IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT

IN
FORENSIC BALLISTICS
SUBMITTED BY:
ADIO, Milboy
AGRIPA, Ericson
AGUILA, Gerald
AGUILLION, Stephanie
ANIFLAUNI, Shiela Marie
ARRIOLA, Ashly
ANOC, Arvin Jay
BARQUILLA, Lhance
CANON, Julia Grace
CASALJAY, Ma. Elena
 FORENSIC
BALLISTICS
ARIEL B. BARREDA MSCRIM, LLB, MCDRM
AUTHOR
CHAPTER 1
 INTRODUCTION

Ballistics is the study of projectile properties, behavior, and effects on

biological tissues. Wound ballistics analyzes injuries caused by projectiles and
their behavior within human or other biological tissues. The 19th century saw
the development of Kocher's hydrodynamic theory and the understanding of
bullet deformation's role in tissue injury. Contemporary literature focuses on
forensic aspects and their application in legal investigations, particularly in
shooting scenes. Forensic ballistics, or ballistic fingerprinting, helps
reconstruct crime scenes involving firearms and trace the weapon used,
providing leads to identify suspects. Professionals examine evidence to draw
conclusions on the weapon used, distance, velocity, and angle of firing, and
ultimately the shooter.
 WHAT IS BALLISTICS?

• Ballistics is a science that studies the motion and conditions

of projectiles, including bullets, gravity bombs, and rockets.
It is derived from the Greek word "ballo" meaning to throw
and the early Roman war machine "ballista" meaning a
calapult bow used in missiles or large objects. The science
of mechanics focuses on the propulsion, flight, and impact
of projectiles, divided into disciplines like internal and
external ballistics, intermediate ballistics, terminal ballistics,
and personnel wounding.
 WHAT IS FORENSIC
BALLISTICS?

• Is the study of firearms

identification by means of
ammunitions fired through
them.
 WHAT IS FORENSIC?

• Is dealing with the • Derived from the Latin word

application of "forum" meaning a "public
place" were people gathered
scientific knowledge
for public disputation or
to legal problems. public discussion.
 ORIGIN OF THE WORD
BALLISTICS

The word "ballistics" comes from the Greek words

"ballo" or "ballein," meaning "to throw,"
and "ballista," a Roman war machine used to hurl
missiles or large objects.
 WHAT IS PROJECTILE?

Is any object projected into space (empty or not) by the exertion

of a force. Although any object in motion through space is a
projectile, the term most commonly refers to a ranged weapon.
Mathematical equations of motion are used to analyze projectile
trajectory. Examples of projectiles include balls, arrows, bullets,
artillery shells, rockets, etc.
 FIRST USE OF BALLISTICS IN FORENSICS

Ballistic fingerprinting, a method of examining

firearms and evidence to link them to suspects or
specific weapons, was first used in 1835 by Henry
Goddard to confirm the identity of a shooter in Regina
v Richardson, a case in 1860.
 THE BIRTH OF
MAGNIFICATION
• As gun production increased, rifling became
standardized, making it difficult to match
bullets to specific firearms. This led to the
invention of magnified observation of bullets. In
1902, Oliver Wendell Holmes used a magnifying
glass to examine a test bullet, while in Paris in
1912, Professor Balthazard enlarged
photographs of bullet circumferences to
compare markings with test-fired bullets.
 HISTORY OF FIREARMS IN INDIA
• Firearms in India have a long history, dating back to the
2nd century BC. Athana Rahasya mentions the existence
of a mixture of charcoal and other materials for fire
powder, indicating Indians were familiar with gun powder
even before 980. Sukraniti and Nitishastra also mention
guns and projectiles as standard equipment in kings' war
chariots. Sanskrit literature refers to gun powder as 'Agni
Choorma' or fire powder, and ancient India even made
clay elephants for invading armies.
 PRIMITIVE WEAPONS

The Roman Candle Tube was the first primitive

weapon to use gun powder to throw objects
without intent of harm. It consisted of a hollow
tube made from wood or bamboo, loaded with
powder and urine bomber.
ROMAN CANDLE TUBE
HOLLOW TUBE MADE BY
WOOD OR BAMBOO
CHAPTER 2
 BRANCHES OF BALLISTICS

*INTERNAL
BALLISTICS
*EXTERNAL
BALLISTICS
*TERMINAL
BALLISTICS
*SHOT BALLISTICS
*WOUND BALLISTICS
*FORENSIC
 WHAT IS INTERIOR/INTERNAL BALLISTICS?
is the science dealing with the motion of the projectile while
still inside the barrel of the firearm.
is also the study of what happens within the barrel of a
-It is weapon from the moment the firing pin hits the primer to the
time the bullets exits from the barrel.
 WHAT IS EXTERIOR/EXTERNAL BALLISTICS?
-is the science dealing with the motion of projectiles after
leaving the muzzle of the gun.
-deals with the flight of the bullet from the muzzle of the weapon to the
target.
 WHAT IS TERMINAL BALLISTICS?

-is the study dealing with the effect of the impact of the bullet
on the target.
-deals with the behavior of the missile once it reaches the
target.
 WHAT IS SHOT BALLISTICS?

-is the study of shotgun ammunitions

including it's characteristics spread and
trailing.
-Is the study of the effect of a projectile on a target and the
conditions that affect them.
-Is the study of projectile penetration of tissues
-Wounding potential of projectiles is complex matter as it
involves interplay of velocity, projectile type/composition,
and tissue characteristics
CHAPTER 3
 CONTENT/
01
02
TOPIC S
Classifi c ation of fi rearms

Legal Defi nition of

Firearms
03 Tec hnic al Defi n ition of Firearms
04 Oth er Defi n ition of
Firearms
05 Minor par ts of Firearms

06 Types of Firearms

07 Common types of Firearms

08 Oth er types of fi rearms

 INTRODUCTI
ON
The Firearms Protocol defi nition
refers to fi rearms technical
characteristics and their way of
functioning and does not list or
classify the actual type of
weapons subject to the protocol
A 'fi rearm' is usually referred to
in a national and domestic
context of states, including the
legislative framework for the
manufacture, transfer, ownership
and use of such 'fi rearms'.
WHAT IS THE
LEGAL
DEFINITIONS
OF FIREARMS?
 Legal Defi nitions of
Firearms
Legal Defi nition of Firearms (Legal
defi nition) refers to any handheld or
portable weapon, whether a small arm or
light weapon, that expels or is designed to
expel a bullet, shot, slug, missile or any
projectile, which is discharged by means of
expansive force of gases from burning
gunpowder or other form of combustion or
any similar instrument or implement.
 LEGAL
DEFINITIONS OF
• "Firearm" orFIREARMS
"Arms" as herein used includes
rifl es, muskets, carbines, shotgun, revolvers,
pistols, and all other deadly weapons from which
a bullet, ball, shot or other deadly missile maybe
discharged by means of gunpowder and other
explosives. The term also includes air rifl es
except such as being of small caliber and limited
range used as toys.
WHAT IS THE
TECHNICAL
DEFINITIONS
OF FIREARMS?
 Legal Defi nitions of
Firearms
Tech nical Defi nition of Firearm s -
a fi re arm is an instrument that is
used for the propulsion of
proje ctiles by m eans of the
expansive force of gases of a
burn ing gunpowder.
WHAT IS THE
OTHER
DEFINITIONS
OF FIREARMS?
 What is the other
Defi nitions of Firearms
Firearms or Arms deadde wiles, muskets,
carbin es, shotgu n, Mile, er u se a may be
disch arged by manich a bou t choi, a stel
missis may be dischain ed de means of gune
ser or aler explosives caliber an d usually
cludes air rifl es except th ose th at are small
in caliber and u sually u sed as toys.
WHAT IS THE
MINOR PARTS
OF FIREARMS?
 What is the other
Defi nitions of Firearms
Mino r parts of a fi rearms refers to the
parts of the fi rearm o ther than the m ajo r
parts which are n ecessary to eff ect and
complete th e action of expelling a
projectile by way of com bu stion , 10591
Com preh en sive Firearms and Am mu nitio n
Regulation Act"
TYPES OF
Accord ing to Used

FIREARMS
 TYPES OF
Accord ing to Used

• Small
FIREARMS
arms refer to fi rearms intended to be or
primarily designed for individual use or that
which is generally considered to mean a weapon
intended to be fi red from the hand or shoulder,
which are not capable of fully automatic bursts
of discharge, Sec. 3. Par. (dd) R.A. No. 10591
Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition
Regulation Act". such as:
 TYPES OF
Accord ing to Used

FIREARMS
1. Handgun w hich is a fi rearm intended to be fi red from
the han d, w hich includes:

i. A pistol w hich is a hand- operated fi rearm having a

chamber in tegral with or permanently aligned w ith the
bore w hich may be self-loading; and

ii. Revo lver w hich is a hand- operated fi rearm w ith a

revolvin g cylin der containing chambers for in dividual
cartridges.
 TYPES OF
Accord ing to Used

FIREARMS
2. Rifl e which is a shoulder fi rearm or
designed to be fi red from the shoulder that
can discharge a bullet through a riled barrel
by diff erent actions of loading, which may
be classifi ed as lever, bolt, or self-loading;
and
 TYPES OF
Accord ing to Used

FIREARMS
3. Shotgun which is a weapon
designed, made and intended to
fi re a number of ball shots or a
single projectile through a smooth
bore by the action or energy from
burning gunpowder.
 THE GENERAL
CLASSIFICATION OF
FIREARMS CAN BE BASED
ON THE FOLLOWING
CRITERIA :
 The general classifi cation of
fi rearms can be based on the
following criteria:

1. Level of harm they produce

- Lethal - designed with the intent to

eventually kill the target

- Non-lethal - designed with the intent to

scare or incapacitate the target, without
killing or producing major, irreversible
injuries.
 The general classifi cation of fi rearms can be based on
the following criteria:

2. Traditional structure

- Firearms: A fi rearm is a weapon that fulfi ls the

characteristic of the defi nition in the Firearms Protocol, Article
3a.
• Technically, the fi rearm is characterized by the action of an
explosive gas or powder to expel a projectile through the
barrel.

Conventional weapons: Conventional weapons are

• traditionally weapons that are relatively widely used and
designed for military purposes, without being classifi ed as
weapons of mass destruction.
 Th e Un ited Nati on s Register of C on ven tion al Arm s
in c lu des the fol low in g seven c ategories of m ajor
c on ven tion al weapon s, plu s sm all arm s an d ligh t weapon s:

• Battle tanks
• Armoured combat vehicle s
• Large calibre artillery systems
• C o mbat aircraft includin g man ne d and un man ne d
ae rial vehicles
• Attack helicopters
• Warships
• M issiles and missile laun ch ers

Non -c on vention al weapon s: Refe r to w e apo ns of mass destruction,

also kn own as ABC (atomic, bio lo gical and ch emic al) or NRBC (nuclear,
radio logical, biological, ch e mical) w e apon s.
 3. Portability:
• Depending on their portabiity, weapons can
be classifi ed in these three categories:

• Weapons that can be transported by one

person without additional support (small
arms), Weapons that can be transported by
a small crew of people (light weapons),
Other systems that must be transported
with the help of technical means
4. Physical characteristics, size and
support Short or hand-held fi rearms
(handguns) are portable arms designed to
be aimed and fi red with the action of one
hand, whether or not the weapon has been re-
designed or altered to be aimed and fi red
diff erently.

