FORENSIC BALLISTIC

THE EVALUATION OF FIREARMS

MAN BEHIND FIREARMS
1. *JOHN M. BROWNING - Wizard of the modern firearms and pioneered the
breech loading single shot rifled which was adopted by Winchester.

2. *SAMUEL COLT - Patented the first practical revolver and maker of the colt
peace Maker, a famous revolver in the history.

3. *ALEXANDER JOHN FORSYTH - Father of the percussion powder.

4. HENRY DERINGER - Gave him name to a whole class of Rifles and Pistols.

5. *MAJOR UZIEL GAL - An Israeli army who designed UZI (Israel) in the year
1950.

6. *COL. CALVIN H GODDARD - Father of Modern Ballistics. ( Modern Ballistics

means the bullet microscopic comparison).

7. *JOHN C. GARAND - Designed and invented the Semi-Automatic U.S. Rifle

cal. 30. M1 Garand.

8. GEORGE HYDE - A well-known expert in the field of SMG, (a.k.a. grease gun)
developed in 1941. M3A1 (USA)

9. GORDON INGRAMS - Invented the Ingrams (USA).

10.*MICHAEL KALASHNIKOV - Designed the AK (Automat Kalashnikovs) 47

(Soviet Union) adopted by the Russian Army in the year 1951.

11.GEORGE LUGER - Designed the Luger MPO8 (Germany)

12.JOHN WOLFE MARLIN - Founder of the Marlin Firearms Company.

13.PETER PAUL MAUSER - Invented and designed Mauser M1912 (Germany)

14.JAMES WOLFE RIFLEY - Stimulated the development of the model 1855 rifle

15.ELIPHALET REMINGTON - One of the early rifle maker.

16.ELISHA KING ROOT - Designed the Machinery for making Colt firearms.

17.*HORACE SMITH - Founded the great firm of Smith and Wesson and
pioneered in making breech loading rifles.

18.*EUGENE STONER - Designed the U.S. M16 Armalite under licensed by Colt
Company from July 1959.
19.L.C. SMITH - Developed shotgun bearing his name now the Ithaca Gun
Company.

20.*JOHN T. THOMPSON - Developed in the course of WW1 the Thompson

M1A1 and model of 1928 A1 (USA). Pioneered the making of Thompson sub-
machine gun.

21.DANIEL B. WESSON - Associates of Horace Smith in the making of revolver.

22. *DAVID “CARBINE” WILLIAMS - Maker of the first known Carbine.

23. CARL WALTER - Designed Walther MP38

24. OLIVER WINCHESTER - One of the u rifle and pistol maker.

IMPORTANT DATES IN THE EVOLUTION OF FIREARMS

 1242 A.D.
Roger Bacon published the “De Mirabili Potestate Artis et Nature”
(On the Marvelous Power of Arts and Nature), which noted the Black
Powder Formula.
 1200
Roman candle. A hollow tube, strengthened with wire or shrunken
rawhides, and loaded with alternate charges of powder and balls of
tallow wrapped in cloth. It is ignited at the muzzle. Chinese reference
used of Roman Candle is said to be at mid of 1200’s.
 1326 A.D.
The f authenticated illustration of gun powder used to hurl projectile in
cannons was demonstrated in Walter De Milimete’s manuscript. In
the same period “The Metrical Life of Robert the Bruce” by John
Barbour also indicates the used of cannon by Edward III at Crecy.
Although not completely authenticated.
 1343 A.D.
Cannon locks were used in military as depicted in the Italian Frescoes
by Neri.
 CODEX GERMANICUS 600
Translates “Directions for Preparation of Gun Powder”. How to load
the gun and discharge them.

