words, half
of the evidence bullet and half of the test bullet.
2. STEREOSCOPE MICROSCOPE
This is generally used in the preliminary examination of
fired bullets and fired shells. To determine the location of the
extractor marks and ejector marks for orientation purposes. It
can be used also in one close-up examination of tampered serial
numbers of firearms.
3. COMPARISON PROJECTOR- CP6
This is similar to the comparison microscope. Two fired
bullets or two fired shells can be compared in one setting of the
firearm examiner. A magnified image appears on the large
screen and can be in a comfortable viewing distance. No mental
strain because comparison of evidence is faster, easier and less
tiresome, thus, allowing a more efficient and productive used of
investigative time in the criminal laboratory.
4. BULLET RECOVERY BOX
For obtaining best fired bullet or test fired cartridge cases
from the suspected firearms submitted to the ballistics
laboratory. In test firing suspected firearms, it is standard
procedure to used ammunition that are of the same caliber,
make or brand and manufactured in the same year with that of
the evidence bullet or shell.
Water is one of the means to obtain test bullets and test
shells because the microscope marks on the cylindrical or
peripheral surface of the bullets are preserved for good used.
The same is true with cotton.
5. MEASURING PROJECTOR MP6
This projector determines the width of the lands, width of
grooves, diameter and twist of fired bullets.

18

6. VERNEIR CALIPERS
This instrument determines the bullet diameter and barrel
length.
7. ANALYTICAL BALANCE
This more or less determines the weight of the bullets,
shots and pellets for possible type, caliber and make for firearm
from which they were fired
8. TAPER GAUGE
Used for determining the diameter of the bore of the
firearms.
9. ONOSCOPE
For examining the interior surface of the barrel.
10 HELIXOMETER
For measuring the pitch of the rifling. Pitch of rifling is the
distance advanced by the rifling in one complete turn or a
distance traveled by the bullet in one complete turn.
11. CHRONOGRAPH

For determining the speed of the bullet or the muzzle

velocity of the bullet.

DEFINITION: TOOL MARKS IDENTIFICATION

Is a discipline of a forensic science which has, as its primary
concern to determine if a tool mark was produced by a particular tool.
The Two (2) general type of Tool Marks:
1. IMPRESSION TYPE- which as his name implies a little more than a
bent. A pry-bar may leave an impression type-mark on a window frame
to which is applied. The shape and the size of the mark, plus
irregularities cause by nicks or breaks in the pry-bar, may be such as to
permit a positive statement as to its source.
2. STRIATED TOOLMARK- is left by a tool scrapping over an object or
surface softer than him. Thus, a pry-bar which slips during the
application may scraped over the jamb of a door, leaving striate. Tin
Snips or Bolt Cutter have blades which frequently leave striate on the
edges of metal cut. An axe will leave striate on wood chips, as well as
the auger or blade of a plane. Mechanical tool as a planner, joiner, and
lathe all have blades and edges which leaves striate on chips, shaving
and stock being worked. Many examples should be given but these are
typical if the tool most commonly encountered in the criminal
investigations. Striated marks are often referred to a friction marks,
abrasion marks or scratched marks.
The Characteristics of Striations defend upon the following factors:
1. The size and shape of the microscopic irregularities on the acting tool.
2. The original surface smoothness of the object acted upon.
3. Relative hardness of the two materials.
19