Long or shoulder fi red fi rearms (long

guns) are portable weapons designed to be
used and fi red from the hip or shoulder with
the action of both hands.
5. Action of weapon:
Action- refers to the fi ring system of
a fi rearm, more specifi cally the
physical mechanism through which
cartridges are loaded, locked and
extracted as well as the fi ring
frequency when the trigger is
actioned. There are fi ve common
types of action related to fi rearms:
ACTION
refers to the fi ring system o f a
fi rearm, mo re specifi call y the
physical mechani sm through which
cartridges are lo aded, locked and
extracted as well as the fi ring
frequency when the trigger is
actioned.
There are fi ve common types
of action related to fi rearms:
SINGLE
SHOT
Single shot - Fires a single
round from the barrel(s) for
every depression of the
trigger; requires manual
reloading of the barrel(s) after
each shot.
https://youtu.be/YHaKM3qLpDs?si=p-
j4tCriCfAMiose
REPEATI
NG
Repeating - Fires a single
round from the barrel(s) for
every depression of the
trigger; requires a repetitive
action for the reloading of the
barrels) after each shot.
 SEMI-
AUTOMA
Semi-automatic - Fires a
single round for every
depression of the trigger,
and automatically cycles
between rounds (i.e. is self-
loading).
BURST
Burst - Fires a small set of
rounds for every depression of
the trigger, and automatically
cycles between rounds with
each trigger pull (i.e. is self-
loading).
 FULLY
AUTOMA
TIC
Fully Automatic - Fires
continually upon a depression of
the trigger, until the trigger is
released; automatically cycles
between rounds (i.e. is self-
loading).
6. TYPE
OF
FIREARM:
6 . Type of fi rearm: For eas e of understanding mod
acces s ibility , this book w ill ex plain the most r.pistol sy
accepted categories of fi rearms s uch as: revolver
astditis hotgun, rie, s ub-m achine gun and machine gun.

• I n addition, there is al generic " O ther fi rearms"

category that includes fi rearm s that either are
crafted or as s embled outs ide production facilities.

• are modifi ed and conv erted, are using

interchangeable parts or take adv antage of new
technologies, s uch as replica, conv erted, modular,
3D printed etc.
COMMON TYPES
OF FIREARMS
Th e most common classifi cation of fi rearms is done
by types, and the most commonly used tool for
fi rearms identifi cation is
• the Firearms Reference Table (FRT). The FRT is a
computerized database available online and
offl ine.
• It was proposed and developed by Canadian
Royal Mounted Police and it was further adopted
by INTERPOL as a reference classifi cation tool.
• Use of the FRT Web is limited to individuals who
have been authorized by the RCMP. Authorized
users include members of the police community,
specifi c Public Agents and approved fi rearm
verifi ers.
• UNODC adopted a simplifi ed classifi cation
in its 2015 study and also in its global
illicit arms fl ow questionnaire, which is
based on the following types:
REVOLV
ER
• Revolver Is a short or hand-held
fi rearm with a revolving cylinder
typically of fi ve to nine chambers,
manually loaded with cartridges. As
the cylinder rotates into position, the
trigger can be pulled, releasing the
hammer fi ring the cartridge. Expended
cartridge cases remain in the cylinder
until manually unloaded.
REVOLVER
• Action: Revolvers are usually
repeating fi rearms. According to the
system of operation of the trigger
tail, revolvers can be of double
(when the trigger also cocks the
hammer) or single action (when the
hammer is cocked manually)
PISTOL
• pistol Is a short or ha nd-held
fi rea rm designed for sem i-
a utom a tic opera tion. The cha m ber
is pa rt of the ba rrel. C a rtridges a re
genera lly loa ded into a m a ga zine,
which is inserted into the grip. The
a ction of the fi rea rm feeds the next
ca rtridge a nd expels the spent
round. Action: single shot,
repea ting, sem i-a utom a tic a nd
a utom a tic pistol.
PISTOL
• Action: single shot, repeating,
semi-automatic and automatic
pistol.
SHOTGUN
• Shotgun Is a shoulder-fi red long gun with
one or two unrifl ed barrels (side-by-side or
over confi guration), usually designed to
shoot many small projectiles ("shots")
rather than a bullet. The calibre of a
shotgun is referred to as the gauge and is
usually larger in diameter than other small
arms. Action: Usually single-shot. May also
be repeating, or semiautomatic
SHOTGU
N
 RIFLE
OR
CARBINE
• Rifl e or Carbine Is a shoulder-fi red long
gun, with a series of spiral grooves cut
inside the barrel ("rifl ing) imparting
spin to the projectile. Some rifl es have
a detachable magazine like the pistols
described above and others have
integral magazines. A carbine resembles
a rifl e but has a shorter barrel.
• Action: Single-shot, repeating, semi-
automatic or fully automatic.
Assault Rifl e Can be considered a
subcategory of rifl es and represent'
any of various intermediate-range,
magazine-fed military rifl es (such as
the AK-47 or M16) that can be set for
automatic or semiautomatic fi re... *
(Merriam-Webster).

Action: Semi-automatic or fully

automatic
RIFLE OR
CARBINE
SUB-MACHINE
GUN
Sub-machine gun It is a hand-held,
lightweight short barrel m achine gun
consisting of relatively low-energy
handgun-type cartridges and fi red
from the hand, hip or shoulder.

Action: Semi-automatic or fully

automatic. Where the fi ring system is
automatic, the fi rearm would be
classifi ed as an automatic pistol or
automatic sub-machine gun.
MACHINE GUN
Machine gun It is a fi rearm that is capable of full
automatic fi ring (more than one shot witha fi res
rife readintion, a single function of the trigger)
and that fi res gifl e ammunition. It is generally
crew-operated (heavy michinmachin, but some
forms may be frer by single individuale by belts,
although some u meanine guns have the
ammunition fed by belts, although some use
magazines.

Action: Semi-automatic or fully automatic

MACHINE
GUN
MACHINE
GUN
THE ABOVE ENUMERATED TYPES
COVER THE LARGE UNIVERSE OF
ALL LEGAL ARMS.
Other Types of Firearms in addition to the
categories of firearms listed in this Module, this
category encompasses various types of firearms
which may overlap with those mentioned but are
deserving their own classification.
 CRAFT PRODUCTION AND
RUDIMENTARY ARMS
• Craft Production and Rudimentary Arms Both the 2018
Small Arms Survey and the 2015 UNDOC study raised
concerns about "craft weapons," which are handmade
firearms and ammunition produced in small quantities.

• These can include everything from pistols to advanced

assault rifles, often used in sports or hunting.

• In contrast, "rudimentary arms" are homemade weapons

typically made from non-firearm components, often found in
criminal contexts.
 CRAFT PRODUCTION AND
RUDIMENTARY ARMS
• Gunsmithing exists globally, with notable artisanal
production in Ghana, where some gunsmiths can fabricate
assault rifles. Responses to this practice vary: Ghana
seeks to ban it, while Burkina Faso aims to regulate it.

• In Pakistan's Peshawar district, around 200 workshops

produce inexpensive small arms, including revolvers and
shotguns.

• A June 2018 Small Arms Survey briefing further explored

the craft weapon market.
 3D PRINTED
FIREARMS
• are a concern for policymakers and law
enforcement due to their complexity and
potential for misuse. The Liberator, a
notable example, is a single-shot gun
made from plastic. Discussions about
this technology focus on its legal
implications and security impact.
 3D PRINTED
FIREARMS
• A 2016 study by Armament Research Services
assessed the feasibility of 3D fi rearms, while
a 2018 report from All3DP indicated that the
threat from these weapons is currently
limited, though they possess appealing traits
for criminals.
 3D PRINTED
FIREARMS
• These fi rea rms are diffi cult to detect, easy to
dispose of, a nd untra ceable, making them
attractive for high-profi le crimes as technology
advances. The proliferation of aff orda ble CNC
machines and

• 3D printers complicates regula tion, as they a re

widely used in various fi elds. The rea l issue lies in
the easy online a ccess to fi rearm blueprints rather
than the printers themselves. Additionally, there is
a legal gap in both domestic and interna tional law s
concerning these arms.
 UNLICENSED
COPIES
• Unlicensed copies occur when manufa cturers: - Produce more
fi rearms than permitted under their license. - Produce fi rearms
not covered by their license. -
• Estimates: - Small Arms Survey indicates that *53 0,000 to
58 0,000* military small arms are produced a nnua lly, either
licensed or unlicensed.

• Illicit Manufacturing: - Unlicensed fi rearms are *not registered*

and often enter the illicit market, sold at lower prices than
original fi rearms.

• Challenges: - Lack of registration makes tracing these weapons

diffi cult. - Conventional tracing methods (type, serial number,
model, manufacturer) are ineff ective.
 REPLICA AND
IMITATION
FIREARMS
• Replica Firearms: - M an u fact u red t o resemb le exist in g fi rearms.
-

• N ot in t en d ed t o fi re. - Typ ically mad e for collect ors, esp ecially

of ant iq u e fi rearms. -

• Imitat ion Firearms: - Desig n ed t o look like real fi rearms b u t are

not real. - In clu d es realist ic t oy g u n s an d mold ed g u n s (ru b b er
or met al). - In some ju risd ict ion s, imit at ion fi rearms are
regulat ed similarly t o real fi rearms.

• Concern s: - Bot h t yp es can * in t imid at e* an d b e mist aken for

real fi rearms. - Desp it e b ein g n on -fu n ct ion al, t h ey are d efi n ed
and men t ion ed in variou s n at ion al leg islat ion s.
 DEACTIVATED AND
CONVERTED
FIREARMS
• Deactivated Firearms : - Modifi ed so they can no longer fi re
or expel projectiles. - The deactivation process must be
permanent .

• Regulatory Issues : - Deactivated fi rearms do not fall under

the same regulations as active fi rearms. This loophole allows
criminal organizations to purchase them, often removing
deactivation systems or using spare parts to reactivate them.

• Conversion Process : - Involves modifying non-lethal weapons

(e.g., blank or gas) into lethal weapons . - Reactivated
fi rearms subsequently enter the *illicit market
 MODULAR
•
FIREARMS
De fi nition: - Modul a r w e a po ns fe a ture *i nte rcha ngea ble
co m ponents * tha t ca n cha nge or i m p rove fi rea rm
cha ra cteristics.

