Ballistics Terminology

Ballistics

The science or study of the motion of projectiles…

Barrel

The metal tube of the gun where a bullet is fired

Breech Block

The moveable metal part, metal block that closes the aperture at the back

Caliber

The diameter of the bore of the gun taken as a unit of measurement

Firearm

A small arms weapon, as a rifle or pistol

Gunshot Residue

Fiream discharge residue that is deposited on the head and clothes of someone who fired it

Muzzle

The mouth or the end of the barrel of a gun

Bullet

A small metal projectile

Cartridge

A cylindrical case for holding a complete charge of powder

Fully automatic

A firearm that continuously fires rounds once the trigger is pulled

Lands and Grooves

The raised and recessed portions of a guns rifling

Handgun

A short firearm intended to be held and fired with one hand

Revolver

A handgun having a revolving cylindrical chamber

Rifling

Spiraled grooves cut in the barrel of a firearm to spin stabilize the bullet

Trajectory

The path followed by a projectile

Ballistic Examiner

Specialized forensic scientists who analyzes firearms, ammunition, and projectiles

Striations

Microscopic, unique scratch like markings left on a bullets surface

Newtons 3rd law

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction

Long Gun

A firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder

Shell casing

The metal holding for the gunpowder of a firearm

NIBIN

Used by us law enforcement to compare ballistic evidence

Projectile

Any object that is thrown or propelled

Firing Pin

A moveable pin in a firearm that strikes the primer

Gun control act

A landmark Federal law regulating firearms