 1450
The evolution of the Match Lock Ignition.
 1450 – 1500
Serpentine Lock was used to modified the Conventional Match
Lock, using an
S – shaped instead of C – shaped piece with the bottom portion serve as
the trigger.
 1469
 A drawing from an English manuscript showed a “ribauldegium”, a
multi charged cannon lock weapon
 1498
Introduction of rifling and sights became better and breech loaders were
attempted although never succeeded yet even multi shots arms due to
lack of good ignition system.
 1500’s
The development of the Wheel Lock, operated in the same principle as
the modern-day cigarette lighter. At mid of 1500’s, “snaphaunce” was
developed.
 1575
Paper Cartridge was developed. Ball and powder charged were
wrapped in chemically treated paper to allow the carrying of numerous
pre-measures charges or preloaded rounds.
 1750
The development of Breech-Loading Firearms leading to the making
of FERGUSON RIFLE of Major Patrick Ferguson COLLIER Rifle, which
is a flint lock repeating rifle operated on a revolving principles and, the
HALL Rifle patented in 1811 by Col. John Hall and was the first
breechloader adopted by the U.S. Army
 1805
The Percussion System. Alexander John Forsyth discovered a
compound that would ignite upon blow they would ignite the powder
charge. In 1840, it replaces the flintlock ignition and was adopted in 1838
by the British and in 1842 by the American.
 1835
The first real cartridge was developed; THE FLOBERT CAP. Same as the
BB and was considered the forerunner of 22. Short Cartridge.
Samuel Colt patented the first revolver and marketed in 1872 a breech
loading revolver.
 1836
Pin Fire Cartridge was developed by Le Faucheux. A much real pin fire
cartridge was also developed in the same year by Houiller.
 1845
Rim Fire Cartridge, Flobert developed the BB (Bullet Breech) cap,
which was considered the forerunner of the .22 cal. cartridge. In the
same year, New Havens Arms Company owned by Oliver F. Winchester,
through the effort of Tyler Henry developed a .44 cal rim fire cartridge of
Henry Rifle.
 1846
Smokeless Powder was discovered. It was used in shotgun first in the
year 1864 by Capt. Eschultze of Prussian Army and in Rifle by the year
1884 by M. Vieille of France.
 1857
The first patent grant on a center fire cartridge was issued in France.
Later developed the Snider Conversation. The Morse Cartridge was
also developed.
 1873
Colt Peace Maker, model 1873, 45 cal. The most famous revolver in
history and legend was manufactured.
  1884
Automatic Machine Gun, Hiram Maxim developed the first fully
automatic gun.
 1937
M1 Garand was adopted by the American.
 1960
Bill Ruger produced his Ruger single shot, which was followed by Clerke’s
design and Christian Sharp’s doppring block system, one of the earliest
and most successful of the breech loading designs. The Christian Sharp’s
design is where the term “sharpshooters” was derived.

What is Ballistics?
 Ballistics is the science of the motion of the projectile and the condition that
affects their motion
 It is a science for it is an orderly arranged knowledge, which is a product of
series of experimentation, observation, and testing.
 Ballistics is not an exact science rather it is applied physics or applied science,
which is subject to change and improvement depending upon the demands of
the modern civilizations.
 Ballistics is better to be described as an applied physics for it study the motions
of projectile such as its velocity, trajectory, approximate range, power resistance
to air and other circumstances that will affect its travel.
 Initially, it was studied not for the purpose of identifying firearms and
ammunition in relation to a certain crime rather it was earlier studied mainly for
its manufacture, for industry.
 Gun makers continuously study and innovate on how to effectively propel a
projectile through the use of firearms from an ordinary single shot to automatic
one.
 It was only later that its significance in determining cases through identification
of ammunition that Ballistics was finally applied in the administration of justice
especially on cases involving firearms.

WHAT IS MOTION?
 Refers to the mobility or movement of the projectile from the time it
leaves the shell empty. It leaves the gun muzzle and until it reaches its
target or fall the ground.

WHAT IS PROJECTILE?
 Is any metallic or non – metallic ball which is propelled from a firearm
 It motion can be categorized into three general types.
1. Direct Motion
Is the forwarded motion of the bullet or shots out of the shell by the action of
the expansive force of gases from a burning gunpowder.
2. Rotary Motion
Is the action of the bullet passing through a riffled bore barrel firearm which is
either twisted to the left or to the right.
 3. Translation
Is the action of bullet once it hits a target and subsequently ricocheted.
Ricocheted – bouncing of bullet as a result of not penetrating or hitting
the object