• Im pa ct on Identifi ca ti on: C ha ngi ng e s s e nti a l pa rts ( e.g.,

ba rre l , extra ctor, fi ri ng pi n) m a kes “ba llistic
i d e nti fi ca tion” e xtre m e l y di ffi cul t, i f no t i m pos sible.

• Exa m ple : - The Glock pi s to l : - N ot or i gi na l l y des igned a s

m odul a r, but exhibi ts m od ul a r cha r a cte ri s tics. - C a n be
e a s i l y tra nsform e d fro m a s e m i -a uto m a ti c pistol into a
“ful l y a utom a tic s ub-m a chi ne gun” w ith va rious
a tta chm ents (e.g., m a ga zi ne s , s co pe , s i l e ncer).
 SUMMARY
• Summary Ballistics identifi cation presents signifi cant theoretical and
practical challenges. Each fi rearm leaves unique tool marks on fi red
projectiles and cartridge cases, but current identifi cation techniques face
unresolved issues that require further development

• This paper focuses on the diffi culties of feature extraction and intelligent
ballistics recognition. It employs various image processing techniques for
digitizing and preprocessing ballistic images.

• A novel feature set, *Circle Moment Invariants*, is proposed for

extracting features from cartridge images, complemented by another
feature set for characterization.

• An intelligent neural network system is designed to classify these

extracted features. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed
methods eff ectively and effi ciently classify cartridge images.
CHAPTER 4
 BASIC S OF
AMMUNITION
 Modern ammunition varies in size, appearance,
materials and parts. Rifle ammunition is called
cartridges or rounds. Shotgun ammunition is
referred to as shot shells or shells. Ammunition is
classified as center fire or rim fire. It is important
to understand the basics of ammunition and
ammunition safety. Knowing the proper
ammunition to use will help you become a more
successful, ethical hunter.
CARTRIDGE
• a term use to describe a complete unfired unit
consisting of bullet primer, cartridge case and
gunpowder
• it is a complete round of ammunition Made up
simply of cartridge case, primer, gunpowder
and bullet
• A cartridge (also called a round or a shell) is a
type of ammunition packaging a bullet or shot,
a propellant substance (usually either
smokeless powder or black powder) and a
primer within a metallic, paper, or plastic case
 PARTS OF
CARTRIDGE
1. Bullet (define) as a piece of ammunition that
is shot using a gun, pistol or rifle. The invention
of bullets revolutionized warfare. Today, bullets
are available in a wide range of shapes and
sizes, depending on what purposes they are
designed for. Bullets are made of different
materials such as lead, jacketed lead (lead
coated with steel or copper alloys). copper,
steel and even bismuth and tungsten. A bullet
has three parts: the tip or head, the ogive or
Cartridge case (define) this is commonly the
brass or copper envelope that contains primer
powder and bullets. Casing The container that
holds all the components together The case
can be made of brass, steel, or copper for
pistols and rifles. Shotgun "shells" are a
plastic case with the base covered in a thin
brass covering.
 Gunpowder/propellant/powder charge
(define) a low- explosive substance that is used
as a a propellant in firearms. It burns rapidly
and produces a large amount of gas, which
produces a pressure wave inside the gun barrel,
sufficient to propel a shot charge, bullet or
projectile from a shotgun, rifle, or artillery piece.
Powder - The gunpowder is an explosive
consisting of a powdered mixture of saltpeter,
sulfur, and charcoal.
 • Primer (define) Is the upper portion of the primer cup,
which is the complete assembly of priming composition,
paper disk, anvil and the vent. It is also a portion of the
cartridge case, which consists of brass or gliding metal
cup.
• Is an explosive chemical compound that ignites the
gunpowder when struck by a firing pin. Primer may be
placed either in the rim of the case (rim-fire) or in the
center of the base of the case (center -fire).
• The ignition components of cartridge primers are used for
igniting prominent. A blow from the firing pin of the firing
cup compresses the priming composition to detonate This
detonation produces a flame which passes through the
 Classification of Cartridges
According to Rim Diameter
1. Rimmed -The diameter of the rim is greater than the diameter
of the body of the cartridge case. Sample - 38 caliber special and
caliber 22
2. Semi-Rimmed - the diameter of the rim is slightly greater than
the diameter of the body of the cartridge case. Sample - 25 Cal.
32 Cal. .38 cal. Super.
3. Rimless - the diameter of the rim is equal to the diameter of
the body. Sample - 30 Cal, 9mm, 40 Cal, .45 cal.
4. Belted - There is protruding metal around the body of the
cartridge case near the rim. The design originated in England
around 1910.
5. Rebated - The diameter of the rim is smaller than the body of
 Classification of Cartridge
According to Powder Charge and Muzzle Velocity

1 Low Power - a type of cartridge giving a muzzle

velocity of less than 1,850 ft./sec.
2. High Power - a type of cartridge giving a muzzle
velocity of 1,900 ft./sec.
3 High Intensity - a type of cartridge giving a muzzle
velocity of over 2,500 ft./sec.
 Shotgun Cartridge

it refers to a complete unit of unfired

cartridge Insisting of the case, pellets, primer,
wads, and gun powder. The unit of
measurement use in this cartridge is "gauge"
ex: 10G, 12G, 16G, 20G, 28G.
 Types of Shotgun Cartridge

• Buck Shots gauge consisting of nine round lead ball

presence in 12
• Birdshots - consisting of many tiny lead ball presence
also in 12 gauge.
• Baton Round or Rubber Bullet - this type was
developed by Hong Kong Police having a low powder
charge use for city riots and be fired down ward.
BULLETS
• It is a piece of ammunition that is shot using
a gun, pistol or rifle. The invention of bullets
revolutionized warfare. Today, bullets are
available in a wide range of shapes and sizes,
depending on what purposes they are
designed for.
• Bullets are made of different materials such
as lead, jacketed lead (lead coated with steel
or copper alloys), copper, steel and even
bismuth and tungsten.
• A bullet has three parts: the tip or head, the
 • It is also define as a non metallic, cylindrical
projectile propelled from a firearm by means of the
expansive force of gases from burning gunpowder.
• The bullet is a small piece of metal that makes up
the tip of the round. It is the piece of the cartridge that
fires out of the gun. So, what is a bullet made of? It's
often made of materials like copper, steel, lead,
polymers, or even rubber.
• a metallic or non-metallic cylindrical projectile
propelled from a firearm by the expansive force of
gasses produce by the burning gun powder.
• Originated from the French word "boullete"
meaning small round ball
Two General Types of Bullets
 1. Lead Bullet - is a type of bullet that is
basically composed of lead metal, and are often
used in revolver, pistol and in some low power
rifles.
2. Jacketed Bullet - is a type of bullet consisting
of the regular lead core, coated with a copper
alloy in order to prevent metal fouling in the
barrel and is generally used in pistols and other
high power guns.
Different Types of Bullets
 Bullet types based on construction

1. Construction refers to how the bullet is

designed to behave after hitting the target.
Bullets can be frangible, non-expanding or
expanding.

a. Frangible Bullets
These bullets break into a number of small
pieces on hitting the target. They do not pierce
deep into the target and cause damage close to
 b. Non-Expanding Bullets
This type of bullets neither break into
pieces nor expand, on impact. Non-
expanding bullets pierce the target and
pass through the target, failing to kill it
immediately. It is for this reason that non-
expanding bullets are banned for use in
hunting medium for large sized animals in
the U.S.
 c. Expanding Bullets
These bullets expand on hitting the target and
come in wide varieties. These bullets are used
for hunting large animals, as they cause
immediate death of the animal. The purpose
of using these bullets is to kill the animal as
soon as possible by causing damage to organs
such as the heart.
Bullet Types Based on Purpose
 a. Target Bullets
These are meant to be used for shooting targets from
a greater distance, due to which these bullets are
designed such that they have a high level of accuracy.
Due to this reason, close attention is paid to the weight
and dimensional tolerances of these bullets. These
bullets come in different shapes and with different tips.
These are generally high velocity bullets that are fired
at speeds that are anywhere around 2500 to 3500 feet
per second. Some examples are Lapua Scenar and
Hornady A-max. There are no legal restrictions on the
purchase of these bullets
 b. Varmint Bullets
The purpose of these bullets is to shoot small game
animals such as rabbits or small species of birds such as
crows.
 c. Hunting Bullets
These bullets are also meant for hunting smaller
animals like wild goats. However, these differ
from the varmint bullets in the fact that these are
designed to expand on hitting the target or
game.
 d. Premium Bullets
The purpose of these bullets is to shoot larger game animals
and are similar to hunting bullets in all but one aspect: a
thicker copper jacket and an additional solid section.
 e. The Grom Bullet
Another type of expanding bullet, the GROM bullet is a
product of the Serbian ammunition company Prvi
Partizan. The unique feature of this bullet is its core made
of soft lead, the shape of which gets altered on hitting
the target causing the surrounding copper jacket to
spread like flower petals.
 f. The Naturalism Bullet
The problem with lead bullets, such as the GROM bullet,
is that lead is a toxic metal and the residual lead from
these bullets would adversely affect the environment in
the long run. Thus came the need for bullets that did not
have lead in them.
 g. Full Metal Jacket Bullets
Full metal jacket bullets are not suitable for
shooting game. These bullets are used for
loading military rifles and are the type of
bullets allowed to be used during warfare
where the use of expanding bullets is strictly
prohibited. There are no restrictions on the
purchase of these bullets.
Bullet Types Based on Shape
 a. Flat Point Bullets
These bullets have a flat nose which means more
lead exposed at the tip. which ensures better
expansion.
 b. Round Nose Bullets
These bullets have a round shaped nose that is blunt.
These bullets are more inclined to travel in a straight
line.
 C. Spitzer bullets
these bullets are characterized by a pointed nose and a
flat base, which reduces air drag, thus increasing the
velocity of the bullet. However, such a design is not
suitable for expanding bullets.
 d. Boat-tail Spitzer Bullets
The characteristic features of these bullets are
the pointed tip and the tapered base. The
streamlined shape reduces air drag and makes
these bullets the best choice for long range
shooting.
 GUNPOWDER
Gunpowder/propellant/powder charge
a low-explosive substance that is used as a
propellant in firearms. It burns rapidly and
produces a large amount of gas, which produces a
pressure wave inside the gun barrel, sufficient to
propel a shot charge, bullet or projectile from a
shotgun, rifle, or artillery piece.
Types of Gunpowder
 1. Black powder
consists of the jet black and rather shiny
grains. Although black powder has been in
used for about six centuries, and although
methods of manufactured are naturally led to
greater efficiency in action, its composition
has remained practically the same in all
countries.
 2. Smokeless Powder
a mixture of nitrocellulose 60 parts, nitroglycerine 35
parts and Vaseline 5 parts. These substances are almost
entirely smokeless in action. They are all given the
generic term of nitro powders and are legion in number.
All nitro powders used 2. in rifles, pistols, and revolvers
are a gelatinized powder that is they are made by forming
dough into sticks or grains. The identification of partially
burnt powder grains may become a matter of vital
importance, since such grains maybe found around the
entrance hole of a wound, and it will obviously help if the
type of powder can be identified from these unborn
PRIMER
 Primer
Is the upper portion of the primer cup, which is the
complete assembly of priming composition, paper disk,
anvil and the vent. It is also a portion of the cartridge case,
which consists of brass or gliding metal cup. It is also the
ignition system of the cartridge containing highly sensitive
chemical compound that would easily sgnite or burst into
flame stuck by firing pin. It is also the ignition components
of cartridge primers are used for igniting prominent A blow
from the firing pin of the firing cup compresses the priming
composition to detonate. This detonation produces a flame
which passes through the vent of flesh hole in the cartridge
COMPOSITION OF A PRIMER
1. POTASSIUM CHLORATE -
45%
2. ANTIMONY SULFIDE - 23%
3. FULMINATE OF MERCURY -
32%
 Origin of the Primer
Alexander John Frosyth was credited being the first
to conceive the idea of using detonating
compound for igniting powder charge in small
arms by percussion, and in 1807he obtained
patent for this idea. Forsyth was a Scotch
Presbyterian minister, but he was also a chemist, a
hunter and well-known authority on firearms. He
spent most of the time and attention in the
development, and improvement of ignition, and his
first successful priming mixture, was composed of
potassium chlorate, charcoal and sulfur in
powdered form. Primers are used for igniting
propellant. The promptness, dequacy and
uniformity in the ignition of powder charges, play a
 Types /Kinds of Primer
1. Berdan Primer
was invented by U.S Army Colonel Hiram Berdan.
The primer of this type, have two vents or flash
holes towards the gunpowder. Berdan powder is
none-replaceable, since the anvil of the primer,
formed an integral part of the cartridge case,
and can be deformed by firing, However, with
care, it can be replaced.
 2. Boxer Primer
was invented by British Army Colonel Edward M.
Boxer. The primer has only one vent or flash holes
towards the gunpowder. The Boxer primer can be
replaced and can be reused, since the primer cup
is removable from the cartridge, and
consequently minimized expensive brass
cartridge case.
3. Chinese Modified Berdan
a type of primer designed by
Chinese, having a triangular flash
hole serving as a passage of
ignition.

