Firearms and Toolmarks

A comprehensive set of 80 flashcards covering key concepts, terminology, and procedures related to firearms and toolmarks analysis.

Ballistics

The study of projectiles in motion.

Firearms Identification

A branch of forensic science that compares imperfections left by specific firearms on fired bullets and cartridge cases.

Structural variations

Irregularities caused by scratches, nicks, breaks, and wear that can relate a bullet to a gun.

Individualize

To identify evidence to a specific source.

Ejector Rod

Part of a revolver that helps eject spent cartridges.

Recoil

The backward movement of a firearm when it is discharged.

Safety

A mechanical device that prevents accidental firing of the weapon.

Chamber

The part of the barrel that holds the cartridge ready for firing.

Trigger Guard

A protective piece surrounding the trigger.

Forestock

The front part of the stock extending under the barrel.

Bolt-action rifle

A type of rifle where the bolt is manually cycled to chamber cartridges.

Breech

The rear end of the barrel where the cartridge is loaded.

Firing Pin

A pin that strikes the primer of the cartridge to ignite it.

Striations

Fine lines or markings on a bullet that are unique to a specific firearm.

Caliber

The diameter of the firearm's barrel or bullet.

Ammunition

Components that include cases, primers, powder, and projectiles.

Toolmarks

Impressions or markings made by a tool impacting another object.

Comparison Microscope

A microscope that allows simultaneous observation of two bullets.

Breech Face Marks

Marks left on a cartridge case by the breech face of a firearm.

Extractor

A part that withdraws the spent cartridge from the chamber.

Ejector Marks

Marks left on the cartridge case by the ejector mechanism.

Gunshot Powder Residue

Particles expelled from a firearm upon discharge.

Distance Determination

Assessing how far a shot was fired based on residue patterns.

Serial Number Restoration

The process of restoring obliterated serial numbers on firearms.

Rifling

The process of creating spiral grooves inside a barrel to stabilize a bullet.

Gauge

Measurement of a shotgun's barrel diameter.

Microbial Techniques

Emerging imaging technologies for firearm analysis.

Manual Action

Interaction with the firearm requiring human operation.

Markings

Unique scratches or impressions left on shells or bullets.

Functionality Examination

A thorough exam to assess the operability of a firearm.

Test Fire

Firing a firearm to collect evidence for analysis.

Firearm Examiners

Specialized professionals who analyze firearm evidence.

Class Characteristics

Characteristics that define a certain category of firearm.

Individual Characteristics

Unique features of a firearm that can link it to specific evidence.

Chemical Etching

Technique used to restore serial numbers on firearms.

Specular Reflection

Reflection of light from a surface that helps visualize marks.

Cartridge Case

The shell that houses the primer, powder, and projectile.

Capacitance

Ability of a device to hold an electric charge, not directly related to firearms but in tech contexts.

Pattern Analysis

Examination of bullet or residue patterns for distance assessment.

Investigator's Initials

Marks used to identify recovered bullets or casings.

UBI

Unified Ballistic Inventory, a system to track firearm information.

Surface Markings

Imprints left by mechanisms within a firearm.

Mechanical Advantage

The concept applied in tools to enhance force effectiveness.

Ejector Mechanism

Part that assists in expelling a spent cartridge from a firearm.

Toolmark Evidence

Physical impressions used to match tools to marks.

Scribing

The act of marking an object for identification purposes.

Chemical Analysis

The study of materials' composition to gather evidence.

Bore

The inside of a firearm barrel where the bullet travels.

GROOVE

The spiral depressions in a rifled barrel that assist bullet stability.

Action Marks

Marks from the action of a firearm that can identify it.

Impact Patterns

Recognizable shapes formed by projectiles striking surfaces.

Examination Protocols

Established guidelines for analyzing firearm evidence.

Investigation Techniques

Methods used for the analysis of firearms and toolmarks.

Marksmanship

The skill of shooting accurately at targets.

Revolver

A type of handgun with a rotating cylinder for ammunition.

Firearm Types

Categories such as handguns, rifles, and shotguns.

Microscopic Comparison

Using microscopes to view and analyze small details.

International Standards

Global guidelines for firearm evidence examination.

Trace Evidence

Small particles that may identify a suspect's actions.

Physics in Ballistics

Application of physical laws to the study of projectile motion.

Expert Testimony

Statements by a qualified person about forensic findings.

Delivery Model

Service framework for distributing forensic analysis.

Forensic Science

Application of scientific methods to solve legal issues.

Trial Evidence

Information presented in court to support legal arguments.

Gunsmithing

Craft and repair of firearms.

Data Analysis

Examination of data to inform conclusions in investigations.

Laboratory Procedures

Methods followed for analyzing forensic evidence.

Firearm Safety Procedures

Guidelines to ensure safe handling of firearms during investigation.

Investigator Training

Education for professionals on effective evidence collection.

Neighborhood Relations

Community context relevant to firearms and crime.

Ballistic Tests

Experiments conducted to gather data on firearm performance.

Suspect Identification

Process of matching evidence to individuals involved.

Evidence Preservation

Techniques to maintain integrity of forensic samples.

Procedural Compliance

Adherence to established legal and operational frameworks.

Firearm Logistics

Management of firearms in evidence handling.