ORIGIN OF THE WORD BALLISTICS

 The word Ballistics was derived from two Greek words. The word “ballo” and the
word “ballein” literally means “throw”.
 The term also said to have been derived from the Roman war machine called
“Ballista”, a gigantic catapult that was used to throw missiles or large object at
distance like stone, dead animal, or even dead person.
WHAT ARE THE BRANCHES OF BALLISTICS?
 The study of ballistics in the early age is divided into (3) three Divisions:
INTERNAL BALLISTICS, EXTERIOR OR EXTERNAL BALLISTICS AND TERMINAL
BALLISTICS.
 From the time the gun was fired until it reaches the target and have maximum
effect.
 At present, ballistics is a branches into (4) four and this is due to its subsequent
used in solving firearms and ammunition which is termed as FORENSIC
BALLISTICS.
BRANCHES OF BALLISTICS.
1. INTERIOR (INTERNAL) BALLISTICS
It treats of the motion of the projectile while it is still inside the firearm
(chamber/barrel) which extends from the breech to the muzzle. The conditions
attributed to internal ballistics are as follows
A. FINGER PIN HITTING THE PRIMER
Upon the squeeze of the trigger, the hammer will be released which cause
the firing to be pushed and hit the base portion of the cartridge.
B. IGNITION OF THE PRIMING MIXTURE.
The priming mixture (composing of the KCLO3, surlfur and carbon) located
either at the cavity rim or at the center of the primer upon the striking effect
of the firing pin will ignites and such action is known as “Percussion Action”.
C. COMBUSTION OF THE GUNPOWDER/POWDER CHARGE
PROPELLANT.
After ignition of the priming mixture, the ignition will be imparted to the
gunpowder by passing through, he event, or flash hole thus burning the gun
powder and converts it into an expanded hot gas.
D. EXPANSION OF HEATED GAS
Powder charge once burned will be converted into a heated gas, which has a
more elastic property for its particles are far apart, this will then fill the
entire container (shell).
E. PRESURE DEVELOPED.
Outward push of the gasses to the burned powder pressure is developed die
to the great amount of gas that is expanding within the shell causing the
withdrawal of the bullet from the shell.
F. ENERGY GENERATED
Is the measure of force in foot – pound necessary for an action.
G. RECOIL OF THE GUN
 Is the equal and opposite reaction of the gun against the forward movement
of the bullet upon explosion. The backward or rearward movement of the
gun in relation to the forward movement of the bullet may be divided into
two divisions:
First, which occur while the bullet is still inside the barrel, and which is
relatively in intensity.
Second, which occurs just after the bullet leaved the muzzle of the gun
and this is a much violent backward impulse when the hot gasses rush up-
out of the muzzle and set against the gun. Another reason and which of the
greatest influence in the recoil of the gun is has something to do with the
firing mechanism of the gun such as the gas operated, recoil operated
and the blowback type.
Among the (3) three it is the blowback type that has the lesser
recoil, and this can be observed in pistol.
Jump is another portion of recoil action characterized as the backward
and upward movement of the takes place before the bullet leaves the muzzle

H. VELOCITY OF THE BULLET INSIDE THE BARREL.

It is the relative speed of the bullet per unit of time while it is still inside the
barrel expressed in feet per second.
I. mOF THE BULLET INSIDE THE BARREL
It refers to the twist of the bullet caused by the cylindrical grooved portion of
the barrel of most firearms.
J. ENGRAVING OF THE CYLINDRICAL SURFACE OF THE BULLET.
Once the bullet passed though the barrel of any firearm whether rifled or not
will leave its mark to the cylindrical surface of the bullet serving as its
thumbprints.

2. EXTERIOR (EXTERNAL) BALLISTICS.

Treats of the attributes or movement of the projectile after leaving the gun
muzzle.
A. MUZZLE BLAST.
Is the noise created at the muzzle point of the gun due to the sudden
escape of the expanding gas and its contact with the air?
B. MUZZLE ENERGY.
Energy generated at the muzzle point measured in foot-pound.
C. TRAJECTORY
Refers to the parabola-like flight of the projectile from the time it leaves the
muzzle until it hits the target. It is also described as the actual curve path
taken by a bullet during its flight from the gun muzzle to the target. It has
(3) three stages; the straight travel, the curving of the bullet, and its drop to
the ground due to its weight.
D. RANGE.
Refers to the imaginary straight distance between the muzzle of the gun and
the target.
D.1. ACCURATE RANGE
The distance within which the shooter or gunner has control of his shots.
D.2. EFFECTIVE RANGE
 This distance within which when the bullet was fired it is still capable of
inflicting fatal injury.
D.3. MAXIMUM RANGE.
The distance that a projectile can be propelled from a firearm. The farthest
distance the bullet could travel.
E. VELOCITY.
Refers to the rate of speed of the bullet (during its flight) per unit of time
usually express is feet per second (ft/sec.).
F. PULL OF GRAVITY.
It is the downward reaction of the bullet towards the earth surface due to its
weight.
G. AIR RESISTANCE.
Refers to the force of the air encounter by the bullet in its flight.

