FORENSIC BALLISTIC

BALLISTICS – is the science of the motion of projectile.

ORIGIN OF BALLISTIC – The word “BALLISTICS” originated from the Greek

word “Ballein” which means “to throw” and from the Roman word “Ballista”
which is machine to hurl a stone.
-From those words the modern term for Forensic Ballistics was derived
to indicate the science of moving projectile.

BRANCHES OF BALLISTICS

a. ) INTERIOR BALLISTICS – traits of the motion of the projectiles while

still in the firearm, namely the studies of combustion of the powder, pressure
developed and velocity.

b. ) EXTERIOR BALLISTICS – traits of the motion of the projectiles after

leaving the muzzle namely trajectory, velocity, range penetration, etc.

c. ) TERMINAL BALLISTICS – traits of the effects of the projectile on

impact on the target.

d. ) FORENSIC BALLISTIC – the science of firearms identification by

means of the ammunition fired through them.

DIVISION OF FORENSIC BALLISTICS:

a. ) FIELD NVESTIGATION – refers to the work of an investigation in the

field. It concerns mostly with the collection, marking, preservation, packing
and transmission of firearms evidences. It include the study of class
characteristics of firearms and bullets.

b. ) TECHNICAL EXAMINATION – refers to the examiners who examine

bullets/ or shells, whether fired from also whether or not cartridges were
loaded and ejected made by the suspected firearms submitted. Reports are
made by the examiners and testify in court regarding their reports.

LEGAL DEFINITION OF FIREARM – “Firearms” or “Arms” are herein used

includes rifles, muskets, carbines, shotguns, revolvers, pistols and all other
deadly weapons from which a bullet, ball, shot, shell or other missile may
discharge off by means of gunpowder or other explosives. The term also
includes air rifles except such as being of small caliber and limited range
used as toys. The barrel of any firearm shall be considered a complete
firearm for all purposes hereof (Sec. 877, Revised Administrative Code see
also Sec. 290 National Internal Revenue Code).

TECHNICAL DEFINITION OF FIREARM – instrument used for the propulsion

of a projectile by means of expansive force of gases from burning powder.

AMMUNITION (defined) – under the National Internal Revenue Code the

word “Ammunition” shall mean loaded shell for rifles, muskets, carbines,
shotguns, revolvers and pistols from which bullets, ball shot, shell or other
missile may be ammunition for air rifles.

PRINCIPLES OF IDENTIFICATION (BULLETS)

 1. No two barrels are microscopically identical as the surface of their
bores all possesses individual characteristics markings of their
own.

2. When a bullet is fired from rifled barrel, it becomes engraved by the

rifling and this engraving will vary in its minute details with every
individual bore. So it happens that the engraving on the bullets
fired from one barrel will be different from another bullet fired from
another barrel.

3. Every barrel leaves its thumb mark or fingerprint on very single

bullet fired through it just as every breech face leaves its thumb
mark on the base of every fired cartridges case.

PRINCIPLES OF IDENTIFICATION (SHELLS)

1. The breech face and striker of every single firearm leave

microscopical individualities of their own.

2. The firearm leaves its “fingerprints” or “thumb mark” on ever

cartridges case which it fires.

3. The whole principles of identification is based on the fact that since

the breech face of every weapon must be individually distinct, the
cartridges cases which it fires are imprinted with this individuality.
The imprints on all cartridges cases fired from the same weapon
are always the same; those on cartridges cases fired from different
weapons are different.

TYPES OF PROBLEMS: There are six (6) types of problems in Forensic

ballistic, namely:

Type 1- Given bullets, to determine the caliber and type of firearm from
which it was fired.

Type 2- Given a 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 and a suspected firearms, to

determine whether or not the cartridge case 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 cartridges cases, to determine whether or not

they were fired from only one firearm.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS – Those which are determine prior to the

manufacturer of the firearm and are within control of man. These serve as
basis to identify a certain class or group of firearm.
 a ) Caliber (Bore Diameter) e ) Width of grooves
b ) Number of lands f ) Direction of twist
c ) Number of grooves g ) Pitch of rifling
d ) Width of lands h ) Depth of grooves

INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS – Those 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. Their
existence in a firearm is brought about by the tools in their normal operation
resulting through wear and tear, abuse, militilations, corrosion, erosion and
other fortuitous causes.

SMALL ARMS – firearms which propel projectiles of less than one inch in
diameter.

TYPES OF SMALL ARMS GENERAL:

a ) Smooth-bore – firearm which do not have rifling

Ex: shotguns, muskets

b ) Rifled-bore – firearm which contain rifling marks.

Ex: pistols, revolvers, rifles

SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION – small arms ammunition consists of cartridges

used in rifles, carbines, revolvers, pistols, sub-machineguns and shell used
in shotgun.

EQUIVALENT OF CALIBERS IN INCHES AND MILLIMETERS:

a ) Caliber .22 – About 5.59 mm.

b ) Caliber .25 – About 6.35 mm.
c ) Caliber .32 – About 7.65 mm.
d ) Caliber .30 – About 7.63 mm. (mouser)
e ) Caliber .38 – About 9 mm.
f ) Caliber .45 – About 11 mm.
g ) Caliber .30 – About 7.56 mm. (Luger)

RIFLING – consist of a number of helical grooves cut in the interior surface

of the bore. The rifling in firearms may be divided into the following types:

a ) Small type – four grooves, right hand twist, grooves and lands of equal
width. (4R G-L)

b ) Smith and Wesson type – five grooves, right hand twist, grooves and
lands of equal width (5R G-L)

c ) Browning type – six grooves, right hand twist, narrow lands and
broader grooves (6R G2X)

d ) Colt type – six grooves, left hand twist, narrow lands and broader
grooves (6L G2X)

e ) Webley type – seven grooves, right hand twist, narrow lands and
broader grooves (7R G3X)
f ) Army type – four grooves, right hand twist, narrow lands and broader
grooves (4R G3X)

PURPOSE OF RIFLING – is to impact a motion of rotation to a bullet during

its passage inside the barrel in order to insure gyroscopic in the flight, and
so that it will travel nose-on towards the target.

PARTS OF CARTRIDGES

a) Bullet c ) Gunpowder
b ) Shell d ) Primer

TYPES OF CARTRIDGES:

a ) Pin-fire – the pin extends radically through the need of the cartridges
case into the primer.

b ) Rim-fire – the priming mixture is placed in the cavity formed in the rim
of the head of the cartridges case. The flame produced is in direct
communication with the powder charge. Used in the calibers .22, .25 and .45
Derringer pistols.

c ) Center-fire – the primer sup is forced into the middle portion of the
head of the cartridges case and the priming mixture is exploded by the
impact of the firing pin. The flame is communicated to the powder charge
through the vents leading into the powder charge.

