"Specialists in this field try to link bullets to weapons and weapons to individuals."
Understanding the principles of firearms and toolmarks analysis, including the identification of weapons and ammunition, bullet trajectory, and tool mark analysis.
Ballistics: The study of the motion and behavior of projectiles, including bullets, shells, and rockets.
Firearm identification: The process of determining the make, model, and caliber of a firearm.
Cartridge case identification: The process of identifying the firearm from which a particular casing was fired.
Toolmark identification: The process of identifying a tool or instrument based on the impressions or marks it leaves on a surface.
Projectile trajectory analysis: The study of the path that a bullet follows from the firearm to the target.
Gunshot residue analysis: The examination of particles left behind after a weapon is fired.
Comparing bullet and firearm markings: The process of comparing the unique marks left on bullets by specific firearms.
Firearms safety: The safe handling, use, and storage of firearms.
Historical firearms: The study of firearms from different time periods and how they have evolved over time.
Collection and preservation of firearm evidence: The proper collection, preservation, and storage of firearm evidence to prevent contamination or damage.
"They can raise and record obliterated serial numbers in an attempt to find the registered owner of a weapon."
"By examining unique striations impressed into a bullet from the barrel of a gun, expended ammunition can be linked back to a specific weapon."
"These striations are due to the rifling inside the barrels of firearms."
"Rifling spins the bullet when it is fired out of the barrel to improve precision."
"For this reason, forensic ballistics examiners may not fire more than five shots from a weapon found at a scene."
"Known exemplars taken from a seized weapon can be compared to samples recovered from the scene using a comparison microscope as well as newer 3-D imaging technology."
"Striation images can also be uploaded to national databases."
"The markings can be compared to other images in an attempt to link one weapon to multiple crime scenes."
"Like all forensic specialties, forensic firearm examiners are subject to being called to testify in court as expert witnesses."
"However, the reliability of some techniques of forensic firearm examination have been criticized."
"By examining unique striations impressed into a bullet from the barrel of a gun, expended ammunition can be linked back to a specific weapon."
"They can...look for fingerprints on a weapon and cartridges."
"Rifling spins the bullet when it is fired out of the barrel to improve precision."
"Although bullet striations are individualized unique evidence, microscopic striations in the barrel of the weapon are subject to change slightly, after each round that is fired."
"Known exemplars taken from a seized weapon can be compared to samples recovered from a scene using a comparison microscope as well as newer 3-D imaging technology."
"Striation images can also be uploaded to national databases."
"The markings can be compared to other images in an attempt to link one weapon to multiple crime scenes."
"Like all forensic specialties, forensic firearm examiners are subject to being called to testify in court as expert witnesses."
"The reliability of some techniques of forensic firearm examination have been criticized."