4. Speed of application or rate of relative motion.

5. Pressure areas involved
6. Texture and uniformity of material acted upon.
METHODS OF EXAMINATION OF IMPRESSION-TYPE MARK
1. A comparison maybe made between the impression and the tool itself.
2. The comparison may be made between the impression of the evidence
and a test impression made by the suspected tool.
METHODS OF EXAMINATION ON STRIATED TOOLMARKS
Examine the tool to see whether its nature and shape are such it could
have made the evidence mark. Having located in one or more areas or an
edge which seems consistent with the possibility. He must then make test
marks for comparison purposes. During the process he must further
ascertain by a combination of logic, and trial and error, which angles of
application seem must consistent with the mark in question.
For comparison with marks and metal, lead is most commonly used for
test purposes. The instrument which is most generally suited to the
examination of the striated markings in the comparison microscope.
EXAMPLE OF A BALLISTIC REPORT
October 15, 1999
FID No. 300-15-10-99
SUBJECT
: Re-fatal shooting of one Luis C. Mendoza at
Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila on or about
12, October, 1999.
REQUESTING PARTY : The Chief, Criminal Investigation
VICTIM
:
SUSPECT
:
SPECIMEN SUBMITTED:
1. One (1) colt, automatic pistol, caliber.45, SN-10176 NM with
magazine.
2. One (1) fired cartridge case, caliber .45, marked EMG-1
3. One (1) Copper Jacketed Bullet, caliber .45, marked EMG-2
DATE AND TIME SUBMITTED:

October 13, 1999, 9:00a.m.

PURPOSE:
1. To determine whether or not the submitted pistol mentioned in the
specimen No. 1 is serviceable.
2. To determine whether or not the submitted fired cartridge
mentioned in the specimen No. 2 was fired from the submitted
pistol mentioned in the specimen no. 1.
3. To determine whether or not the submitted copper jacketed bullet
mentioned under specimen no.3 was fired from the pistol mentioned
in the specimen no.1.
FINDINGS-CONCLUSION

20

1. The submitted COLT, Automatic pistol, calibern.45, SN-10176NM was

fired tested in the laboratory in it was found to be in good working
condition.
2. Microscopic examination conducted on the submitted evidence copper
jacketed bullet
Caliber.45 marked EMG-2 revealed that the submitted evidence
copper jacketed bullet
Caliber .45 marked EMG-2 was fired from the submitted Colt,
automatic pistol,
Caliber .45 with SN-10176 NM.
REMARKS:
1. the specimen No. 1,2 and 3 were received form SPO1 Juan dela Cruz
on October 13,1999.
2. All the specimens mentioned above are being retained in our
laboratory until their release is authorized.
3. this report consist of three (3) pages.
-------------------------Nothing Follows----------------------Respectfully submitted:
Name of the examiner
APPROVED BY:
Name of the Chief

CASE HISTORIES
Contributed by: Col. Calvin Goddard, U.S.A director Criminal Investigation
Laboratory at Tokyo, Japan.
NATURE OF THE CASE:
In murder investigation, a laboratory staffed by only partly trained
technicians made an erroneous identification in connection with cartridge
cases fired from a U.S. carbine, Cal. .30 MI. This erroneous identification was
fortunately rectified by Col. Goddard who later made a positive identification
in connection with another weapon which led to the apprehension and
conviction of parties responsible.
PRINCIPLES

: Gen. Maj. Castaeda and aides are three Filipino

Assassins.
CRIME
: Murder
TIME
: Early morning, 15 November 1949
CIRCUMSTANCES:
Maj. Gen. Castaeda, Chief of Staff of the Phil. Army and an
aide, a Phil. Army Colonel were riding on a horse somewhere in
Quezon city when ambushed and fired several times. The aide
was killed but Gen. Castaeda was able to escape unhurt.
On 24, January 1950, Maj. General Anderson, Chief of
JUSMAG (joint U.S. Military Advisory Group) radioed GHQ, Far East
Command Tokyo that the Phil. Government requested that Col.
Goddard be sent to manila on temporary duty to deliver a series
of lectures to the National Bureau of Investigation and was

