Firearms Examination
Firearms are a tool that produces tool marks when it comes into contact with a cartridge case or bullet. Physical contact between a tool and the surface of an object produces marks not only characteristic of the type of tool used, but marks that may be individual to a single tool.
Examples of these types of tool marks are a bullet passing through the barrel of a firearm and/or a cartridge case in contact with the breech face/firing pin of a firearm. In each instance, the working surfaces of the tool can leave their individual characteristics upon the damaged surface of an object.
Laboratory Tests Performed
- Comparison of the questioned bullets or cartridge cases to each other or known firearm to determine common origin
- Bullet caliber classification (General Rifling Characteristics)
- Shotgun component analysis (pellets, shot & waddings)
Bullet Comparison
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