Ballistics

Forensic Science

Ballistics

the study of projectiles (bullets) and firearms

Barrel

the long, metal tube that guides a projectile out of a firearm

Breech

the end of the barrel attached to the firing mechanism of a firearm where the cartridge is loaded and unloaded

Bullet

the projectile that is released when a firearm is discharged

Caliber

measure of the inside diameter of a firearm barrel

Cartridge

a case that holds a bullet, primer powder, and gunpowder

Firearm

a weapon capable of firing a projectile using a confined explosive as a propellant

Fully automatic

a firearm with a clip-fed mechanism that fires repeatedly as long as the trigger is pressed

Gunshot residue (GSR)

the tiny particles expelled from a firearm when it is fired

lands and grooves

the ridges and depressions found on the inside of a firearm's barrel that are created when the firearm is manufactured

Muzzle

the end of the barrel from which the projectile exits a firearm

Pistol

any handgun whose ammo is not contained in a revolving cylinder

Revolver

Handgun with a revolving cylinder

Rifle

long gun that has a long barrel with lands and grooves in the barrel

Rifling

Marks on a bullet caused by the lands and grooves in the barrel

Semi-automatic

a pistol with a clip-fed mechanism that fires one shot per pull of the trigger; the empty cartridge ejects and the next cartridge advances automatically

Shell casing

the metal (usually brass) housing for the gunpowder of a firearm

Trajectory

path of flight of a projectile

Internal Ballistics

The study of the processes occurring inside a firearm when a shot is fired.

External Ballistics

The study of the projectile’s flight from the time it leaves the muzzle of the barrel until it hits the target

Terminal Ballistics

The study of what happens when a projectile hits a target

Shot gun

Long gun with a smooth barrel