21

visited by the Quezon City Prosecutor, who brought a large

number of enlarged photographs of the heads of crime and test
cartridge cases supposed to have been fired form the same MI
carbine. However, Col. Goddard disagreed completely with the
findings of the Phil. Technician. The case was re-opened. He was
asked through Channels to examine a second weapon with the
crime cartridge cases and positively matched with the test crime
cartridge cased fired form the second suspect weapon. The four
men originally tried and sentenced were freed. Eventually, two of
the three real assassins were apprehended, tried and convicted.
State vs. HENDRELL 4 Idaho 88, 35 Pae. 836 (1894) is the first of the
case which treat firearms identification as a science. The expert used a
microscope and other scientific instruments in his examination of suspected
bullets, and thus, lifted this profession out of the rut of rule-of-thumb
methods.
COMMONWEALTH vs. BEST 180 Mass. 492, 62 N.E 748 (1902) is
probably the first scientific discussion of the effect of the rifling in a gun
barrel on bullets. Two bullets were extended form the dead mans body and
compared with a bullet of the same type and caliber which had been
rammed through the barrel of the rifle thought to be the fatal weapon. The
defense objected to the admission of the firearms because the force working
on the test bullet was different from that used to propel that fatal bullets, the
rifle had been fired three times between the murder and the examination,
and more than two weeks had elapsed between the fatal shooting and the
experts test.
Chief Justice Holmes said:
:we see no other way in which the jury could have learned so
intelligently how that gun barrel would have marked a lead bullet fired
through it, a question of much importance to the case We see no reason to
doubt that testimony was properly admitted.
COMMONWEALTH vs. SACCO 255 Mass. 369, 151 N.E. 839 (1926) is
still fresh in the memories of public. Sacco and Vensetti were tried for the
murder of Beradelli. It was testified that at his arrest, Sacco had in his
possession a COLT .32 Automatic Pistol and some cartridges for that arm. A .
32 caliber bullet, taken form Berradellis body, was offered in evidence and
the medical witnesses testified that it had caused the death. Two different
experts were qualified by the prosecution and they gave the usual testimony
linking the fatal bullet with the ram found in the possession of the accused
on appeal, this evidence was approved, and the sentence and finding of the
lower court were sustained.
PEOPLE vs. TIMBOL, et al., G.R. Nos. 47471-47573 (1943) is the latest
and most sensational criminal case ever registered in court in this Islands, on
identical problem on Ballistics was raised. At the Autopsy of Jose de Leon Sr.,
a bullet was found between the body of the deceased and his undershirt. The
prosecution contented that was the bullet which killed de Leon. In order to
determine who, among the three accused who each had gun at that time of
the incident, fired that fatal bullet, the testimony of the Ballistician was
presented, who testified that after the examining said bullet and the gun of
the three accused be came to the conclusion that it was fired from the
accused Gregorio Timbols Pistol.

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PEOPLE vs. MARCOS, G.R. No. 47388 is another sensational criminal

case. The bullet which Nalundasan was found in the body of the latter at the
autopsy, but no expert testimony on ballistics was offered in the case
because the firearm which the murderer used was not found.
GLOSSARY BALLISTICS
ACTION the working mechanism of a firearm
AUTOMATIC - when the mechanism is so arrange that it will fire
continuously when the trigger is depressed
ACP - Automatic Colt Pistol
AIR GUN - a gun that uses compressed air or gas to propel a projectile also
called air rifle, pellet rifle, pellet gun and gun.
AIR RESISTANCE - the resistance of air to the passage of a projectile in
flight.
BORE - the interior of the barrel forward on the chamber
BUCKSHOT - lead pellets raging in size for . 20 inches to .36 inch diameter
normally loaded in such shotshells.
BUFFER - in a firearm, any part intended to absorb shock and check recoil.
CANNELURE a circumferential groove generally of a knurled or plain
appearance on a bullet or cartridge. These three uses including crimping,
lubrication and identification.
CAPE GUN a doubled-barreled shoulder arm with barrel side by side : are
being smooth bore and the other being rifled.
CAST-OFF - the off-set of the butt of a firearm to the right handed shooter
and to the right for a left-handed shooter.
CASTO-ON the offset of the butt of a firearm to the left for a right-handed
shooter and to the right for a left handed shooter.
CHAMBER - the rear part of the barrel bore that has been formed to accept
a specific cartridge. Revolver cylinders are multi-chambered.
CHOKE - the interior constriction at near the muzzle end of a shotgun
barrel bore for the purpose of controlling shot dispersion.
COCK - place a firing mechanism under a spring tension.
COMPENSATOR - a device attached to or integral with the muzzle end of
the barrel to utilize propelling gases for counter-recoil. Also called MUZZLE
BRAKE.
DAMSCUS - an obsolete barrel making process the barrel is formed by
twisting or brading together steel and iron wires or bars. Sometimes called
LAMINATED BARREL.
ENERGY BULLET - the capacity of a projectile to do work.
FOULING - the residual deposits remaining in the bore of a firearm after
firing.
FULL COCK - the position of the hammer or strike when the firearm is
ready to fire.
GAS OPERATED an automatic or semi-automatic firearm in which the
propellant gases are used to unlock the breech bolt and then to complete the
cycle of extracting and expecting
GAS PORT - an opening in the wall of a barrel to allow gas to operate a
mechanism or reduce recoil.
HEADSPACE - the distance form the face of the closed breech of a firearm
to the surface in the chamber on which the cartridge seats.
HEADSTAMP numerals, letters and symbols stamped into the head of the
cartridge case or shotshell to identify the manufacture caliber gauge or give
additional information.