4. French Modified Berdan

a type of primer designed by France, having a
punch hole serving as a passage of ignition.
PARTS OF THE PRIMER
1. Anvil - The portion of the primer, against which the
priming mixture is crushed by blow from the firing pin.
This must be hard, rigid and firmly supported, to
provide the resistance necessary for firing the priming
mixture.

2. Priming Mixture - The portion of the primer,

against which the priming mixture is crushed by blow
from the firing pin. This must be hard, rigid and firmly
supported, to provide the resistance necessary for
firing the priming mixture.
 3. DISK - Piece of small paper or disk of tin foil,
where the priming mixture is contained and
pressed over by the primer and the anvil, its
purposed are:
a. To hold priming mixture in place.
b. To exclude moisture.

4. Primer cup -The container of the anvil, disc

and the priming mixture. This is made of brass,
gliding metal or copper, depending upon the kind.
Location of the Primer
 1. The location of the primer tells you if a cartridge is
rim - fire or center- fire. Generally, center- fire
cartridges are more powerful than rim-fire cartridges.
2. The center-fire cartridge has a primer located in
the center of the base.
3. The rim-fire cartridge has no noticeable primer.
Instead, the priming compound is placed and spun into
the case rim. When the rim is struck by the firing pin,
the priming compound explodes, igniting the powder.
Marks Found on the Primer
 1. Firing Pin Impressions - This is a
common mark or impression that you will find
on the primer. It is created when the firing pin
strikes the primer.
2. Breech Face Impressions - Breech marks
are a common mark or impression that you
will find on the case and primer. It is created
when the spent cartridge is forced against the
breech face during firing.
CHAPTER 5
 FIREARMS
LEARNING OUTCOMES
AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER THE LEARNERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

1. KNOW THE CLASS CHARACTERISTICS OF

FIREARM
2. KNOW THE INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS
3. LEARN THE UNIQUENESS OF FIREARM
MARKINGS
TOPICS
 INTRODUCTI
ON REFER TO ANY
THE TERM GUN MAY
SORT OF PROJECTILE WEAPON FROM
LARGE CANNONS TO SMALL
FIREARMS INCLUDING THOSE THAT
ARE USUALLY HAND -HELD
(HANDGUN). THE WORD GUN IS ALSO
COMMONLY USED TO DESCRIBE
OBJECTS WHICH, WHILE THEY ARE
NOT THEMSELVES WEAPONS,
 THE USE OF THE TERM "CANNON" IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH "GUN" AS
WORDS BORROWED FROM THE FRENCH LANGUAGE DURING THE EARLY
15TH CENTURY, FROM OLD FRENCH CANON, ITSELF A BORROWING FROM
THE ITALIAN CANNONE, A "LARGE TUBE" AUGMENTATIVE OF LATIN CANNA
"REED OR CANE". RECENT SCHOLARSHIP INDICATES THAT THE TERM
"GUN" MAY HAVE ITS ORIGINS IN THE NORSE WOMAN'S NAME "GUNNILDR"
(WHICH MEANS "WAR-SWORD") (OR "GUNNILD", POSSIBLY QUEEN
GUNHILD OF WENDEN, WIFE OF KING SWEYN FORKBEARD, WHICH WAS
OFTEN SHORTENED TO "GUNNA". THE EARLIEST RECORDED USE OF THE
TERM "GONNE" WAS IN A LATIN DOCUMENT CIRCA 1339. OTHER NAMES
FOR GUNS DURING THIS ERA WERE "SCHIOPPI" (ITALIAN
TRANSLATION-"THUNDERERS"), AND "DONREBUSSE (DUTCH
TRANSLATION- THUNDER GUN") WHICH WAS INCORPORATED INTO THE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AS "BLUNDERBUSS".
 THE WORD CANNON IS RETAINED IN SOME CASES FOR THE
ACTUAL GUN TUBE BUT NOT THE WEAPON SYSTEM. THE TITLE
GUNNER IS APPLIED TO THE MEMBER OF THE TEAM CHARGED
WITH OPERATING, AIMING, AND FIRING A GUN, AUTO CANNONS
ARE AUTOMATIC GUNS DESIGNED PRIMARILY TO FIRE SHELLS
AND ARE MOUNTED ON A VEHICLE OR OTHER MOUNT. MACHINE
GUNS ARE SIMILAR, BUT USUALLY DESIGNED TO FIRE SIMPLE
PROJECTILES. IN SOME CALIBERS AND SOME USAGES, THESE
TWO DEFINITIONS OVERLAP.
 IN CONTEM PORARY M ILITARY AND NAVAL PAR L ANCE T HE T ER M
GUN HAS A VERY SPECI FI C M EANI NG AND R EF ER S SOLELY T O
ANY L AR GE-CALI BR E, DI R ECT- F IR E, HI GH-VELOCIT Y , FL AT-
TRAJECTORY ARTILLERY PIECE EM PLOYI NG A N EXPLOSI VE-F ILLED
HOLLOWED M ETAL SHELL OR SOLI D BOLT AS I T S PR I M ARY
PR OJECTILE. A R EL AT ED M ILI TA RY USE OF THE W OR D I S IN
DESCR IBING GUN- T Y PE FI SSI ON WEAPON. I N T HIS INSTANCE,
THE "GUN" IS PART OF A NUCLEAR WEAPON AND CONTAI NS AN
EXPLOSIVELY PR OPELLED SUB- CR I T ICAL SLUG OF F I SSILE
M ATERIAL WITHIN A BAR R EL T O BE F IR ED I NTO A SECOND SUB-
CR IT ICAL M ASS IN OS AGE AR E SM ALL HUE FI SSI ON R EACT ION.
POTENTIAL SUB- CR IT I CAL WI T H T HIS US AGE AR E SM ALL
NUCLEAR DEVICES CAPABLE OF BEI NG FI R EUSED A RTI LLERY OR
R ECOI LLESS R IF LE.
 DEFINITION OF
TERMS

LEGAL DEFINITION OF FIREARMS

REFERS TO ANY HANDHELD OR PORTABLE WEAPON,
WHETHER A SMALL ARM OR LIGHT WEAPON, THAT
EXPELS OR IS DESIGNED TO EXPEL A BULLET, SHOT,
SLUG, MISSILE OR ANY PROJECTILE, WHICH IS
DISCHARGED BY MEANS OF EXPANSIVE FORCE OF GASES
FROM BURNING GUNPOWDER OR OTHER FORM OF
COMBUSTION OR ANY SIMILAR INSTRUMENT OR
IMPLEMENT. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS ACT, THE BARREL,
FRAME OR RECEIVER IS CONSIDERED A FIREARM.
SEC.3.PAR. (I) R.A. NO. 10591 COMPREHENSIVE
FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION REGULATION ACT.
 DEFINITION OF
TERMS
LEGAL DEFINITION OF FIREARMS

- REFERS TO ANY HANDHELD OR PORTABLE WEAPON, WHETHER A

SMALL ARM OR LIGHT WEAPON, THAT EXPELS OR IS DESIGNED TO
EXPEL A BULLET, SHOT, SLUG, MISSILE OR ANY PROJECTILE,
WHICH IS DISCHARGED BY MEANS OF EXPANSIVE FORCE OF
GASES FROM BURNING GUNPOWDER OR OTHER FORM OF
COMBUSTION OR ANY SIMILAR INSTRUMENT OR IMPLEMENT. FOR
PURPOSES OF THIS ACT, THE BARREL, FRAME OR RECEIVER IS
CONSIDERED A FIREARM. SEC.3.PAR. (I) R.A. NO. 10591
COMPREHENSIVE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION REGULATION ACT.
 DEFINITION OF
TERMS
LEGAL DEFINITION OF FIREARM
- "FIREARM" OR "ARMS" AS HEREIN USED INCLUDES RIFLES, MUSKETS,
CARBINES, SHOTGUN, REVOLVERS, PISTOLS, AND ALL OTHER DEADLY
WEAPONS FROM WHICH A BULLET, BALL, SHOT OR OTHER DEADLY
MISSILE MAYBE DISCHARGED BY MEANS OF GUNPOWDER AND OTHER
EXPLOSIVES. THE TERM ALSO INCLUDES AIR RIFLES EXCEPT SUCH AS
BEING OF SMALL CALIBER AND LIMITED RANGE USED AS TOYS. THE
BARREL OF A FIREARM SHALL BE CONSIDERED A COMPLETE FIREARM FOR
ALL PURPOSES THEREOF. (SEC. 877, REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE CODE AND
SEE ALSO SEC. 290 OF THE NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE)
 DEFINITION OF
TERMS
TECHNICAL DEFINITION OF FIREARM

-A FIREARM IS AN INSTRUMENT THAT IS USED FOR

THE PROPULSION OF PROJECTILES BY MEANS OF THE
EXPANSIVE FORCE OF GASES OF A BURNING
GUNPOWDER(FBI MANUAL OR FIRE IDENTIFICATION).
 DEFINITION OF
TERMS
OTHER DEFINITION
-FIREARMS OR ARMS INCLUDE RIFLES, MUSKETS, CARBINES, SHOTGUN,
PISTOLS, REVOLVERS AND ALL DEADLY WEAPONS FROM WHICH A BULLET,
SHOT, A SHELL OR MISSILES MAY BE DISCHARGED BY MEANS OF
GUNPOWDER OR OTHER EXPLOSIVES. THE TERMS ALSO INCLUDES AIR
RIFLES EXCEPT: THOSE THAT ARE SMALL IN CALIBER AND USUALLY USED
AS TOYS.