3. TERMINAL BALLISTICS.
Is the branch of Ballistics which deal with the effect of the impact of the
projectile on the target.
A. TERMINAL ACCURACY.
It refers to the size of the bullet grouping on the target.
B. TERMINAL ENERGY.
Is the energy or force of the projectile when it strikes the target same as
striking energy.
C. TERMINAL VELOCITY.
Is the speed of the bullet upon striking the target.
D. TERMINAL PENETRATION
Is the depth of entry of the bullet in the target.

4. FORENSIC BALLISTICS.
 This branch of ballistics is the product of the application of the ballistics
to law.
 The idea comes with the used of the word forensic
 The word forensic was derived from the Latin “forum” meaning “market
place” where people gathered for public disputation or public discussion.
 When used in connection with the word ballistics or other natural science,
it suggest a relationship to the counts of justice or legal; proceedings.
FORENSIC BALLISTICS.
Is the defined as the study of the motion of the projectile as applied to law or
simply the science of firearm identification by means of ammunition fired through the
gun.
SCOPE OF FORENSIC BALLISTICS.
1. FIELD INVESTIGATION
 This is the work of the first officer on the case on the filed.
 It is primary a routine job of an investigating officer.
 Such work includes recognition, collection, markings, prevention, packing
and transmittal of ballistics exhibits.
  In the present practice in cases of highly sensational case or big case are
involved the investigator on case may seek the assistance of the Scene of
the Crime Operation (SOCO).
 But everything that will be undertaken by the SOCO shall properly be
coordinated to the investigator on case.

2. BALLISTICS TECHNICAL EXAMINATION OF THE EXHIBITS.

 This is the job being performed by a firearm identification examiner in
the laboratory.
 It is extended to markings of evidences, test – firing (to obtain test
bullets and test shells for comparison), photomicrography under the
bullet comparison microscope, preparation of the comparative chart, and
final reports on the fingers and observations of the firearms examiners.

3. LEGAL PROCEEDING.
 It is the most critical part in the field of firearm identification for herein
the examiner will go to court and testify as an expert witness regarding
the ballistics report the had prepared as well as the ballistics exhibits
which he has examined in the laboratory.
*propellant/ propelled – gun powder that will affect the projectile of
bullet.
* ammunition – loaded shell for rifles, muskets etc, or other missiles that
can be fired by means of gunpowder or other explosives.
*bullet – projectile propelled through the barrel of a firearm by means of
expansive force gasses coming from burning gun powder.
*Cartridge case – tubular metallic container for the gunpowder, “shell” or
“casing”.
*gun powder – powder charge which when ignited by the primer flash, is
converted to heated gas under high pressure and propels the bullet or shots
charge through barrel and to the target, “ propellant” or “powder
charge”.
*primer – metal cup containing the highly sensitive priming mixture od
chemical compound, which when hit or struck by the firing pin would ignite
such action and called “ percussion action”

WHAT IS FIREARM?
LEGAL DEFINITION OF FIREARM
 Firearms or arms as herein used, includes rifle, muskets, carbines,
shotgun, pistol, revolvers, and all other deadly weapons, to which a
bullet, ball shot, shell, or other missiles maybe discharge b means of gun
powder or other explosives.
 This term also includes air rifle, except such of being of small caliber and
limited range used as toys. The barrel of any firearm shall be considered
a complete firearm for all purposes hereof. (Sec. 877 Revised
Administrative Code / Sec. 290 National Internal Revenue Code)
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Firearms is an instrument used for the propulsion of projectile by means of the
expansive force gases coming from burning gunpowder (FBI Manual of Firearms
Identification)
CLASSES OF FIREARMS
A. Two General Classification of Firearms (According to Interior Barrel
Construction)
1. Smooth Bore Firearms
Firearms that have no rifling (land and grooves) inside their gun barrel
Ex. Shotguns and Muskets.
Gyroscopic Action
- the stillness or the steadiness of the bullet in flight ( straight travel in
flight).
2. Rifled Bore Firearms
Firearms that have rifling inside their gun barrel
Ex. Pistols, Revolvers, and other modern weapons.