TYPES OF CENTER-FIRE CARTRIDGES:

a ) Rimmed type – the rim of the cartridges case is greater than the
diameter of the body of the cartridges case. Ex: Cal .38 and Cal .22

b ) Semi rimmed type – the rim of the cartridge case is slightly greater
than the diameter of the body of the cartridges case. Ex: Cal. Super .38 auto,
Pistol, .32 and .25

c ) Rimmed less type – the rim of the cartridges case is equal to the diameter
of the body of the cartridge case. Ex: Cal .45 Auto Pistol .30 carbine .223

PROCEDURE AT THE SCENE OF SHOOTING CASES

When an officer arrives upon the scene of a shooting case, he is usually

confronted by a condition of utter confusion. Neighbors and onlookers
are crowded around the place; relatives are weeping and hysterical. In
his career as an officer he will meet with other situations which require
as much as much poises tact and common sense when he appears
upon the scene of homicide.

His first duty is to clear the premises of all persons so that an intelligent
investigation is not a matter of five or ten minutes, but it requires that
a definite routine shall be followed, if mistakes are to be avoided.
 Things should be done, which may appear wholly unnecessary at the
time, but only to become vitally important later. One can never forces
the angels that will develop 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. The officer may be
important by reporters or other to do things which he is not yet ready
to do – to give statement to the press or to draw conclusion. In spite of
all persuasions, he should bear in mind that there is one purpose and
one purpose only, and that is to carry out an intelligent investigation.

Upon receiving a cell to the sense of a shooting case, the officer should
always take along with him a loose-leaf notebook and fountain pen to
make notes at the time and on the place and not trust to his memory to
reconstruct the situation at his 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 his investigation to keep for future references and to produce
in court if necessary. These steps are as follows:

1. Note accurately in writing the time he received the call and by whom it
was sent.
2. Note accurately the time he arrive at the scene and the correct
address.

These first two items seem to be trivial, but it is amazing how often 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 a jury.

3. He should ascertain if the victim is dead, and if not non-medical aid or

remove the body to a hospital, otherwise the body should not be
disturbed.

4. Immediately clear the premises of all bystanders and under no

circumstances allow anyone to touch or remove anything in the
vicinity.

5. Use every effort and means to identify the deceased.

6. Does the body lie where the shooting took place? Often, before the
officer arrives the body will be moved by a bystander. Frequently it will
be picked up off the floor and put a bed or taken from one room to
another.

7. Take the names and addresses of all witnesses and take written notes
on the statement of as many persons as practicable.

8. Photograph the body from all angels to show its relationship to doors,
windows, furniture’s and other objects in the room.

9. Measure with a tape the exact distance of the body with relation to the
previously mentioned fixtures of the premises.
10. Note in writing the exact position where he found the body
whether he found it lying on the side, back or abdomen that objects if
any, were in the hands; reports what was the conditions of the clothing
and the amount of bleeding.

11. Examine the ceiling, floor and furniture for bullet holes, blood
stains, fired bullets, fired shell or shotgun wadding.

12. If there is a firearm at the scene, he should mote in writing the

following observations:

a. Exactly where found.

b. Type of weapon – automatic pistol, revolvers, rifle, or shot gun,
caliber or gauge designation.
c. Make and serial numbers and at that time he should mark his
initials on the butt or frame of the weapon for future
identification.
d. Other distinct features.

13. At the crime scene note down where the empty shells, bullets
and/ or firearms where found and make a diagram to illustrates the
same, to show their relatives distances from the body of the victims,
Photograph if possible.

14. Be careful in handling a firearm found at the scene of the crime

for they may have latent fingerprint on the parts of the firearm. Note
down the type, kind, make caliber and serial number. If there are
fingerprints, submit said firearm to a fingerprint technician but be sure
that the firearm should not be disturbed.
15. Mark the empty cartridges cases inside or near the mouth by
scratching the initials to the investigation or the initials of the victims.

16. Mark the bullets at the give (or nose) by scratching the
investigation’s initials of the victim but definitely NOT at the rifling
marks (landmarks and groove marks).

17. Mark the empty shotgun shells with indelible ink at the body.

18. The barrel of the firearms must be marked too.

19. After marking the empty shells and bullets, wrap them 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 scratched.

20. When a lead bullet is found at the scene of the crime the body of
the victim, the presumption is that a Revolver was used.

21. When a jacketed bullets is found at the scene of the crime or in

the body of the victim, it can be measured that a presumed that a
Automatic Pistol or Automatic Weapon was used.

22. When an empty shell is found at the scene of the crime, the
presumption is an Automatic Pistol or Weapon was used.
23. When one empty shell is found at the scene of the crime, the
presumption is a Revolver was used.

24. In the bore of a barrel, the depressed portions are the grooves,
and the raised are the lands.

25. On a fired bullet, it is the reverse. The landmarks are the

depressed portions, and the groove marks are the raised portions.

26. To determine the real direction of the rifling twist in a rifled

barrel, peep thru the barrel, place a land or groove in inclines to the
right, then it has a right twist and if it inclines to the left, then the
rifling twist is left.

27. To determine the direction of the twist of a bullet, look on the

bullets in an elongated position. If the landmarks and groove marks
incline to the right, then it has a right twist and if it is inclines to the
left, then the rifling twist is right. If the inclination is left then it is a left
twist.

28. A fired bullet will acquire the class characteristics of the bore of
the barrel from which it was fired. So therefore if a bore has class
characteristics of .45 caliber, .6 lands, .6 grooves, right twist, groove
wider than the land, each characteristics will be marked on the bullet it
fires.

29. It is the rifling of the bore that marked a fired bullet.

30. So if a fatal will have the same class characteristics as the bore
of the suspected gun, then it is possible that the bullets could have
been fired from the suspected gun.

31. To determine definitely if the bullet above was fired or not from a
suspected gun, then the case must be sent to a Forensic Ballistics
Experts who will conduct the proper examinations.

32. If two bullets do not have the same class characteristics,

definitely and conclusively they were NOT fired from the same barrels.

33. If a fatal bullets does not have the same class characteristics as
the suspected firearm (barrel), then conclusively the bullets was not
fired from said barrel.

The following are suggestions for the investigator to observe in testifying

in courts of justice:

1. Be prepared.
2. Be calm and well poised.
3. Tell the truth, nothing but the truth.
4. Be courteous.
5. Be natural and sit straight forward.
6. Do not volunteer.
7. Keep your temper.
8. Listen to the question asked before giving your answer.
9. Speak loud enough to be heard.
 10. Watch your personal appearance and conduct in the courtroom.
11. Answer only what you are asked, no more.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

1. PERCUSSION – Action when the priming mixture of chemical

compound hit or struck by firing in would ignite.