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KEYHOLE - an oblong or an oval hole in a target that is produced by an

unstable bullet striking the target at an oblique angle to the bullets.
Longitudinal axis.
LEADING the accumulation of lead in the bore of a firearm from the
passage of lead shot or bullet. Also called METAL FOULING.
LUBALOY- a Winchester Western trade name for copper bullet coating and
jacketing material.
PARADOX an obsolete barrel designed in which the major length of the
barrel is smooth and last few inches are rifled.
PEN GUN a small caliber firearm shaped like a pen or pencil.
POWDER - commonly used term for the propellant in a cartridge or
shotshell.
PRESSURE in a firearm, the force developed by the expanding gasses
generated by the combustion of the propellant.
PROOF MARK a stamp applied to a firearm after it has passed proof test.
PROOF TEST the firing of a deliberate overload to test the strength of a
firearm barrel an action.
RACHET - a notched wheel on the rear of a revolver cylinder to rotate when
a force is applied by a level hold a hand.
RECOIL - the rewarded movement of a firearm resulting from firing.
RELOAD - a cartridge, which have been reassembled with a new primer,
powder and or other components.
RESIZING -the reduction in diameter of a fire cartridge case to unfired
diameter by forcing it into die of smaller size than the fired case.
RICOCHET - the deflection of a projectile after impact.
RIFLING - helical grooves in the bore of a firearm barrel to impart rotary
motion to a projectile
ROUND - a military term for a cartridge.
SERIAL NUMBER -a number applied to a firearm in order to identify the
individual firearm.
SHOCKING POWDER - the ability of a projectile to dissipate its kinetic
energy effectively in a target.
SHOT - spherical pellets used in loading shotshells and cartridges.
SHOT, BIRD - a general term used to indicate in a shot smaller than
buckshot.
SHOTSHELL - a cartridge containing projectile designed to be fired in a
shotgun. The cartridge body maybe metal, plastic or paper.
SILENCER - a device attach to the barrel of the firearm to reduce the noise
of discharge. Also called SOUND SUPRRESSOR.
SLING - a strap fasten to a firearm to assist in carrying or to steady it during
firing.
SLUG, RIFLED - a simple projectile in spiral grooves and hollow base,
intended to use in shotgun. The slug will rotate, and thus, reach its target
much more accurate.
SMOKE RING - the circular gray deposits around the face of the chamber
of a revolver produce by gun powder residues upon discharge.
STOCK - a component, usually wood, to which a barrel action is attached
enable the shooter to hold the firearm.
STRIATIONS - parallel surface contour variations on the surface of an object
cause by a combination of force and motion where the motion is
approximately parallel to the plane being mark. This striation are accidental
in nature and unique to common origin. Also called STRIAE.
TATTOING - small hemorrhagic marks on the skin produce by the impact of
gun powder particles also called STRIPPLING
TEST BULLET - a bullet fired from a bullet recovery system for comparison
analysis.