-MINOR PARTS OF A FIREARMS REFERS TO THE PARTS OF THE FIREARM

OTHER THAN THE MAJOR PARTS WHICH ARE NECESSARY TO EFFECT AND
COMPLETE THE ACTION OF EXPELLING A PROJECTILE BY WAY OF
COMBUSTION, EXCEPT THOSE CLASSIFIED AS ACCESSORIES. SEC. 3. PAR.
(X) R. A. NO. 10591 COMPREHENSIVE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
REGULATION ACT
TYPES OF FIREARMS
ACCORDING TO USED
 SMALL ARMS

REFER TO FIREARMS INTENDED TO BE OR PRIMARILY DESIGNED FOR

INDIVIDUAL USE OR THAT WHICH IS GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO
MEAN A WEAPON INTENDED TO BE FIRED FROM THE HAND OR
SHOULDER, WHICH ARE NOT CAPABLE OF FULLY AUTOMATIC BURSTS
OF DISCHARGE, SEC. 3. PAR (DD) R. A. NO. 10591 COMPREHENSIVE
FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION REGULATION ACT", SUCH AS:
 1.HANDGUN - WHICH IS A FIREARM INTENDED TO BE FIRED FROM
THE HAND, WHICH INCLUDES:

I. A PISTOL WHICH IS A HAND-OPERATED FIREARM HAVING A

CHAMBER INTEGRAL WITH OR PERMANENTLY ALIGNED WITH THE
BORE WHICH MAY BE SELF-LOADING; AND

II. REVOLVER WHICH IS A HAND-OPERATED FIREARM WITH A

REVOLVING CYLINDER CONTAINING CHAMBERS FOR INDIVIDUAL
CARTRIDGES.
2. RIFLE - WHICH IS A SHOULDER FIREARM OR DESIGNED TO
BE FIRED FROM THE SHOULDER THAT CAN DISCHARGE A
BULLET THROUGH A RIFLED BARREL BY DIFFERENT ACTIONS OF
LOADING, WHICH MAY BE CLASSIFIED AS LEVER, BOLT, OR SELF-
LOADING; AND

3. SHOTGUN - WHICH IS A WEAPON DESIGNED, MADE AND

INTENDED TO FIRE A NUMBER OF BALL SHOTS OR A SINGLE
PROJECTILE THROUGH A SMOOTH BORE BY THE ACTION OR
ENERGY FROM BURNING GUNPOWDER.
 MAJOR PARTS OR COMPONENT OF A FIREARM

REFERS TO THE BARREL, SLIDE, FRAME, RECEIVER,

CYLINDER OR THE BOLT ASSEMBLY. THE TERM ALSO
INCLUDES ANY PART OR KIT DESIGNED AND INTENDED FOR
USE IN CONVERTING A SEMI-AUTOMATIC BURST TO A FULL
AUTOMATIC FIREARM. SECTION 3. PAR W. OF R. A. NO. 10591
COMPREHENSIVE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION REGULATION
ACT
 MINOR PARTS OF A FIREARM

REFERS TO THE PARTS OF THE FIREARM OTHER THAN THE

MAJOR PARTS WHICH ARE NECESSARY TO EFFECT AND
COMPLETE THE ACTION OF EXPELLING A PROJECTILE BY WAY
OF COMBUSTION, EXCEPT THOSE CLASSIFIED AS
ACCESSORIES.
BARREL - THE PASSAGE OF PATH OF THE BULLET TOWARDS
THE MUZZLE END.

MOTION - REFERS TO THE MOVEMENT OR MOBILITY OF

PROJECTILES INSIDE THE BARREL OR AFTER THE
PROJECTILES LEFT THE GUN BARREL.

PROJECTILES - REFERS TO THE METALLIC OR NON METALLIC

OBJECT PROPELLED FROM THE FIREARM BY MEANS OF
HEATED GAS COMING FROM THE BURNING GUN POWDER.
TWO GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF
FIREARMS
{ ACCORDING TO GUN BARREL INTERNAL CONSTRUCTION }
1. SMOOTH BORE FIREARMS - ARE THOSE
FIREARMS THAT HAVE NO RIFLINGS (LANDS AND
GROOVES) INSIDE ITS GUN BARREL. EG SHOTGUNS
AND MUSKETS.

2. RIFLED BORE FIREARMS - ARE THOSE FIREARMS

THAT HAVE RIFLINGS INSIDE IT'S GUN BARREL. EG.
PISTOLS, REVOLVERS & RIFLES.
MAIN TYPES OF FIREARMS
{ ACCORDING TO CALLIBER OF PROJECTILES PROPELLED }
ARTILLERY - THOSE THAT PROPEL PROJECTILE MORE THAN
ONE INCH IN DIAMETER SAMPLE: CANONS, MORTARS AND
BAZOOKAS
SMALL ARMS - THOSE THAT PROPEL PROJECTILE LESS THAN
ONE INCH IN DIAMETER. EG. MACHINE GUNS, SHOULDER
ARMS AND HAND GUNS
MACHINE GUN - IS A TYPE OF FIREARMS THAT IS PRIMARILY
DESIGNED FOR MILITARY USED.
 RIFLES - A SHOULDER LONG MED SORE BARE FIRE A
PROJECTILE WITH ME ACCURACY THROUGH A RIFIED BARREL.
CARBINE - A SHORT BARREL RIFLE MEASURING LESS THAN
22 INCHES.
 MUSKET - AN ANCIENT SMOOTH BORE AND A MUZZLE
LOADING RIFLE DESIGNED TO FIRE A SHOT OF SINGLE ROUND
LEAD BALL.
 SHOTGUN - A SMOOTH BORE AND A BREECH LOADING
SHOULDER ARMS DESIGNED TO FIRE MORE PELLETS IN ONE
CHARGE.
 HAND GUNS - THOSE TYPES OF FIREARMS THAT ARE
DESIGNED OR INTENDED TO BE FIRED EVEN WITH ONE HAND
ONLY. EX: PISTOL AND REVOLVERS.
PISTOL - A TYPE OF HAND GUN THAT HAVE A SLIDE AND
FIRING MECHANISM MAY BE SEMI AUTO OR AUTOMATIC
MAGAZINE LOADING.
 REVOLVER - IS A TYPE FIREARMS DESIGNED TO BE FIRED
WICHANI AID OF A ROTATING CYLINDER SERVING AS ITS
CHAMBER. THE FIRING MECHANISM MAY BE SINGLE ACTION OR
DOUBLE ACTION.
 TYPES OF FIREARMS
{ ACCORDING TO MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION }
SINGLE ACTION- THO SE T Y PE OF FIR EAR M S DESIGNED TO FIRE ONLY
O NE SHOT EVERY LOADING. S AMPLE: SINGLE SH OT PISTOLS,
R EVOLVERS, SHOTGUNS AND R IF LE.

DO UBLE ACTION - TH O SE FIR EAR M S DESIGNED T O F IRE SEVERAL SHOT

IN ONE LOADING. S AMPLE: SEMI AUT O M AT IC PIST OLS, REVOLVERS,
SH OT GUNS AND RIFLES.

SLIDE/SINGLE ACT ION T Y PE - T H O SE FIR EAR M S IN WHICH LOADING

TAK ES PL ACE BY BAC K AND FO RT H M ANIPUL AT IO N OF SLIDE OF THE
GUN. S AMPLE: PISTO LS AND SH O T GUNS.

BO LT TY PE - THOSE F IR EAR M S IN WH IC H LOADING TAKES PL ACE BY

BACK AND FORTH MANIPUL AT IO N O F BO LT O F T H E GUN. S AMPLE: BOLT
AC T ION RIFFLES.
LEVER TY PE - THOSE FIR EAR M S IN WH IC H LOADING TAKES PL AC E BY T HE
LEVER OF T HE GUN. S AM PLE: LEVER T Y PE R IFLES AND SHOT GUNS.

AUT OMATIC LOADING T Y PE - T H O SE FIR EAR M S T H AT CONST IT UTES A

C O NTINUOUS FIRING IN A SINGLE PR ESS O F T HE T R IGGER AND WHILE
T H E TRIGGER IS PRESSED. S AMPLE: AUT O MAT IC RIF LES, PISTOLS AND
M ACHINE GUNS.

NOTA BENE :
M AGNUM - MEANS PO WER FUL, T H E WOR D O R IGINAT ED IN ENGL AND.

KO LIBRI - IS THE SM ALLEST SEM I-AUT O , C ENT ER F IRE PISTOL HAVING

T H E CALIBER OF 2.7 M M , INVENT ED IN T H E Y EAR 1914.
C OLT MAGNUM 44 C AL. REVO LVER - WAS O NC E C ONSIDERED T HE
M OST POWERFUL H AND G UN IN T H E WOR LD B EF ORE.

DESSERT EAGLE CAL. 50 M AGNUM - R EPL AC ED T HE MAGNUM 44 CAL

IN T HE CL AIM OF M OST PO WER FUL H ANDGUN IN THE WORLD, IT IS
M ADE IN ISRAE

500 SMITH AND WESSO N R EVOLVER - C O NSIDER ED ALSO THE MOST

POWERFUL HANDGUN ON T H E WOR LD LIK E DESSERT EAGLE T HE
DIFFERENCE OF T H ESE IS T H AT T H E 500 S& W IS A REVOLVER WHILE
T HE DESSERT EAGLE 50 IS A PIST O L.

PFEIFER Z ELISKA 600 NIT R O EX PR ESS - A R EVO LVER TY PE HANDGUN

H AVING 60 CAL AND T HE L AT EST M O ST POWER FUL HANDGUN IN T HE
WORLD.
CHAPTER 6
 CLASS CHARACTERICS

This pertains to those characteristics which

determinable prior to the manufacture of the
firearms, this are considered to be. A
manufacture’s design or specification and
security
GUNSHOT RESIDUE
• This is a mixture of material that originate
from firing a gun and is residue that
deposited on the hands and clothes of
someone who discharges a firearm.