2. JUXTAPOSITION – Two objects is evidence bullet and test bullet are

examined and compared under the bullet comparison microscope.
Includes also the examination of fired shells.

3. BALLO or BALLEIN – Greek words where Ballistics was derived from

which means “to throw”.

4. BALLISTA – The early Roman was Machine – a gigantic bow or

Catapult.

5. BALLISTICS – Science of the motion of projectiles.

6. FORUM – A Greek word of forensic which means debatable,

argumentation in relation to the court of justice.

7. FORENSIC BALLIASTICS- The study of firearms identification by

means of ammunition fired from them.

8. BALLISTICIAN – Person whose knowledge in identification is accepted

by the courts and other investigation agencies.

9. ABRASSION – (in the world) Scratches cause by using improper

cleaning materials, or by firing ammunition with bullets to which
abrasive material was adhering. Normal enlargement of the bore and
wearing away of lands due to the abrasive action of the bullets.

10. BLACK POWDER – A mechanical mixture of charcoal, sulfur and salt

paper. Burned with considerable white smoke.

11. CARTRIDGE – is a complete unfired unit of bullets, cartridge case,

gunpowder and primer.

12. AMMUNITION (legal) – SEC. 877 of the RAC – shall mean “loaded
shell” for rifles, muskets, carbines, shotguns, revolvers and pistols
which a ball, bullet shot shell or other missile maybe discharges by
means of gunpowder or other explosive. The term includes ammunition
for a rifles as mentioned else where in the code.

Ammunition (technical) – refers to a group of cartridge or to a single unit

cartridge, meaning a complete unfired unit consisting of bullets, cartridge
case, gun powder and primer. The term may also refer to a single round.

13. BALL BULLETS – Bullets have soft lead course inside a jacket.

14. ROUND – one single complete cartridge.

15. BULLET ENERGY – the powder possessed by a moving bullet, or in
other words its ability to keep going meets an obstacle of immense
importance, for obviously, the more powder a bullet has and the harder
it is to stop the, more effective it can be as a weapon.

16. BULLET RECOVERY BOX – consist of a wooden box, 12” x 12” x 96”,
with the hinged to cover and with one end open. This long box is filled
with ordinary cotton and separated into section by card board
partitions.

17. CALIBER – is the diameter of the inner surface of the barrel that is
measured from land to land.

18. DUMDUM BULLET – “Dumdum” is an out molded and generally

misused term. It was an unofficial name first applied hallow point
bullets maid at the British arsenal at Dumdum, India.

19. EROSION – the mechanical wear and tear of the inner surface of the
gun barrel due to the mechanical abrasion or gliding.

20. CORROSION – the mechanical wear and tear of the inside of the gun
barrel due to rust formation or chemical action of the by products of
combustion after firing.

21. CANNELURE (bullet) – A knurled ring or serrated grooved around the

body of the bullet which contains wax for lubrication in order to
minimize friction during the passage of the bullet inside the bore.

22. CALIPER – an instrument used for making measurement such as bullet

diameter and bore diameter.

23. CHILLED SHOT – shotgun pellets made from lead especially hardened
by the addition of a slight amount of antimony.

24. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS – are those that are determinable even

before the manufacture of the firearm. It is categorized into caliber or
gauge number of lands and grooves, width of land and grooves, twist
of rifling, patch of rifling and depth of grooves.

25. RANGE – the straight distance between muzzle and target.

26. POINT BLANK RANGE – popularity used to indicate the distance the
bullet will travel before it drops enough to require sight adjustment. A
shot fired so closed to the target that no sighting is necessary for
effective aiming.

27. MAXIMUM RANGE – the farthest distance that a projectile can be

propelled form a firearm.

28. GALLERY RANGE – the indoor targets range on properly constructed

indoor ranges, firing maybe conducted with center fire pistols and
revolvers at range of 25 years and 50 years. Such installation are
generally referred to as indoor ranges the term gallery being applied
usually only to short range 22 caliber installation.
29. EXTREME RANGE – the greatest distance the bullet will travel the
cartridge is fire.

30. EFFECTIVE RANGE – the maximum distance at which a bullet may

reasonable be expected types of live target.

31. ACCURATE RANGE – the distance with in which he shoots has control
of his shots.

32. FOULING - the accumulation of a deposit wit in the bore of a firearm

caused by solid by products remaining a cartridge is fired.

33. GUN COTTON – a very powerful explosive, like nitroglycerine which is

a chemical compound and not a mixture. This is formed by the action
of nitric and sulfuric acid on cotton or nay other kind of cellulose.

34. LANDS – the raised portion between the grooves in the interior surface
of the gun barrel.

35. LAPPING – is the smoothening of the inner surface of the barrel.

36. MACHINE REST – a machine used for testing the accuracy of a

firearm.

37. KNOCKING POWER – power of the bullet which believer of a very

paralyzing blow that put the victim down and may then recover if the
wound inflicted upon is not fatal.

38. STOPPING POWER – power of the bullet which put the victim out of
the action instantly. So it should be understood that stopping power is
not necessarily the same thing as killing power. However, stopping
power depends very largely on the location of the shot.

39. PRIMER – the complete assembly of cup, priming composition, paper

discs and anvil.

40. CARTOUCHE – French word of cartridge which means ROOL OF

PAPER.

41. CHARTA – Latin word for cartridges which means PAPER.

ORIGIN OF FIREARM

13 t h Century – development of firearms followed the invention of gunpowder

in Western Europe.

Berthold Schwartz – a German monk, and Roger Bacon, an English monk are
both credited with gunpowder invention.

-Most reference books credit Roger Bacon, English monk and Scientist
with the invention of gunpowder in 1248 and Berthold Schwartz, with
application of gunpowder to the propelling of a missile in the early
1300’s. This powder was that we now call “Black Powder”.
1245 – Gen Batu, The Tartar leader, used artillery in Liegnits when he
defeated the poles Hungarians, and Russians.

- It is also often stated that the gunpowder was first invented by

Chinese, were of gunpowder and its use as propellant long before its
advantages became recognized in Europe.

- It may also assume the Arabs with their advance knowledge of

chemistry at that time.

1247 – One of the earliest recorded uses of firearms in war far was that of an
attack on Seville, Spain.

1346 – Cannons used by King Edward II of England at Crecy.

1335 - Mohammad II of turkey in his famous conquest of Constantinople.

-First firearms were inefficient, large and heavy and were not capable
of being carried by an individual soldier; hence, the development of
cannons preceded that of small arm weapons by almost 50 years.

Man never satisfies to himself. He is always trying to improve himself and his
surrounding. He created some rule crude or primitive weapons which
were subsequently developed into sophisticated firearms of modern
times.

