FOR 301 - Ch. 21: Firearms and Toolmarks

Eastern Kentucky University

grooves

ridges that spiral the length of the barrel of a gun

lands

dig into the bullet surface as it travels down the barrel, imparting spin to stabilize the bullet’s flight once it leaves the barrel

gunshot residue

the reaction of the primer and the accelerant that results in a cloud of molten metals, partially burned gunpowder flakes, smoke, and other microscopic debris

sodium rhodizonate

chemical used to visualize GSR, sprayed on the surface and residues turn purplish-blue and are easily seen

striation

friction transfers lands and grooves to bullets exterior called…

smokeless powder

instead of black powder that produces huge plumes this is more stable and doesn’t produce as large of a cloud