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TEST CARTRIDGE CASE a cartridge case obtain while test firing a firearm
in a laboratory to be used for comparison or analysis.
THUMB REST - a ledge in the grip area of a rifle or hand gun in which to
rest the thumb of the trigger hand.
TRAILING EDGE - the edge of a land or groove impression in a fire bullet
which is opposites the driving edge of the same land or groove impressions
TRAJECTORY- the curved path of a projectile from muzzle to target.
TRIGGER - that part of a firearm mechanism, which is move manually to
cause the firearm to discharge.
TRIGGRE GUARD a rigid loop, which partially surrounds the trigger to
prevent accidental discharge or damage to it.
TRIGGER PULL - the amount of force, which must firearm to cause sear
release.
VELOCITY - the speed of the projectile at a given point along its trajectory.
VIERLING - a four barreled shoulder arm, which usually have two smooth
bore and two rifle barrel.
WALKER TEST - the original chemical test for the detection of spatial
distributions of nitrites in gun powder residue.
YAW - the angle between longitudinal axis of a projectile and the line of the
projectile trajectory.
ZWILLING - European term for a double barreled shoulder arm with one rifle
and one smooth bore barrel.
GLOSSARY TOOLMARKS
ACTIVE DOOR - When two doors have been installed as a pair, the active
door is the one which must be opened first.
BARREL BOLT - a bolt installed on the surface of the door.
BLADE OF A KEY - the portion of the key which is inserted into the lock and
operates the pin tumblers.
BLANK - is an uncut or the unfinished key as it comes from the manufacture
before any tumbler cuts have been made.
BOLT that portion of a lock which is moved into a locked or unlock position,
mechanically or electrically.
CHAINDOOR GUARD- a device which allow a door to be opened only a
short distance.
COMBINATION PINS - pins made of brass, which are used in setting
combination in pin tumblers cylinders.
CYLINDER - a cylindrical case containing the plug and tumbler mechanism
of a lock.
DOOR CLOSER a device used to control the action of a door by used of
hydraulic pressure, high tension spring, electrical devices or air pressure.
HASP a fastening device consisting of staple and a slotted hinged plate.
HEADER - top cross member of the door frame.
HEEL OF THE PADLOCK - the end of the shackle on a padlock which is not
move from the case when unlock.
JAMB - the vertical member of a door or window frame.
KEY an instrument for operating a lock by setting the tumblers in the
proper position
KEY HOLE - the opening in a lock to receive a key.
LAMINATED PADLOCKS a padlock in which the body consist a number of
flat plates, which are riveted together.
LATHC a device that secured but has no locking function.
LIP OF THE STRIKE the projecting of a strike plate which guides the
spring bolt to the latch point.

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LOCK IN KNOB - a lock set having the cylinder contain within the knob.
LOCK PICKING- the process of operating a lock into a locked or unlocked
condition by means other than specifically planned key in keys.
LOCK PICKS tools or instrument made for the purpose of operating a lock
into a locked or unlocked condition by means other than specifically planned
key.
LOCKSMITH - a security consultant engaged in selling, installing, repairing
and modifying locking devices and furnishing keys for locks.
LOCKSMITH FORENSIC a court-qualified physical security specialist.
MASTER KEY - a key which is planned in constructed to provide a means of
operating all locks in a series or group of locks. There is not any key or locks.
The master key must be made for a particular master system
MORTISE LOCK - a lock installed in a hole cut in the edge of a door.
MULLION - a movable or fix center post used on double door opening
usually for locking purposes.
PADLOCK - a detachable and portable lock with a hinged shackle. Normally
used with a hasp.
PATIO SLIDING DOORLOCK - a lock designed to secure a sliding patio door
by blocking the tracks or rails.
SHACKLE - the hinged or sliding part of a padlock that does the fastening.
SHOW CASE LOCK a lock designed to secure showcase glass door.
STAPLE - that part of a hasp that receive the shackles of a padlock.
STILE the vertical member of a panel door. The stile containing the lock
stile. The stile containing the hinged is called the hinged stile.
STRIKE - metal plate installed on or in the door or jamb receive the bolt or
spring bolt.
TOOL an object used to gain mechanical advantage.
TOOLMARK IMPRESSED the mark produce when a tool is placed against
an object and enough pressure is applied to the tool so that it leaves an
impression in an object.
WARD any obstruction which prevents a blank key or a key without a
proper cut form entering or turning o lock.
WARDED KEY- a key used in a ward lock which will be passed obstruction in
the key way in lock case.

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