The following are the stages of development of man’s weapon:

1. Stones
2. Cubs Knives Spears and Darts
3. Sling shots to hurl objects
4. Bows and arrows
5. Cross – bows
6. Guns
7. Missiles

1. Col. Calvin H. Goddard M.D, OS Army – Father of Modern Ballistics.

2. Horace Smith – Founded the great firm Smith and Weapon and
pioneered the making of breech – loading regales.

3. Daniel B. Wesson – An associate or partner of smith in revel verb

making.

4. John M. Browning – Wizard of modern firearms and pandered breech

loading single shot rifle.

5. John T. Thompson – pioneered the making of Thompson sub-Machine.

6. David “Carbine” Williams – maker of first know carbine.

7. Alexander John Forsythe – Father of the percussion system.

8. Elisha King Root – Designed machinery of making colt firearms.

9. Eliphalet Remington – One of the first rifle makers.

10. John Malon Martin – Founder of martin Firearms Company.

11. James Wolfe Ripley – Stimulated the development of the model 1855
riffled – musket.

12. Samuel Colt – (1814-1862) – Produced the first practical revolver.

13. Henry Derringer – He gave his name to a whole classes of firearms.

14. John C. Garand – Designed the semi-automatic US Rifle, Cal. 30

15. Oliver F. Wichester – One of the earliest rifles and pistol makers.

IMPORTANT DATES IN FIREARMS HISTORY

1313 ---Gunpowder as a propellant. Te age of gunpowder began with outs

first use as a propellant for a projective. Such use has been recorded as
early as 1313.

1350 ---Small arms, Gunpowder was first used only in cannons. It was in the
middle of the 14 t h century that portable hand, F.A was introduced. These
guns were ignited by a hand-held wire or lighted match.

1498 ---Riffling, The first reference to rifled barrels appeared. Although its
important as an aid to accuracy was recognized by some, it was many years
after before rifling was generally used.

1575 ---Cartridges, Paper cartridges combining both powder and ball were
developed. This greatly speeded loading and reduced the hazards of carrying
loose powder.

1807 ---Percussion system, the discovery of Forsythe in 1807 the that certain
compounds detonated by a blow would be used to ignite the charge in a
firearm, for the basis for all later percussion and cartridges development.

1835 ---Samuel Colt-patented the first practical revolvers in which the

cylinder was rotated by cooking the hammer.

1836 ---Pin fire. Cartridge. Developed by Le Faucheux in 1836, was probably

the first self really the first rim fire cartridge.

1858 ---Center fire Cartridge. The Morse Cartridge of 1858 marked the
beginning of the rapid development of the center fire cartridge.

1884 ---Automatic Machine Gun. Hiran Maxim built the first fully Automatic
gun, utilizing the recoil of the piece to load and fire the next charge.

1885 ---Smokeless Powder. In Frnece, Veille, Developed the first satisfactory

smokeless powder, a new propellant which not only lacked the smoke
characteristics of black powder, but also more powerful.
1845 ---Rimfire Cartridge. In France, Florbert develop a “bullet” “breech cap”
which was in really the first rimterfire Cartridge.

I. TWO GENERAL CLASSES OF FIREARM (ACCORDING TO Gun Barrel

Internal Construction)

A. Smooth-bore firearms – fire arms the have no rifling (land and

grooves) inside their gun barrel.
Ex. Shot guns and muskets

B. Rifled-the bore Firearms – Firearms that have rifling inside their gun
barrel.
Ex. Pistols, Revolvers, Rifles

II. MAIN TYPES OF .As. (According to Caliber of Projectiles Propelled)

A. Artillery – Those types of firearm that propel

projectiles more than one inch in diameter.
Ex. Cannons, Mortars, Bazookas

B. Small Arms – Propel Projectiles less than 1 inch in

diameter, Can be operated by one man.
Ex. Machines guns Shoulder arm and hand arms

III. TYPES OF FIREARMS According to Mechanical

Construction

A. Single Shot F.A – type of firearms designed to fire only one shot for
every loading.
Ex. Pistols, Rifles, Shot guns – single shots

B. Repeating Arms – Fire several shots in one loading

Ex. Rifles, Shot guns

C. Bolt Action Type – Reloading is done by manipulation of the bolt.

Ex. Rifles, Shot guns, Machine guns

D. Automatic Loading Type –After the first shot is fired, automatic loading
or feeding of the chamber takes place.
Ex. Rifles, Shot guns

E. Slide Action Type (Trombone) –Loading takes place by back and forth
manipulation of the under forearm of the gun.
Ex. Rifles, Shot guns

F. Lever Type (Break Type) –Loading takes place by

lever action of the Firearm.
Ex. Rifles, Shot guns

IV.TYPES OF FIREARMS according to USE

A. Military Firearms
Ex. 1. Pistols 3. Rifles
2. Revolvers 4. Machine Guns
 B. Pocket and Home Defense F.A
Ex. 1. Pistols 3. Rifles
2. Revolvers

IV. UNUSUAL OR MISCELLENEOUS TYPE

--Those types of fire arm that is unique in mechanism and construction

1. Paltik Pistols
2. Paltik Revolvers
3. PaltikRifles
4. Paltik Shot Guns

THE THREE MAIN PARTS

REVOLVERS – Cal .38 PISTOL –Cal .45

1. Barrel assembly 1. Barrel Assembly

2. Cylinder Assembly 2. Slide Assembly
3. Frame or Receiver 3. Frame or Receiver

RIFLE – Cal .30 SHOT GUN – Gauge 12

1. Barrel Assembly 1. Barrel Assembly

2. Magazine Assembly 2. Magazine Assembly
3. Stock Group 3. Stock Group

DETAILED PARTS

REVOLVER .38 AUTOMATIC PISTOL .45

1. Barrel Assembly 1. Barrel Assembly

a. Breech end a. Breech end
b. Muzzle end b. Muzzle end
c. Bore c. Bore
d. Rifling (lands and grooves) d. Rifling (land grooves)
e. Chamber
f. Interlocking ribs
g. Barrel lug
h. Barrel link
i. Barrel link pin
j. Barrel lead (lead)

2. Cylinder Assembly 2. Slide Assembly

a. Chambers a. Front sight
b. Extractor b. Top strap
c. Extractor rod c. Ejection port
d. Racket d. Rear sight
e. Cylinder groove e. Breech block
f. Yoke f. Breech Face
g. Cylinder locking Notches g. Extractor
h. Firing pin
 i. Firing pin top
j. Serrations
k. Trade mark
l. Model
m. Interlocking lugs

3. Frame or Receiver 3. Frame or Receiver

a. Top strap a. Ejector
b. Rear sight b. Hammer
c. Breech Face c. Spur
d. Hammer d. Grip safety
e. Spur e. Thumb safety
f. Thumb latch f. Disconnector
g. Side plate g. Back strap
h. Back h. Butt
i. Firing pin i. Lanyard loop
j. Butt j. Front strap
k. Front strap k. Magazine well
l. Trigger guard l. Right side stock
m. Trigger m. Left side stock
n. Cylinder lock n. Trigger
o. Right side stock o. Trigger guard
p. Left side stock p. Model
q. Trade mark (monogram) q. Plunger
r. Serial number r. Serial number

The automatic Pistol-Caliber .45 besides having the main parts and
detailed it has also the so called auxiliary parts (accessories) which must all
be removed before disassembly of the weapon can be accomplished.