B. Main Types of Firearms (According to the Caliber of the Projectile Propelled)

1. Artillery
Refers to those type of firearms that propels projectile with more than one
inch diameter. Ex. Cannons, Mortars, and Bazzokas.
2. Small Arms
Are firearms that propels projectile with less than one inch diameter and it
can be handled, moved, and operated by one man.
Ex. Machine Gun, shoulder arms and handguns.

2.1.1 Machine Guns.

Machine gun is a type of firearm that primarily designed for
military use. Ever in investigation of shooting cases done in the
city, it is not usual or common to encounter this type of firearm
having been used. It can be grouped in three general types

THREE GENERAL TYPES:

A. RECOIL – OPERATED
A type of machine gun devised with a recoil spring that is responsible for forcing
the breech block to move forward causing another cartridge to be loaded only
after the breech block moves rearward and empty shell is extracted upon firing.
B. GAS – OPERATED
Is a type of machine gun equipped with gas part at the anterior portion of the
barrel. When a cartridge is fire, and the bullet reach the gas part some high –
pressure gas will move to the gas cylinder causing piston to move to the near
moving or pulling the breech block to the rear. At this time, the pressure in the
 chamber has dropped to safe limits and the position by the action of the spring
around the piston.
C. COMBINED RECOIL AND GAS – OPERATED. (Combination of Recoil
and Gas-Operated)
In this type of machine gun, the gas operation merely serve to unlock the
breech block by the pressure moving to the gas port, passing through a stud.
Once this is completed, recoil action caused the breech block to move rearward
and completed the opening cycle. The spring will return the various parts to
their closed position and cycle will be repeated for the next shot.
*A breechblock (or breech block) is the part of the firearm action that
closes the breech of a breech loading weapon before or at the moment of
firing.

SUB MACHINE GUN

Is a light, portable form of machine gun, utilizing a pistol ammunition,
having a shoulder stock that may or may not be folded and designed to be fired with
both hands. Basically, there are two types of this firearm according to mechanism.

1. Is having a bolt operated by trigger sear causing the cartridge to be fired in

open bolt and other is fired with a closed bolt.

2. Shoulder Arms
Shoulder Arms are those types of firearms that were normally fired from
the shoulder.
Rifles – A shoulder weapon design to fire a projectile with more accuracy
through a long-rifled bore barrel, usually more that 22 inches. Just like any
other type of gun, rifles appear in various .
1. Single Shot Rifle
This is the simplest and yet of many types. Some with breech block opened
by means of a lever, chamber feed type, breech block opened and closed by
hand etc.
2. Repeating Rifle
A type of rifle loaded with several cartridges at one time and carries and
cartridge into the chamber when it is ready to be fired, rather than for the
shooter to do it by hand. This can be further divided into: Bolt Action
Type, Lever Action Type, Slide Action Type and Automatic Action
Type.
TYPES OF REPEATING RIFLES.
1. BOLT ACTION TYPE
 Bolt – action type may appear as either turning bolt or a straight – pull
bolt type.
 The turning bolt types is manipulated by turning the bolt handle first
upward making the bolt in an unlocked position before pulling the handle
to open the chamber causing the cartridge to be exposed and be ready
for another loading and closing before firing.
 The straight full action type as its name implies, the bolt is directly pulled
on the rear without being turned.
  The chamber will open; loading will follow and then closed again before
firing. The Swiss army called Schmidt – Rubin is a good example of this
type.

2. LEVER TYPE
 The name was derived from its manipulation system. It is operated by
downward – forward movement, first of by the lever by hand, causing
opening, cocking and placing of the cartridge in its position for loading.
 After which the lever is pull back to closed position moving the cartridge
to the chamber and putting the breech block in place, ready for firing.
Ex. Winchester Model 91

3. SLIDE ACTION TYPE

 In this type, a box type magazine is being attached and removed every
time that loading and unloading is desired.
 The operation is imply done by pulling the slide backward to open the
breech and forward to move the cartridge from the magazine to the
chamber at the same time cocks the hammer and locks the breechblock.
Ex. Remington Model 700

4. AUTOMATIC TYPE
 It is a type of rifle in which firing can be made continuously by a single
press of the trigger and while the trigger is pressed.
 Firing will only be stop either by the action of the gunner or when
cartridges are all used.
CARBINE
 A short barrel rifle, with its barrel, measuring
not longer than 22 inches.
 It fires a single projectile though a rifle – bore either
semi – automatic or fully automatic, for every press of the trigger.
MUSKETS
 Is an ancient smooth bore and muzzle loading military shoulder arms designed
to fire a shots or a single round lead ball.
SHOTGUN
 A smooth bore and breech loading shoulder arms designed to fire a number of
lead pellets or a shots in one charge. (FBA Manual).
 A shotgun operates almost exactly in the same way as another rifle.
 It only differs in some extent such as the interior barrel construction.
 Generally, all shotgun are equipped with a smooth bore barrel designed to fire a
number of lead pellets in a single charge.