• Residue can be found on both the firearm

and the individual
 INDIVIDUAL
CHARACTERISTICS
• This refers to those characteristics which
determinable only after manufactured of the
firearm.
RIFLING
• Composed of lands and grooves found at te
nternal portion of the gun barrel, it maks the
bullet spin when fired turns making the
stable while fight.
CHAPTER 7
FIREARMS IDENTIFICATIONS
 Learning Outcomes

At the end of this chapter the learners

should be able to:

1. Define firearms

2.dentify the different Marks found on the

fired bullets

3. Know the Principle of identification of

fired Bullets
 1. Marks found on the fired
bullets

2. Principle of identification of
fired Bullets

3. Different Marks found on the

 WHAT IS FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION?

Refers to the science by which one can

determine whether or not a particular bullet
was fired from a gun. It is the knowledge with
which one is able to reveal any pertinent facts
about firearms or ammunition.
 Marks found on the fired bullets

Land marks -Are depressed portion caused

by the lands.

Grooves marks Are

- elevated portion caused by
the grooves.

Slippage marks - Are marks produce by

a worn-out barrels,
oily barrels and
 Shaving marks - Marks found on
fired from a revolver due to the
bullets
poor alignment of the cylinder to the bore
 Striations marks

-are common to cartridge cases that have

passed through the action of an auto loading
or repeating firearm. Striated action marks
can be produced on cartridge cases by
contact with a number of different areas
within the firearm.
 Principles of Identification fired bullets
1. No two barrels are microscopically identical as
the surface of their bores all posses individual
characteristic marking of their own.

2. When a bullet is fired from a rifled barrel, it

becomes engraved by the rifling and this
engraving will vary in itsfrom one barrel will
have different minute markings fromd bullet
fired from a different barrel.

3. Every barrel leaves its thumb mark or

 Marks found on fired "shells"

1. Firing pin 5.Ejector mark

impression
6. Chamber
2. Breech face mark mark

3. Extractor mark 7. Magazine lip

mark
4.Shear mark
 Firing pin impressions
- are indentations created when the firing
pin of a firearm strikes the primer of
centerfire cartridge case or the rim of a
rimfire cartridge case
Breechface marksFound
- on the Head of the
Cartridge Case
 Extractor mark
- Another action mark, usually found in a
striated form, are those created by the
extractor of most auto - loading or repeating
firearms. The extractor is a small part
sometimes resembling a hook that is used to
remove a case from the chamber of a firearm,
 Chambers mark
One of the most common
striated action marks are called
chamber marks. Roughness in
the chamber of a firearm can
scratch the outer walls of a
cartridge case when loaded and
removed from the chamber.
Most chamber marks occur after
the cartridge is fired. Cartridge
cases expand when fired
 Ejector marks
- are sometimes created when cartridges
or cartridge cases are ejected from the
action of a firearm. Ejector marks can be
either striated or impressed but the
impressed ejector marks not only can be
used to identify a cartridge case as
having passed through a firearm's action
they can also be an indication that the
cartridge case was fired in the firearm.
 Magazine lip mark
Produce by the lip of the magazine
specially in firearms having magazines.
 Examples of Cartridge case comparison
examination

Exhibit 1 (cartridge case) was identified as

having been fired by Exhibit 2 (firearm).

The above conclusion is reached if the

action marks present on the questioned
cartridge case are determined to be
because of the actual firing process.
 Exhibit 1 (cartridge case) was not fired by
Exhibit 2 (firearm)

This conclusion can sometimes be reached

when the submitted cartridge case exhibits
very good individual characteristics that are
very dissimilar to those produced on
standards. However, consideration must be
given to the possibility that the firearm in
question could have changed significantly.
 Principle of identification (fired shell)
1. The Breechface and striker of every single firearm
leaves a micro skeptical individualities of their own.

2. The firearm leaves its "fingerprint" or "thumb mark"

on every cartridge that it fires.

3. The whole principle of identification is based on the

fact that since the breechface of every weapon must be
individually distinct, the cartridge cases, which it fires,
are imprinted with this individuality.
 Recovering and Preserving Evidence
1. Any item that may need the services of a
firearms examiner must be handled with care to
make sure it is not altered or damaged.

2. Firearms evidence to be sent to the lab to

learn when the weapon was last fired or for
powder residue should not be processed for
prints before the lab examines it. Latent print
techniques may hinder the examinations of the
firearms examiner. At the lab, the fingerprint and
firearms examiners will coordinate their efforts.
 Marking Of Firearms Evidence
1. Place your initials and the time and date
of recovery on each item of evidence so you
can positively identify it at a later date.
When several like items are found, add an
identifying number on each item. No two
items of evidence in the same case should
bear the same identifying numbers. All
identifying marks and a description of items
to which they are affixed should be put in
your notes. The identifying number has no
 2. Marking tools may be used for inscribing
identifying markings on firearms evidence.
Diamond point or Carborundum pencils are ideal.

3. Firearms are most often marked on the right

side of the frame. Mark all parts of the firearm
that can be removed and that leave imprints on
either the bullet or cartridge case.

4. For example, you would mark a

conventional .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol in
 Transmittal Of Evidence
1. Pillboxes, plastic vials, and the like that have
cotton packing material are fine. Seal the container
with paper packaging tape or the equivalent; do not
use cellophane or masking tape .
2. When revolvers having loaded cartridges or fired cases
are obtained, make a diagram of the rear face of each
cylinder. Show the position of the loaded cartridges or the
fired cases with respect to one another and to the firing
pin. Scratch an arrow on each side or rear face of the
cylinder lying under the firing pin when the revolver was
found. Do this on the revolver, itself, and also on the
diagram.
 Testing at the lab
Often the lab can examine a fired bullet or
even a cartridge case alone to learn facts of
the class characteristics of the firearm
involved. The lab can tell you the caliber and
type of firearm (pistol, revolver, rifle) from
which the bullet was fired. The number and
width of lands and grooves in the rifling and
the direction of twist may also be provided.
 Gunshot Residue Wounds
Firearms examiners are often called upon to
estimate the range from which a gunshot was fired
by examining the gunshot residue patterns on the
victim's skin or clothing. Gunshot residue consists
of particles from the gun barrel or the surface of
the bullet, and/or remnants of the propellant or
primer. When the gun is fired, the residue from the
shot is projected in a roughly conical cloud in the
direction of the target the larger the particle, the
farther and straighter it will travel. Gunshot
residue may also leak out or waft onto the
 1. distant shots

2. close-range shots

3. near-contact shots

4. contact shots (loose

or tight)
Distant shots - are fired from such a
no detectable GSR reaches the skin or
range that
clothing of the victim. There may,
however, be a greyish ring around the
wound composed of propellant
combustion products and lubricant or
metal form the bullet's surface this is
referred to as a bullet wipe.
Close-range shots are inflicted at ranges
that are short enough for GSR to reach
the skin or clothing of the victim.

Two types of GSR deposits are seen with

these shots:

1. Stippling (or tattooing)

2. Soot (smudging)
 Note:

The larger particles that produce stippling

travel farther than the finer particles
which make up the soot, so as the range
of fire decreases the resulting GSR
patterns go from widely dispersed
stippling (farther range) to more
concentrated stippling plus soot (closer
Examples of soot and stippling from contact to distant
 Near-Contact Range - will produce
smudging that is concentrated in a tight
stippling and
circle. The muzzle flash (the release of
high temperature, high pressure gases
which can be seen as a flash of light) may
tear, burn or melt clothing fibers.
Loose-Contact shots - Are fired with gun's
just touching the target surface,
muzzleand the
muzzle flash will usually produce similar
affect to those observed in near-contact
shots.
Tight-Contact shots - When the shot directly
bone, often produce a characteristic
enters jagged
entrance wound caused by the gases from
the propellant creating a pocket of hot gas
between skin and bone. Particles of GSR will
follow the bullet through the opening in the
skin.
 Problems in firearms identification
1. Given bullets, to determine the caliber and type of
firearm from which it was fired.

2. Given fired cartridge cases, to determine the caliber and

type of firearm from which it was fired.

3. Given a bullet and a suspected firearm, to determine

whether or not the bullet was fired from the suspected
firearm.

4. Given a fired cartridge case and a suspected firearm, to

determine whether or not the fired cartridge case was fired
 5. Given two or more bullets, to determine
whether or not they were fired from the same
firearm.

6. Given two or more fired cartridge cases, to

determine whether or not they were fired from
the same firearm.

7. Given a firearm, to determine whether

firearm is serviceable or not.
 Summary
While there is no single approach to the
examination of firearm evidence, and different
laboratory examination protocols exist, there
are many things in common between forensic
laboratories. Since a particular examination is
in many ways a custom product because of the
variety of firearms evidence and investigation
scenarios, the prosecutor must become familiar
with the general laboratory protocols utilized
by their firearm examiner.
For cartridge cases the caliber, head stamp
information, case and primer composition,
shape and placement of the firing pin
impression, ejector and extractor marks,
chamber marks, magazine marks and
breech face impression pattern may be
documented. This information is then
compared with a test-fired bullet and/or
cartridge cases from a firearm that may be
linked to the crime scene and/ or suspect.
CHAPTER 8
 LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this chapter the learners should be able to:

1. Familiarize firearms examination equipment

2. IDENTIFY THE EQUIPMENT USED IN A FORENSIC
BALLISTICS LABORATORY
3.Determine the functions of different classification of forensic
ballistics laboratory equipment
 FIREARMS EXAMINATION
EQUIPMENT
• The specialized equipment used by firearms examiners includes microscopes, measuring tools,
testing tools, and balances.
• These tools enable the examiner to carry out the various aspects of firearms examination and
comparison.
• The first is the stereomicroscope.
• This microscope sits on the work table and is usually mounted on a boom or arm extending from
a stand.
• It usually has zoom capabilities for magnification from about 3X to about 10X.
• Initial examinations of weapons, ammunition components, tools, and objects with tool marks on
them are done with the stereomicroscope.
• The workhorse of the firearms or tool marks section is the forensic comparison microscope,
which is actually two microscopes connected via an optical bridge.
 IDENTIFYING A WEAPON
• Bullets contain a mixture of gunpowder and cordite and these leave burn marks on the
skin of the individual either wounded or killed, they also leave a fine residue on the
fingers and hands of the individual firing the gun.
• These burn marks can signify the closeness of the victim to the perpetrator, the kind of
weapon, and if the gun has had any modifications made to it.
• Some weapons have been disarmed by having the firing pins and mechanisms
removed but there are individuals who can 'reactivate' these weapons for use again.
• It is also worth noting that an automatic - or semi automatic weapon will expel shell
casings as the weapon fires a round whereas a revolver will fire the round but retain
the shell casing within the barrel.
 INVESTIGATING
• The field of ballistics can identify rifling patterns, marks made by using suppressors
(silencers), shell casings, powder burn, and many other areas relating to the use of firearms
and the evidence they leave behind.
• Most ballistics experts will be able to tell you the particular weapon simply by the sound of it
being fired.
• Ballistics is a very important part of the world of forensic science and much of its evidence is
used in criminal proceedings.
• This is also an important function of the ballistics team as many weapons are passed and
sold on between criminals during their life cycle.
EQUIPMENT USED IN A BALLISTIC LABORATORY
Comparison Microscope -
This valuable instrument is
specially designed to permit the
firearm examiner to determine
the similarity and dissimilarity
between two fired bullets or two
fired cartridge cases by
simultaneously observing their
magnified image.
Bullet Comparator Microscope

• Is specially designed to permit firearms

examiner to determine the similarity and
dissimilarity between two fired bullets or two
fired cartridge cases.
 FORENSIC COMPARISON
MICROSCOPE
• They have special holders that attach to the stages, allowing many types of evidence, like bullets,
cartridge cases, shotshells, tools, and gun parts, to be examined.
• The examiner must sometimes improvise to get a desired part under the microscope.
• Comparison microscopes have several lenses, allowing the user to see things at different levels of
magnification.
• A maximum of about 40X magnification is typically adequate for firearms or tool marks examination.
• Early comparison microscopes were made up of two matching compound microscopes with standard
specimen stages.
• These stages were connected by a setup of lenses, prisms, and mirrors, which was called an optical
bridge.
• This field of view was split by an optical hairline.
Before the use of comparison microscopy, forensic firearms examinations typically involved:
• the sequential examination of fired components using a single compound microscope,
• large format photography of microscopic details for each component through a compound
microscope,
• side-by-side comparison of the photographic results,
• preparation of exhibits based on the photographs.