1. Recoil Plug 4. Recoil Spring

2. Barrel Bushing 5. Recoil Spring
3. Slide stop pin

ADVANTAGE OF REVOLVER

1. It is an old standard weapon, every one is used to it, and almost every
one knows something about to handle it.

2. The revolver is safer for inexperienced people to handle and carry then
an automatic pistol.

3. The mechanism of a revolver allows the trigger pull to be better then

that of the average automatic weapon.

4. A misfire does not put revolvers out of action.

5. It will handle satisfactorily old or new or partly deteriorated

ammunition which gives a reduced velocity that would jam an average
automatic pistols.

DISADVANTAGES OF A REVOLVER

1. It is more bulky to carry than that of an automatic pistol.

2. Its grip on handle is generally not as good as that of pistol.

3. It is hard to clean after firing.

4. It is slower to load.

5. It is harder to replace worn out or broken parts, it is factory job.

6. Worn out or poorly made weapon is subject to variable accuracy due to

improper up of cylinder.

ADVANTAGES OF AN AUTOMATIC PISTOL

1. It as a better grip fits the hand points naturally.

2. It is more compact for the same fire power.

3. It is easier to load than a revolver.

4. In case of worn or corroded barrel a new one can be put in at little

expense without sending the gun to the factory.

5. It gives a greater number of shots than revolvers.

6. It is easier to clean than revolvers.

7. It gives greater fire power and greater ease of firing.

8. There is no gas leakage in its operation.

DISADVANTAGES OF AN AUTOMATIC PISTOL

1. Ammunition must be prefect. Old and deteriorated ammunition will

cause a jam.

2. A misfire stops the functioning of the gun.

3. When the gun is kept loaded for a long period of time, the magazine
spring is under tension and may deteriorate and cause trouble.

4. The automatic pistol can not use blank or reduced loads.

5. It has a poor trigger pull than the revolver.

6. The magazines require a jacketed bullet which is not as good for

practical use as that of lead bullet.

7. The automatic pistol is more dangerous to handle and fire especially

for inexperienced people due to the fact that after one shot it is always
cooked and loaded.

8. It is not adapted to reloading. It throws away empty shell at each shot.

9. Its mechanical action ejects empty shell towards the face at each shot.
10. Its throws out empty shells on the ground to remain as evidence.

11. It can not be fired from the pocket without jamming.

EVERY POLICE OFFICER should frequently check his revolvers for:

1. Obstruction in the barrel.

2. Bulging or swollen barrel.

3. Firing pin protrusion through recoil plate when trigger is in rearward

position.

4. On older revolvers, the imprint of the primer on the recoil plate in

relation to the firing pin hole (to insure blow in center of the primer).

5. Evidence of “spitting lead” around breech of barrel for complaints of

fellow shooters in the firing line.

6. Tightness of all side plate screws.

7. Tightness of ejector if the weapon is a Smith and Wesson revolvers.

8. Cleanliness and projective film of oil to prevent rust.

NOMENCLATURE AND FUNCTION

BARREL – initiates the path of the bullet.

FRAME – Houses the internal parts.

YOKE – Connecting pivot between the frame and cylinder.

EXTRACTOR – Pulls the empty shells from the cylinder simultaneously.

EXTRACTOR ROAD – Activates the extractor and is a locking device.

CENTER PIN – Serves as a looking device for the cylinder.

CENTER PIN SRPING – Holes the center pin in a locked position.

SIDE PLATES – Provides access to the internal parts.

SIDE PLATE SCREW – Hold the side plate and yoke in place.

HAMMER BLOCK – Safety device that prevents hammer blow to primer.

DOUBLE ACTION SEAR – Built into the weapon to allow double action fire.

HAMMER – Strikes the blow that initiates or ignites primer.

BOLT – Disengage center prim to allow opening of cylinder and blocks

hammer.

THUMBLATCH – Actuates bolt to release the cylinder.

HAND (pawl) – Rotates the cylinder when the hammer is cocked.

CYLINDER STOP – Stops and holds the cylinder alignment for firing.

TRIGGER – Actuates the parts necessary to fire the weapon.

TRIGGER GUARD – Guards the trigger from unnecessary action to avoid

accidental firing.

REBOUND SLIDE – Returns trigger, actuates hammer block and locks

hammer.

TRIGGER SPRING – Provides energy for return movement or rebound slide.

TRIGGER LEVEL – Contacts rebound slide to return trigger forward.

MAIN SPRING – Provides energy to the hammer to activate firing

mechanism.

STRAIN SCREW – Controls tension of the mainspring.

TRIGGER STOP – Prevents excessive rearward movement after hammer the

release.

RACKET – Helps in the withdrawal of the Cartridges or shells from the

chambers of the cylinder.

CYLINDER NOTCH – It helps hold the cylinder in place and aligned ready for
firing.

NOMENCLATURE OF CARTRIDGE

1. Bullet – A projectile propelled from a firearm by means of explosive

force of gases coming from burning powder.

2. Cartridge Case – A tubular metallic container for the gunpowder

sometimes called shell.

3. Gun Powder – Is the propellant which when ignited by the primer flash
is converted to gas under high pressure and propels the bullet or shot
charge through the barrel and on the target.

4. Primer – The metal cap containing the highly sensitive priming mixture
of chemical compound which when hit or struck by the firing pin would
ignite, such action is called “PERCUSSION”.