1. SINGLE BARRELED SHOTGUN

 Similar to a single short rifle, it is loaded with a
single shotgun cartridge, closed and fired to be reloaded
manually by the shooter. This is common in a break type,
breech – loading shotgun.

2. DOUBLE BARRELED SHOTGUN

 Appears in different variation defending on the
barrel position.
 There are double barreled shotgun position side by
Side, one over the other (over/under shotgun).
 With individual trigger pull or with single triggerpull causing two hammer
and firing pin to fire
at same time.

3. PUMP ACTION SHOTGUN

 Also known by the name “slide action” type. In this type of a shotgun
the hammer is completely built inside the receiver, which makes it
unexposed thus, making at known also as “hammerless shotgun”.
Operation is done by back and fort manipulation of the slide by the
shooter.

4. AUTO – LOADING SHOTGUN

 This type of shotgun has a mechanism similar to auto – loading or elf
loading rifles that permits reloading by the action of the recoil without the
shooter taking added effort.
 The barrel construction of shotgun may also be found in different bore
construction
 There are so called cylinder bore type in which the bore is the same
through out the barrel and the other designed with a diminishing or
reducing bore diameter type towards the muzzle.
 This type is designed to cause and effect to the
travel of the shots.
 It makes the shots travel longer before it spreads.
 This type of shotgun is otherwise known as
“choke bore” gun.
  Still in a very rare occasions another type of
shotgun can be observed to be having rifling
only a few inch from its muzzle points.
Such type is known as the “paradox gun”.

2.3 HANDGUNS
 Those type of firearms that are designed or intended to be fired using
one had.
Ex. Pistol and Revolvers.

PISTOL
In early firearm history, all handguns are generally called as pistols. There were
three classes of pistols in the period. The single shot pistol, the semi – automatic, and
the revolving pistols now known as the revolver.
*It called pistol because of sliding mechanism.

 The Single Shot Pistol

Operated by depressing the lever causing the barrel to be unlatched and
tipped upward. In this position the cartridge is inserted to the chamber
and locked. The hammer is pulled rearward to cocked and ready fire.
*unlaunched means mabuksan.
 The Semi – Automatic Pistol
Is the type of pistol most common in existence. This is loaded through
the magazine , a slide action is taken to the first load cartridge to the
chamber, upon firing the empty shell will be extracted and ejected from
the firearm at the same time another cartridge is automatically load to
the chamber without the gunner exerting additional effort. Thus, firing
can be made successively for every press of the trigger without again
reloading.

REVOLVER (it is called revolver because of cylindrical surface)

 Revolver is a type of firearm designed to position cartridge into position
for firing with the aid of a rotating cylinder serving as its chamber
(rotating either clockwise or counter-clockwise).
 There are two types of revolvers according to its mechanical firing
action. They are the single action.
 A type of revolver that needs a manual cocking of the hammer before
squeezing the trigger and the other is double action, a type of revolver
that does not need manual cocking.
 Just press the trigger and it both cocked and released the hammer
causing a much faster firing.
 Another classification of revolver is according to its construction for
loading and unloading.
 They are Ejection Rod Types. Considered as the oldest classification. It
is loaded by an opened hinged gate at the left side of the gun exposing
the chamber and cartridge are loaded one a time while rotating the
cylinder.
 After firing, a rod at the bottom or under the barrel is push to the rear to
the chamber as the cylinder is again revolved by hand.
  Another type of this Ejection Rod is one that has pin through the center
of the cylinder that is responsible for the complete removal of the
cylinder for loading and unloading.
 The second type is the Break Open Type. Having a barrel and
cyinder hinged with a latch holding the barrel in place when in a firing
position. Loading is done by swing down of the barrel is returned to its
position for firing. The same thing is observed in unloading the gun.
 The third type is Solid Frame Revolver. Cylinder swings out with an
ejector just as the break open in removing the cartridge case, although
the operation is by pushing the extension rod to the rear to unlock and
swing out the cylinder.