Problems associated with this approach included these:

• The evidence items were examined in sequence, not simultaneously.
• The evidence items could only be simultaneously compared using photographic prints.
• The photographs taken were two-dimensional representations of three-dimensional objects.
• The comparison microscope was invented in
the 1920s by American Army Colonel
Calvin Goddard (1891-1955) who was
working for the Bureau of Forensic Ballistics
of the City of New York.
• Goddard also benefited from the help of
Colonel Charles Waite, Philip
Gravelle, and John Fisher.
• At that time, the comparison microscope was Calvin Hooker Goddard (30 October
1891 – 22 February 1955) was a
used to compare fired bullets and casings. In
forensic scientist, army officer,
the late 1920s, Swedish criminalist Harry
academic, researcher and a pioneer in
Söderman (1902-1956) drastically forensic ballistics.
improved the comparison microscope by
inventing a system for rotating the bullets
under the objectives.
• Early in 1925, Colonel Calvin Goddard (generally
acknowledged as the father of firearms identification in the
United States) and his associate, Phillip O. Gravelle,
(microscopist, tool designer, and photographer) adapted
the existing compound microscope to accommodate
simultaneous microscopic forensic bullet comparisons.
• They achieved this by using an optical bridge to join
together the stages of two compound microscopes

Phillip O. Gravelle is significant in the field of

forensics because he invented the comparison
microscopes, which allowed scientists to identify
discharged bullets.
 This basic monocular instrument has evolved considerably over the past eighty
years into the sophisticated instruments used today.
Some of the features:
• Binocular viewing
• Rotating nosepieces with a variety of objective lenses
• A choice of illumination systems, e.g., variable fiber optic, LED, and high-intensity fluorescent light
sources
• Push-button focusing
• Image capture systems with file export and printing capabilities
• Specialized specimen mounts
• Motorized control of the x, y, and z axis settings, which can be saved for reproducibility
• Monitors to facilitate examinations, training, and image capture
• Optical and digital capability for image superimposition or conventional side-by-side comparisons
• Digital reference marks to easily return to areas of interest identifications on the basis that two-
dimensional photographs do not fully represent the three-dimensional tool marks.
 STEREOSCOPIC MICROSCOPES

• This is generally used in the preliminary examination of fired bullets and fired
shells.
• To determine the location of the extractor marks and ejector marks for
orientation purposes.
• It can be used also in close-up examination of tampered serial numbers of
firearms.
• A stereo microscope that can observe and work in a bright field of view with little
influence on WD due to the LED illumination built into the stand.
• SPZ-50PG and DSZ-44PG are zoom type, and NSW-40PG is a zooming type.
• The lighting device uses 60 balls of LED. With dimmer. Comes with a light
protection cover (double-sided frost / single-sided frost).
 BINOCULAR STEREOMICROSCOPES

• A matching pair of microscopes is set up side by side with a slight angle

between their optical paths.
• The object is shown separately to each eye, and the 3D effect, which
helps to see depth and shape on the object, is preserved.
• The effect can be exaggerated by proper choice of the design
parameters for the microscopes.
• The magnifying power of such instruments is usually in the range of 5-
250x.
• Moderate-power stereomicroscopes are even more widely used in the
electronics manufacturing industry, where they enable technicians to
monitor the bonding of leads to integrated circuits.
 COMPARISON PROJECTOR

• This is generally used in the

preliminary examination of fired
bullets and fired shells.
• To determine the location of the
extractor marks and ejector marks
for orientation purposes.
• It can be used also in one close-up
examination of tampered serial
numbers of firearms.
 3 CHIP DLP TECHNOLOGY

• Produce hessimum brightness output and spectacular

images in large venue applications.
• DLP 3 Chip Projectors are used for high
performance, high brightness application
in large rooms such as lecture halls, digital
cinemas, and other large audience venues.
• 3 Chip DLP technology is currently considered the
top of the line technology for digital
projection.
• The 3 Chip system is based on light passing through a
prism that divides it into red, green, and blue.
Each chip is identified with one of these three colors.
• Micromirrors reflect this colored light, with their digital
(on/off) mirrors.
 Bullet Recovery Box
• It is standard procedure to use ammunition that is
of the same caliber, make, or brand and
manufactured in the same year with the evidence
bullet or shell.
• Water is one of the means to obtain test bullets
and test shells because the microscope marks on
the cylindrical or peripheral surface of the bullets
are preserved for good used.
Measuring Projector

• This projector determines the width of the lands,

width of grooves, diameter and twist of fired
bullets.
• This is a back-plunger model that is highly
resilient and robust.
 The ABSOLUTE Digimatic Indicator ID-B will give the following
features:
• It is a back plunger type, with the display viewed from above.
• Its slim body design is ideal for multi-point measurements.
• The ABSOLUTE sensor means you don't have to carry out the origin setting every
time you power it on, saving you time and hassle.
• It has excellent resistance against water and dust (IP66 protection level) allowing
you to use it in machining situations that include splashing coolant fluid.
• Switchable display orientation gives you more mounting options.
• You can perform GO/±NG judgement.

IP66 ratings are the highest level of waterproof protection.

–NG: Indicates measurement result is smaller than the lower limit.
GO: Indicates measurement result is within the tolerance limits.
+NG: Indicates measurement result is larger than the upper limit.
 VERNEIR CALIPER
• Verneir calipers can measure internal dimensions (using the
uppermost jaws in the picture at right), external dimensions
using the pictured lower jaws, and depending on the
manufacturer, depth measurements by the use of a probe
that is attached to the movable head and slides along the
centre of the body.
• This instrument determines the bullet diameter and barrel
length.
 ANALYTICAL BALANCE

• This more or less determines the weight of the bullets, shots,

and pellets for possible type, caliber, and make for the firearm
from which they were fired.
• Analytical balances are very sensitive lab tools made to
precisely measure weight.
• Their readability has a range between 0.1mg - 0.01mg.
• Analytical balances have a draft shield or weighing area to stop
tiny samples from being affected by air movements.
• They are designed to detect tiny changes, so even small
vibrations or a breeze can affect the results.
• Analytical balances need to be monitored carefully and
calibrated frequently.
• Most analytical balances have automatic motorized calibration
and can also be calibrated using external weights.
What makes analytical balances different from other balances?

• Analytical balances are designed for very precise measurements of very small
samples.
• Precision balances usually have a higher capacity than analytical balances do
and typically deliver results of 0.1g, 0.01g or 1mg.
• Analytical balances have finer readability, are much more sensitive to
changes, and can detect smaller variations in mass.
• Precision balances have more variety in body style and options, but they do
not offer readabilities greater than three decimal places. For acute measurements
in labs, analytical balances are the right choice.
• Unlike top-loading balances, analytical balances like the Nimbus typically have a
weighing chamber with glass doors that surround the weighing pan to protect it
from vibrations and air currents.
• The weighing pan is usually smaller than in precision balances, and can only
accommodate small samples.
Micrometer or Micrometer Caliper

• It is an instrument for making precise linear measurements

of dimensions such as diameters, thicknesses, and lengths
of solid bodies;
• It consists of a C-shaped frame with a movable jaw
operated by an integral screw.
• The fineness of the measurement that can be made
depends on the lead of the screw i.e., the amount the
spindle moves toward or away from the anvil in one
revolution and the means provided for indicating fractional
parts of a revolution.
• The accuracy of the measurements depends on the
accuracy of the screw-nut combination.
 Taper Gauges
• Used for determining the diameter of the bore of the
firearms.
• Is a measuring tool that measures sizes such as the
width of gaps and grooves, hole diameter, and pipe inner
diameter.
• They can make accurate measurements with a scale of
0.05 mm from 1 to 60 mm.
• A taper gauge has a case or cap made of brass or
polycarbonate for easy carrying, so many types can
easily fit in the breast pocket.
• There is a type that can be measured just by inserting it
and a type that can be used when the scale cannot be
checked from the top.
• There are also compact bench centers that can measure
the amount of eccentricity of precision shafts, round work
pieces and precision gears, etc.
 Onoscope

• A small instrument that is sometimes

used in examining the internal surface
of the gun barrel with a tiny lamp at the
terminal portion and this is inserted
inside the bore for internal examination.
 Helixometer
• A tubular instrument in which an electric
light and a prism and lens system enable
visual examination of a small-arms bore (as
in criminal investigation) and it is for
measuring the pitch of the rifling.
• The pitch of rifling is the distance advanced
by the rifling in one complete turn or a
distance traveled by the bullet in one
complete turn.
 Chronograph

• A ballistic chronograph or gun chronograph is a measuring

instrument used to measure the velocity of a projectile in
flight, typically fired from a gun or other firearm.
Shadowgraph