CLASSIFICATION OF CARTRIDGE

A. According to the type of firearms asked

1. Revolver cartridges Used in revolver

2. Pistol cartridges Used automatic pistol
3. Rifles cartridges Used in rifles
4. Shot Cartridges Used in shot gun
B. According to location of primer

1. Pin fire cartridges no longer used (absolute)

2. Rim fire – the primer is located at the rim or the base portion
-- Use in cal .22, pistol, revolvers and rifles

3. Canter fire – Priming powder is located at the center

-- Economical can be repealed

a. Rimmed type – Used in revolvers cal .38 and .35

b. Semi-Rimmed – Used in super .38
c. Rimless – Used in 45 pistols, Thompson, grease gun,
submachine gun

A. TYPICAL RIMMED FIRE CARTRIDGES

A – Case
B – Priming mixture
C – Propellant powder/ gun powder
D – Bullet
E – Sensitive Area
B. According to Caliber

1. cal .22 – used in revolvers, pistols and rifles

2. cal .25 – used in pistols and rifles
3. cal .30 – used in carbine and other rifles
4. cal .32 – used in automatic pistols and revolvers
5. cal .380 – used in pistols
6. cal .38 – used in revolvers
7. cal .357 – used in .357 revolvers (magnum)
8. cal .44 – used in magnum revolvers
9. cal .44 – used in automatic pistols
10. cal .50 – used in cal .50 machine gun (not use in crimes)

Cal .30 bullet is replaceable by the bullet of cal .44

Shot gun Shell

Single unit of ammo. for shot gun

It is usually larger used in smooth bores capable withstanding for less
pressure.
Paper Tube
Metal base
Base rod
Battery cap
Priming cap
Anvil
Priming Powder
Propellant
Over powder wad
Filler wad
Shot
Closing wad

45-70 Cartridge
 Contains 70 grains of gunpowder

Cartridge Life – a well made cartridges have a life of 10 years some have
only 5 -6 years.
45 years or more – depend upon the surrounding of the cartridge and
climate, damp, warn, condition.

Bullet / slugs

Is a metallic or non-metallic cylindrical projectile propelled from a

firearm by means of expansive gases coming from burning gun powder.

Slugs – laymen’s term – use in court during proceedings

Projectiles propelled from a shot gun are termed shots or pellets.

Iced Bullet – Super cooled water made as a projectile of solidified bullets

have a life of 3 minutes maximum

History – Bullet derive from a French word Boulette which means small ball
In Government parlance a cartridges containing bullet is called Ball-
Bullet

Ball – Comes from terminology of bullet

-- The core of the slugs is an alloy of lead, antimony and sometimes tin.

Armor piercing bullet a core of tungsten chrome steel with continues to

penetrate armor cars after the jackets and the filler have been striped away
by contract with the resistance surface.

CLASSIFICATION

A. According to mechanical construction

1. Lead Bullet – Those which are made of lead alloys of this mental –lead,
tin, antonym—which is slightly harder than pure lead.

2. Jacketed Bullets – Those which core of lead covered by jacket of harder

metal
-- The primary function of the “jacket” in a bullet is to prevent adherent
of metal (lead) to the inside of the gun barrel.

B. According to shape

Flat Base Boat Tailed Square Base Hollow Base

C. According to type/ common bullet type

Solid Lead Solid Hollow point Solid Paper Metal Case point
Patched

Soft Metal case Hollow point Metal point rifled slug

Metal point Rifled Gaypely Quadraximun Slug

Bullet Bullet
KEY HOLE SHOT – The tumbling of a bullet in its flight and hitting the target
sideways as a results of spinning on its axis. (due to destroyed barrel or
loose barrel)

In generally .0002 sec. explosion of a bullet by means of a tremendous

explosion of burning gases.

RESISTANCE of a .38 is 15,000 to 45,000 m/pound

CONTACT WOUND – 4,8 inches – distance of the fire with gunpowder
without the burning of the tissue means firer is more than 24 inches

Copper nickel ----- 60%

----- 40%

Gliding metal ------ 90%

----- 10%
8-4 inches 1-3 inches

Gun powder Gun Powder

Tattooing Priming powder Ta
powder

PURPOSE OF BULLETS

.38 Bullet --- disability purpose – used by police officers to get confession
.45 Bullet --- knocking subdue purpose
M16 --- Fatal effect
Garand and Carbine --- penetration, long range shooting
.45 Bullet --- Knowing Subdue Purposes

Rifled Bullets (5 Principal Parts)

1. Ball Bullets
2. Armored Piercing
3. Tracer Bullet
4. Incendiary
5. Explosive (fragmentation)

Ballbullets --- have soft lead cores inside a jacket and are used against
personnel only.

Armored Piercing --- have hardened steel cores and are a fired against
vehicle and other armored target is general.

Tracer Bullets --- contains a compound at the base usually similar barium
nitrates which is set on fire when the bullet is projected.
--- The flash of the smoke from the burning permits the light of the
bullet to be seen

In Cendiary --- contains a mixture of such phosphorous and other materials

that can be set on fire by impact.
 ---They are used against target tat will readily burn such as air crafts
or gasoline depot.

Explosive (Fragmentary) --- contains a high changed explosive, because of

their small size it is difficult to make a fuse that will work reliably in small
size ammunition.
For the reason the use of high explosive bullets is usually limited to 20 mm.
and above.

Pointed Bullet --- is more effective ballistically than the round ball of the
same weight

Soft Point or Mushroom Bullet --- will expand on striking an object and there
for produce much more serious check, and have corresponding greater
stopping power.

Hollow Point Bullet --- a bullet with a cavity in the nose design to increase
the expansion when it hits the forget.

Metal Cased Bullet --- colonially use to indicate either a metal patched or full
patched bullet.

Metal patched --- any metal patched bullet

Bullet having soft steal jacket often clog or plated with gilding metal to
prevent rusting and reduce frictional resistance in the bore.

CARTRIDGES CASES/ SHELL

-- Is a tabular metallic or non-metallic container which old together the

bullet, gunpowder and primer.
-- The cartridge case is the portion of the cartridges that is automatically
ejected from the automatic firearm during firing and this remains at the scene
of the crime. This is a firearm evidence than can help trace particular
firearms use.

FUNCTION:

1. It serves as a means whereby the bullet, gunpowder and primer are

assembled into a unit.
2. It serves as a waster proof contained for gunpowder.
3. It prevents the escape of the gases to the rear as the sidewalls of the
cartridges cases are forced against the walls of the chamber by the
pressure. It serves as the “gas seal” at the breech end of the barrel.

PARTS

1. RIM – Serve the purpose of limiting the forward travel of the cartridges
into their chambers and this also limit the clearance. If any between
the heads and the supporting surface of the bolt or breech block.

2. PRIMER POCKET – Performs tipple function:

a. Holding primer securely in control position
b. Providing or means to prevent the escape of jobs to the rear of
the cartridges.
 c. Providing a solid support from primer anvil without which the
latter could not be fired.

3. VENTS OR FLASH HOLE – Is the hole in the web or bottom of the

primer pocket thought which the primer “flash” impart ignition to the
primer charges.
The “opening” or “canal” that connects the priming mixture with the
gunpowder.

4. THE HEAD – THE BODY – constitute the “cork” that plugs the breech
of the barrel against the escape of the gas.

5. NECK – That part of the cartridges case that is occupied by the bullet.

6. CANNELURES – are the separate grooves that are sometimes found

“rolled” into the neck and bodies of the cases at the location of the
bullets bases to prevent the bullet from being pushed back or
loosened.

