Firearms Examination: FAQs (2024)

FAQs

What is the range of conclusions for firearms examinations? ›

Based on the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) range of conclusions [20], the firearms section's range of conclusions includes Identification, Elimination, Inconclusive, and Unsuitable. Additionally, firearms examiners at HFSC may conclude that items of evidence are Insufficient for analysis.

ATF's forensic firearm and toolmark examiners analyze firearms and tools found at crime scenes to help investigators solve criminal cases. For example, they can examine microscopic marks on bullets and cartridge cases to determine if the marks were made by a suspect's firearm.

Summary of Duties: A Firearms Examiner examines and identifies firearms, weapons, cartridges, bullets, and similar evidence in criminal investigations; collects physical evidence at crime scenes; testifies in court concerning the results of examinations; provides expert testimony on general firearms capability and ...

If an evidence bullet and test bullets fired from a suspect firearm have the same class characteristics, the firearm examiner can conclude that the evidence bullet could have been fired from the suspect firearm. Individual characteristics are marks unique to that particular firearm barrel.

Firearms reports are usually brief and will list the evidence examined and the results of that examination: The bullet/cartridge case was fired by the firearm in question; it was not fired by the firearm in question; there are insufficient characteristics present to identify or eliminate it; or it is not suitable for ...

The critical tools necessary for firearm/toolmark identification include the comparison microscope, appropriate facilities, specialized tools, equipment, instruments, and supplies. Each laboratory will also have a unique configuration of computer systems and software for technical and administrative purposes.

The comparison microscope is the most crucial tool for firearm examiners to identify firearms by analyzing unique tool marks left on bullets and casings.

Measuring devices such as calipers and balances are used to weigh and measure bullet evidence. Stereo microscopes are used to determine basic class characteristics of fired bullets, bullet fragments and cartridge/shotshell cases.

Usually work a 40-hour week. May be required to be on-call to collect evidence at crime scenes. However, most work a set schedule.

Many extraneous marks, scratches, deformations, and engravings are caused during recovery of the bullet after the projectile has left the muzzle of the weapon. To obtain bullets in the most ideal condition is to recover them in water.

Is it possible to test positive for GSR even if one has never touched a weapon? ›

In fact, it is possible for someone who has never come into contact with a gun to have gunshot reside on their clothing, because GSR is transferable.

The GSR test detects the presence (and quantity/amount) of these distinctive chemicals, which indicates that the person: (i) recently fired a firearm, (ii) was in very close proximity to the gun when it was fired, or (iii) came into direct physical contact with the person who did fire it (this is less common, and fewer ...

The maximum effective range of a weapon is the greatest distance from which the weapon can be fired while still consistently inflicting casualties or damage.

Knowing your firearm's “maximum projectile range” is critical to being a safe and responsible hunter. The maximum projectile range tells you at what distances your firearm's projectile could cause injury or damage to persons, animals, or objects.

For the purposes of shooting range design, point blank refers to distances of five yards or less, effective range means the greatest distance a projectile will travel with accuracy, maximum range means the maximum distance a projectile will travel.

Weather: Wind, humidity, and temperature will affect the path and distance the projectile will travel. Freshness of the powder charge: Fresher powder usually will increase the firearm's range.