• A photographic image
produced on a
radiosensitive surface by
radiation other than visible
light (especially by X-rays
or gamma rays)
 Summary
Forensic ballistics involves the examination of evidence from
firearms that may have been used in a crime. When a bullet is
fired from a gun, the gun leaves microscopic marks on the bullet
and cartridge case. These marks are like ballistic fingerprints. If
investigators recover bullets from a crime scene, forensic
examiners can test-fire a suspect's gun, then compare the marks
on the crime scene bullet to marks on the test-fired bullet. The
examiner will then assess how similar the two sets of marks are
and determine if the bullets are likely to have been fired from the
same gun or different guns. Cartridge cases are compared in the
same way.
CHAPTER 9
 INTRODUCTION
- This basic crime scene investigation plan
provides a detailed plan of activities in the
form of crime scene processing, fingerprint
identification, and forensic imaging to
department entities and other agencies. The
Goals
goals and objectives of the Crime Scene
Investigations units are the collection,
preservation, packaging, transportation, and
documentation of physical evidence left at the
 INVESTIGATION PLAN
Refers to the wide variety of concept in
gathering evidence. It id also a detailed plan
of activities in the form of crime scene
processing, fingerprint identification,
Goals and
forensic imaging to department entities and
other agencies conducted by the task group.
 ESTABLISHING A CRIME SCENE
In order for an officer of the law to
establish a crime scene he or she must
know what a crime scene is simply put a
crime scene is a location atGoals which a
crime has taken place and location that
may yield physical clues as to the nature
of the crime and the person or persons
 SECURING THE SCENE
Once a police officer has
determined the area to be regarded as
a crime scene he or she must make it
in accessible to all but authorized
Goals
personnel such as other police officers,
Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO) and a
police doctor or pathologist.
 PROTECTING EVEIDENCE
If the crime scene is located outside
then the officer may find it necessary to
place a cloth or waterproof sheeting over
anything that he or she might consider to
be evidence. It is also importantGoals
to note at
this point that anything can be evidence
from the largest item to the smallest thing
such as a cigarette end or piece of tissue.
 PROTECTING THE SCENE
It is of the utmost importance that
members of the public and press are
kept at arm's length not only to
Goals
preserve the crime scene but also to
keep details of the crime to a
minimum.
 It is of the utmost importance that members of
the public and press are kept at arm's length not
only to preserve the crime scene but also to keep
details of the crime to a minimum; too much
information in the public domain can influence the
outcome of any police investigation and can also
Goals
lead to unwanted hoax calls and false confessions.
It is important to mark out footprints and tire tracks
that may have been left by the perpetrator of a
crime and doing this can be done with tape or
• It is necessary that a corpse is examined at its
current location so that no claims of bruising or
post mortem injury can be made.
• An officer who is first on the scene is also
required to segregate any witnesses to the crime
if there are any - and make sure they are kept
away from the media. Officers areGoals
also
encouraged to make notes of strange smells or
fragrances that may not be present at the time
when the Scene of Crime Officer arrives.
 All of these things are important and can
provide vital information for Scene of Crimes
Officers when they arrive on the scene. Crime
scenes are often the most valuable resource
when it comes to evidence and as such Goalsshould
be treated with care and due attention so that
any vital clues are preserved and
uncontaminated.
 RECORDING AND PRESERVING THE
CRIME SCENE
Once a crime scene has been
established it is important that all evidence
is collated, catalogued and recorded for
Goals
further reference. This task is normally
performed by the Scenes of Crime Officer
(SOCO) and is carried out using a variety of
METHODS OF PRESERVING
AND RECORDING
EVIDENCE Goals
Evidence that is loose and perhaps lying
on the ground should be bagged up and
catalogued; each piece of evidence is
given an individual identification number
so that it can be cross- matched against
Goals
corresponding investigative reports. The
evidence is bagged in clear plastic bags,
which are sealed airtight so that no
contamination can take place.
Each of these bags is accompanied by
a 'custody chain' document; this
document is to be filled out by any
officer who wishes to use or view the
evidence. This is necessary toGoals
reduce
the loss of evidence and/or cross
contamination by individuals who
should not have contact with it.
The area is photographed in meticulous detail and
any signs of injury such as bloodstains are
marked, numbered and photographed. These
photographs are often important in the piecing
together of an event so that officers who were not
able to attend the scene can get an
understanding for how it looked. Nowadays
Goals with
the advent of technology digital technology such
as video cameras are also used to record the
nature of the scene. SOCO may also make audio
recordings as to their findings while they go.
 FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
The use of photography in the recording of a
crime scene is very important and has become a
steadfast part of the investigation process. As well
as witness statements, the reports made by
officers and other physical evidence provided by
the crime scene itself, photography Goals
is used to
provide an accurate account that cannot be
altered. Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO) are
charged with the task of recording the scene of a
THE CRIME SCENE
PHOTOGRAPHY
 The crime scene is photographed to minimize the
risk of conflicting statements and - if there is a corpse
at the scene - it too will be photographed post mortem
so that a record of how the body was found, what
position it was found in, and the nature of its mortal
injuries can be documented for later inspection. In
many cases photographic evidence is very Goals
important
for both the prosecution and defense counsels. It is
also used as a means of displaying the nature of a
crime scene to officers of an investigative team who
 HOW FORENSIC
PHOTOGRAPHY IS USED
A forensic photographer will often use numbered
indicators, which are also height indicators and these
are placed next to pieces of evidence before they are
photographed. This is used to portray height, distance
and radius especially if the crime scene is outside or
in a very enclosed space. These numbered markers
are also used to cross reference the evidence
Goals against
any reports made and often find themselves known as
'exhibits' in subsequent court proceedings. Crime
scene photographs are also used not only as a means
of evidence - but also as a blueprint for reconstructing
 Photography is also used to catalogue the series of
events, which occur from the time a corpse is found and
removed from a crime scene and taken for autopsy. The
autopsy itself is photographed so that all relevant
details as to the procedure can be recorded and that all
visible wounds are catalogued. Again while the
pathologist is performing the autopsy photographs of
Goals
the internal organs are taken so that internal injuries
can be noted; these photographs are often used in
court proceedings as a means of providing the jury with
relevant information without presenting them with too
much gore. All photographs or video taken at a crime
CHAPTER 10
 RELEVANT
JURISPRUDENCE
 Justifying
Circumstances

Self-Defense
 PEOPLE vs
G.R. No.MAGAYAC
126043, April 19, 2000

Facts: Jimmy, the victim and the accused Manuel were in a boat preparing
for night fishing when a fight occurred between the two. The altercation
was stopped but it was followed by a series of other incidents when the
two exchanged blows. The following evening, the accused was seen
carrying a long rifle. The victim was warned of the fact but while he was
trying to leave, he was shot at the right stomach. The victim, while
kneeling on the ground was repeatedly shot at the back until he died. The
accused was convicted, but upon appeal, he interposed self-defense and
questioned the appreciation of treachery which qualified the crime
committed to murder.
TREACHERY
 PEOPLE vs. ALFREDO CABANDE

G.R. No. 132747 February 8, 2000

Facts: Vicente and Victor Trinidad with his three children were on their way
to fence their property. Suddenly, apparently out of nowhere, two persons,
one of whom was appellant, blocked their way, giving Victor no choice but
to stop the jeep. Appellart the without fanfare, shot Victor despite the
latter's entreaties Cabane again mercilessly shot Victor while he was on his
knees, this time hitting him at the left temple. Meanwhile, Vicente thed to
take cover at the right side of the jeep but he too, was shot.
 Illegal Possession of
firearms
Where the arresting officer failed to present the grenade for
verification to the PNP Firearms and Explosives Unit, the
second element of the crime of illegal possession of firearms
is not proved, specifically, the lack of a license to possess the
said explosives (People v Cortez G.R. No. 131619-20 February
1, 2000)
 Qualified Illegal Possession of Firearms
vis-a vis Murder
Where an accused uses an unlicensed firearm in committing homicide or murder,
he may no longer be charged with what used to be the two separate offenses of
homicide or murder under the Revised Penal Code and qualified illegal possession
of firearms used in homicide or murder under P.D. No. 1866. As amended by RA.
No. 8294, P.D. No. 1866 now mandates that the accused will be prosecuted only for
the crime of homicide or murder with the fact of illegal possession of firearms
being relegated to a mere special aggravating circumstance. Thus, illegal
possession of firearms may now be said to have taken a dual personality; in its
simple form, it is an offense in itself, but when any killing attends it, illegal
possession of firearms is reduced to a mere aggravating circumstance that must
be alleged in the information in order to be appreciated in the determination of the
criminal liability of the accused. (People v Lumilan G.R. No. 102706 January 25,
2000)
GLOSSARY
 ACCESSORIES - refer to parts of a firearm which may enhance
or increase the operational efficiency or accuracy of a firearm
but will not constitute any of the major or minor internal parts
thereof such as, but not limited to, laser scope, telescopic sight
and sound suppressor or silencer.
 AMMUNITION- refers to a complete unfixed unit consisting of a
bullet, gunpowder, cartridge case and primer or loaded shell for
use in any firearm.
 ANTIQUE FIREARMS- refers to any: (1) firearm which was manufactured
at least seventy-five (75) years prior to the current date but not
including replicas; (2) firearm which is certified by the National Museum
of the Philippines to be curio or relic of museum interest; and (3) any
other firearm which derives a substantial part of its monetary value
from the fact that it is novel, rare, bizarre or because of its association
with some historical figure, period or event.
AUTHORITY TO IMPORT- refers to a document issued by the Chief of
the Philippine National Police (PNP) authorizing the importation of
firearms, or their parts, ammunition and other components.
 AUTHORIZED IMPORTER-refers to any person, legal entity,
corporation. partnership or business duly licensed by the FEO of
the PNP to engage in the business of importing ammunition and
firearms, or parts thereof into the territory of the Republic of the
Philippines for purposes of sale or distribution under the
provisions of this Act.
CONFISCATED FIREARMS- refers to a firearm that is taken into custody
by the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Drug
Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and all other law enforcement agencies
by reason of their mandate and must be necessarily reported or turned
over to the PEO of the PNP
LICENSED CITIZEN - refers to any Filipino
who complies with the qualifications set
forth in this Act and duly issued with a
license to possess or to carry firearms
outside of the residence in accordance
with this Act.
 PERSON BEHIND THE
DEVELOPMENT OF FIREARMS
AND IT'S AMMUNITION
 Col. Calvin Hooker Goddard M.D

He was the Father of Modern Ballistic, a former

US Army, forensic scientist, an army officer,
academic researcher and pioneer in forensic
ballistics in 1925. He wrote an article for the
Army ordinance titled "Forensic Ballistics. In
which he describe the use of the comparison
microscope regarding firearms investigation.
Generally created with the conception of the
term "Forensic Ballistic, though he later admitted
it to be an adequate name for the science.
 Elephalet Remington II

He was bom in October 28, 1793He created the first

solid-steel rilles in America and the first breach-
loading guns. Remington weapons became extremely
popular during the Civil War. One of the first rifle
makers Designer of the Remington ifle who founded
Remington Arms, which was at one time the oldest
manufacturer in North America, Before Fame he lacked
the money to buy a new nfle, so he made one in his
metal shops and discovered it was even better than
store models. The founder what is now known as the
Remington Arms Co., LLC.
 Henry Deringer

He was born in Easton, Pennsylvania on

October 26, 1786. He was an American
gunsmith. He is best known for inventing
and giving his name to whole class of
firearms, rifles and pistol. He produced
the Model 1814 Common Rifle and the
Model 1817 Common Rifle. He produced
trade rifles, designated for the Native
American tribes, to fulfill the U.S. treaty
obligations. His specialties became fine
sporting rifles and dueling pistols.
THANK YOU