7. CRIMP – Is that part of the mouth of the cases tat is turned in upon the
bullet.
a. if aid in holding the bullet in place
b. if after resistance to the movement of the bullet out of the neck
which effects the burning of the powder.

8. BASE – The portion of case which contains:

a. The primer which contains the priming mixture
b. The shell head which contains the head stamp caliber and the
year of manufacture.

9. SHOULDER – That portion which support the neck.

10. EXTRACTION GROOVE – The circular grooves near the base of

the case of shell designed for automatic withdrawal of the case after
each firing.

mouth
neck
shoulder
shell cannelure
body
gun powder
vent
extracting grooves
rim
primer
shell head

CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO CASE SHAPE (3 GEN. SHAPES)

A.--- straight
--- all rim fire shell and most center fire revolver
cartridges that are new manufactured have straight
cases.
 B--- Tappered
--- is very rare but presently being used in the so
called “magnum jet” cartridges cal .22

C--- Bottle neck

--- most modern center fire rifle cartridges case are
of bottle neck types. Since this case form provided
the greatest powder capacity commensurate with
over all case length.

STANDARD CARTRIDGES HEAD FORMS ARE:

A. RIMMED – designed to use in revolvers, the diameter of the base of

the cartridges is very much bigger than the diameter of the body of the
cartridges.
-- straight type cartridges
-- found in cal .30 (carbine) .32, .38 and .35

B. SEMI-RIMMED – designed to be used in automatic weapons like

pistols and sub-inactive gums such as super .38 uz1, 9mm.
-- normally found at the crime scene because they are
automatically ejected for easy firing of the firearm.

C. RIMLESS – case within the diameter of the body of the cartridges is

the same as the diameter of the cartridges case.
-- Use in automatic pistols such as cal .45 thompson Sub-
machine gun and cal .45 grease gun.
-- Automatically ejected like semi-rimmed type.

PRIMERS
-- Is that portions of the cartridge which consist of the brass gilding
metal-cup containing a highly sensitive mixture of chemical compound, which
when struck by the firing pin would detonate or ignite. Such action is called
Percussion.
-- Use for igniting the gunpowder, a blow from the firing pin on the
primer cup compresses the priming mixture and this causes the composition
to detonate on explodes. This detonating on explosion produces “flame”
which passes through the “event” on “flash hole” in the cartridges case and
this ignites the gunpowder.

ORIGIN
-- 1807 – Alexander John Forsyth
-- First one to conceive the idea of using detonating compounds for
igniting powder charges in small arms by percussion.
-- A scotch Presbytorian minister chemist and hunter.
-- A well known authority on firearms
-- First successful priming mixture was one composed of Potassium
chlorate, charcoal and sulfur in powder form.

PARTS: In a typical center fire cartridges have four parts

1. PRIMER CUP – container of the priming mixture made up of brass,

gliding metal or copper.
 2. PRIMING MIXTURE – highly sensitive chemical mixture contained in
the primer cups.

3. ANVIL – that portion of the primer against which the priming mixture is
crushed by a blow from the firing pin. To provide the resistance
necessary to fire the priming mixture.

4. DISC – piece of small paper on disc of the pin, foil which is pressed
over the priming mixture.

Two fold purposes

a. to help hold the priming mixture in place

b. to exclude moisture

1. primer cup 2. priming mixture 3. anvil 4. disc

PRIMING COMPOUNDS: Classes

1. Corrosive primers – e.g Potassium chlorate – if ignited produce

potassium chloride, draws moisture from the air and this moisture
speeds the rusting and corrosion in gun barrel. Advances in chemistry
produce new composition which potassium chlorate has been
eliminated.

2. Non-corrosive – every manufacture has his own formula mixture of the

mercuric primers of 25 years ago.
Ingredients:

- Potassium chlorate (initiator and fuel 45%)

- Antimony Sulfide (elements and fuel 23%)
- Fulminate way came the standard mixture by Frankford Arsenal
known as FH-24 had the following composition:

- sulfur - 21.97%
- Potassium chlorate - 47.20%
- Antimony Sulfide - 30.33%

- German have their own composition barium nitrate in the place

of Potassium chlorate together with some Picric Acid to
strengthen mixture.
- This formula: Fulmirate of mercury - 39%
Barrium nitrate - 41%
Antimony Sulfide - 9%
Picric Acid - 5%
Ground glass - 6%
- Swiss Army has been using non-corrosive primer since about
1911. This was base on the formula of a Swiss inventor named
ZIEGLER: Swiss formula.

Fulmirate of mercury -40%

Barrium nitrate -25%
Antimony sulfide -25%
Barrium carbonate - 8%
 Ground glass - 4%

GUN POWDER

Is the propellant which when ignited by the primer flash is converted to

gas under high pressure and this propels the bullet or shot changes through
the barrel and on the target.

Class or Composition:

1. BLACK Powder – although if features loss important still manufactured by

the Europeans. In recent time has completely superseded by smokeless
powder.

Ingredients:
Potassium nitrate -75%
Sulfur -10%
Charcoal -15%

Produces grayish smoke and considerable residue is left in the barrel.

Burns with reasonable great rapidity when ignited.
Block Powder – relies for its explosive properties on 3 quantities which
are typical of all explosives

FIRST – when ignited it will burn by it self without aid from the outside
air.
SECOND – in burning, it gives off a large amount of gas.
THIRD – a considerable amount of heat is evolved.

2. SMOKELESS POWDER – terms smokeless powder is misnomer for the

are neither powder nor they are smokeless. The letters terms term being
applied to them only because they do not give off huge cloud of white
smoke like the black powder.

Two main Classes of smokeless powder

1. SINGLE – BASE PROPELLANT OR NITROCELLULOSE

-- contains only the pure nitroglycerine gelatoriged with
nitrocellulose
2. DOUBLE – BASE PROPELLANT
-- composed of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine as their
major ingredients according by one more ingredients such as:
a. Centralize
b. Vaseline Phthalate esters
c. Inorganic salt

Purpose of minor ingredients

a: Insure stability
b. Reduce flash or flame temperature (or both)
Double – base Propellant are gray green color and the grains are similar
in size and shape to the single – base propellants.
Almost all smokeless powder grains have perfectly definite shape such as

a. small squares d. strips

b. disc e. pellets
c. flakes f. perforated cylindrical grains

The powder is made in different shapes to obtain certain types of burning.

SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENTS GENERALLY USED IN FIREARMS

IDENTIFICATION

1. Bullet Comparison Microscope

A piece of optical equipment frequently employed by firearms
identification expert is the bullet comparison microscope, with camera
attachment.

2. Stereoscopic Microscope
No camera attachment and no photomicrograph can be taken for court
tampered serial number.

3. Shadowgraph
A series of microscopic lenses of different magnification use to
determine class characteristics of fired bullets and shells.
Also for orientation purposes.
It can take phomigrograph of the observations and comparisons made
in the circulation ground glass.

