Chapter 8: Toolmark & Firearms

Caliber

the measurement of the internal diameter of a firearm’s barrel, aka the bore

Cartridge

a complete, unfired unit of ammunition, consisting of 4 components: a projectile (bullet), a propellant (gun powder), a primer, & a cartridge case

Etch

a chemical or physical process used to restore obliterated serial numbers by selectively removing material from a metal surface to reveal the original marks

Firearm

a barrel weapon that expels a projectile through an explosion or other combustion

Gunshot Residue

the residue of microscopic particles, primarily from a firearms primer, propellant, & bullet, that are expelled during & immediately after a shot

Indented Mark

a type of tool mark, which is an impression or mark left on a surface by a tool

Projectile (Bullet)

any object, metallic or non-metallic, propelled by a force, such as a bullet, pellet, or slug

Serial Number Restoration

a forensic technique used to reveal deliberately removed or “obliterated” identifying numbers on objects like firearms, vehicles, & other metal items

Striated Mark

a type of tool mark characterized by parallel scratches or striations made when a tool moves with pressure across a surface

Toolmark

an impression, scratch, cute, or abrasion left on a surface when a tool comes into contact with it, often during a crime