4. CD-6 Comparison Projector

Very much similar with the bullet comparison microscope
No eyestrain because the magnified image appears on the large
screen. What can be seen in the screen can be photographed by any
kind of camera.

5. Bullet Recovery Box

Long box (12” x 12” x 96”) filled with ordinary cotton and separated
into sections by and board partitions.

6. Helixometer
Used in measuring “pitch of rifling”. Distance traveled by the bullet in
one complete rotation.

7. Micrometer
Similar in use as caliper

8. Caliper
Use for making measurements such as bullet diameter barrel length.

9. Analytical or torsion balance

Use to determine weights of bullets and pellets for possible
determination of type, caliber and make from which fired.

10. On scope
Small instrument sometimes used in examining the internal surface of
the gun barrel in determining the irregularities inside the bore of the
gun barrel. It has a tiny lamp the terminal portion and is inserted
inside the bore for internal examinations.

11. Taper Gauge

 Use primarily for determining bore diameter.

12. Electrical Gun Maker

Used in the laboratory for making fired bullets fired shells and firearms
submitted for examination.

TECHNIQUES OF EXAMINATION

PHYSICAL: Evidence bullets, cartridges cases and suspected firearms once

submitted by the requesting party will be physically examined to determine
its markings or initials will be physically examined to determine its markings
or initials made by the investigators for identification purposes.

TEST FIRING: The firearms is test fired from a bullet recovery box in
order to obtain test bullets and test cartridges cases for comparison with
evidence bullets and cartridge cases, but before firing the cartridge will be
marked at the side of the case on the nose portion of the bullet with letter T
(test) followed (eg T-77-1 to T-77-3) in their order of firing to distinguish the
number 1 test from 2 and 3. After the recovery of the test bullets and test
cartridges cases, they will be compared with the evidenced bullet and
evidence cartridges cases, under the bullet comparison microscope to
determine whether or not they have the congruency of striations or the same
individual characteristics.

Under the bullet comparison microscope, the two fired bullets or fired shells
are examine in a JUXTAPOSITION - That is, the two object-evidence and
the test bullet are examined and compared:

1. at the same time

2. at the same place or level
3. at the same direction
4. at the same magnification
5. at the same image

For conclusiveness of findings, there shall be at least 3 test bullets that

should be compared
First 1 for Comparison/ preliminary
Second 1 for confirmation
Third 1 for conclusion

PERIPHERY
These are the sides of the bullet are in contact with the inner surface
of the barrel.

STRIATIONS
A individual characteristics of the cartridges found at the base portion
and of the side of the bullet come in contact with the inner surface of the
barrel.

TEST BULLETS
Are those recovered from bullet recovery box for a comparison with the
evidenced bullets under the bullet comparison microscope.

A fired or evidenced bullets or cartridges cases are those recovered from the
crime scene.
Interconnected or intermarriages 8 or more striations can be accepted by the
court.

3 Points of basic positive identification the markings must be:

1. Prominent
2. Significant; and are
3. Consistent

Means of –test firing, other than the recovery box.

1. Water tank 5. Darak

2. Saw dust with oil 6. Banana trunk
3. Sand 7. Rubber trips
4. Waste threads

PRINCIPLES IN FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION

Two things mark by one and same tool will bear the same markings, likewise
two or more things mark by different tools will have the same markings.

DEFINITIONS

PISTOL – a hand firearm usually applied to simple sot and automatic

loading.

REVOLVER – a hand firearm in which a rotating cylinder successively

-- places cartridges into position for firing.

SHOTGUN – a smooth-bore weapon designed to shoot a number of lead

pellets in one charge.

RIFLE – a type of weapon designed to be fired from the shoulder.

CARTRIDGE – term used to describe a complete unfired unit consisting of

the bullets, primer cartridges case and powder charge.

BULLET – is a projectile propelled from a charge.

AUTOMATIC – a weapon is automatic when its mechanism is so arranged

that it will fire continuously while the trigger is depressed.

DOUBLE ACTION – weapon in which pressure upon the trigger both cocks
and release the hammer.

SINGLE ACTION – weapon in which pressure upon the trigger release the
hammer that must be manually cocked.

CALIBER – term used to indicate the bore diameter which is measured

between two opposite lands.

GAUGE or GAGE – as applied to shotguns, it indicates that the bore

diameter is equal to the diameter of a lead ball whose weight in pounds is
equal to the reciprocal gauge index.
Ex. bore diameter of a lead ball weighing 1/12 of a pound.

BORE – the cylindrical passage of the barrel through which the projectile
travels.

PITCH OF RIFLING – the distance that the rifling advances to make one
complete turn.
EXPERT – as used in, court includes all witnesses whose opinions are
admitted on grounds of specialized knowledge, training and experience.

BREECHBLOCK – the steel block which closes the rear of the bore against
the force of charge or that part in the breech mechanism that locks the action
against the firing of the cartridges; the face of this block is known as the
breech face.

CHAMBER – that part of the weapon in which the cartridge is placed into
position for firing.

EJECTOR – that mechanism in a firearm which causes the empty shell or

ammunition to be thrown out from the gun.

EXTRACTOR – that mechanism in a firearm by which the empty shell or

ammunition is withdrawn from the chamber.

GROOVES – the depressed channels cut in the interior of a rifled gun barrel.

LANDS – that raised portion between the grooves inside a rifled gun barrel.

VELOCITY – is the forward speed at which the bullet travels measured in

feet per second.

PRESSURE – the outward thrust of the burning powder gases against the
breechblock, chamber and bore normally measured one inch from the breech
and recorded in pounds per square inch.
Ex. 14,000 to 15,000 pounds per square inch for caliber .45 automatic pistol.

RANGE – the straight distance between the muzzle of the gun and the target.

PENETRATION – the depth to which a projectile sinks in the tar get.

Ex. 6 inches at 15 yards in white pinewood.

TRAJECTORY – in the actual pattern or curved path of the bullets in flight.

FIRING PIN – that part of that firearm which strikes the primer causing the
firing of the cartridge.

HAMMER – that part of the firearm controlled by the trigger which causes the
firing pin to strike the primer striking the gun.

CORROSION – the chemical eating away of the bore of an arm due to rusting
or the action of salts deposited from they cap or powder.

EROSION – mechanical wear and tear of the bore of an arm due to sliding
friction when the bullet passes through it.
BERDAN PRIMER – a primer with two flash holes or vents.

BOXER PRIMER – a primer with only one flash hole or vents.

RIM – the projection edge of the base or head of a certain cartridge.

OGIVE – is the technical name of the cylindrical head critic of the bullets.
BREECH end – the rear end of the bore of an arm where the cartridges is
inserted.