C. Types of firearms (according of s construction)

1. SINGLE SHOT FIREARMS = types of firearms deigned to fire only one shot every
loading.
Examples: Single shot pistols, Revolvers and shotguns.
2. REPEATING ARMS= A type of firearms designed to fire several loads (shot) in one
loading.
Examples: Automatic pistols revolvers rifles and shotguns
3. AUTOMATIC F/A= TYPE of firearms that constitutes a continuous firing in a
single press of the trigger and while the trigger is press.
Examples: Machine guns and rifles
4. SLIDE ACTION TYPE= types of firearms in which loading take place by back-and-
forth manipulation of the under/over forearms of the gun.
Examples: shotgun and pistols
5. BOLT ACTION TYPE = Type of firearms in which reloading takes place by
manipulating the both back and forth.
Examples: Rifles, shotguns and machine guns.
6. LEVER TYPE BREAK TYPE) = loading takes place by leaver action on the
firearms.
Examples: Rifles and shotguns

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS

ADVANTAGES OF REVOLVER
1. It is an old standard weapon that its operation is common and almost everyone
knows how to handle it.
2. Safer for inexperienced users to handle and carry than an automatic pistol.
3. Its mechanism allows the trigger pull to be better than an average automatic
pistol
4. A misfire does not put a revolver out of action
 5. It will handle satisfactorily old and new or partially deteriorated ammunition,
which gives a reduced velocity that would jam an averaged pistol
*deteriorated ammunition – sa katagalan or tandaan.

DISADVANTAGES OF REVOLVER
1. It is more bulky to carry than an automatic pistol.
2. Its grip or handle is generally not as good as than pistol.
3. It is slower to load.
4. It is harder to replace worn out or broken part it is factory job.
5. It is hard to clean.
6. Worn out or poor made weapon is subject to variable accuracy due to
improper lining of cylinder.
*In terms of alignment there is a problem in barrel to cylindrical
ADVANTAGES OF PISTOL
1. It has a better grip – the points naturally.
2. It is more compact for the same firing power.
3. It is easier to load than a revolver (because of the magazine)
4. In case of worn out or corroded barrel, a new can be put in at a little
expense without sending the gun to the factory.
5. It gives greater number of shots that a revolver (7plus 1)
6. It is easier to clean than a revolver.
7. It gives greater firing power and greater case of firing.
8. There is no gas leakage in its operation.
DISADVANTAGES OF PISTOL
1. Ammunition must be perfect otherwise; a jam might experience.
2. A misfire stops the functioning of the gun.
3. When kept loaded for long time, the magazine spring is under tension and may
deteriorate and cause problems.
4. It cannot use blank or reduce loads.
5. It is as poorer trigger pull.
6. The magazine requires a jacketed bullet, which is not as good for practical
use.
7. More dangerous to handle and fire.
8. It is not adopted to reloading.
9. Its mechanism ejects empty shell towards the face of the shooter causing
flinching
10.It throws out empty shells on the ground to remain bree.
11.It cannot be fired from the pocket without jamming.
 NOMECLATURE OF FIREARMS AND ITS FUNCTIONS
1. BARREL – Initiates the part of the bullet
2. BOLT – Disengages center pin from allow opening of cylinder and blocks
hammer.
3. CENTER PIN – Serves as locking device for the cylinder.
4. CENTER PIN SPRING – Holds the center pin in a locked position.
5. CYLINDER – Serves as chamber and magazine (for revolver).
6. CYLINDER NOTCH – Helps hold cylinder in the place and aligned for ready
firing.
7. CYLINDER STOP – Stop and holds the cylinder in alignment for firing.
8. DOUBLE ACTION SEAR – Built into weapon to allow double action firing. (for
pistol)
9. EXTRACTOR – Pulls the empty shells to the cylinder simultaneously.
10.FRAME – Houses the internal parts.
11.HAND (PAWL) – Rotates the cylinder when the hammer is locked.
12.HAMMER – Strikes the blow that initiated or ignites primer.
13.HAMMER BLOCK – Safety device that prevents hammer blows from the
primer.
14.MAIN SPRING – Provides energy to the hammer to activate firing mechanism.
15.RATCHET – Helps the withdrawal of the cartridge or shells to the chambers of
the cylinder.
16.REBOUND SLIDE – Returns trigger, activates hammer block, and locked
hammer.
17.SIDE PLATE – Provides access from the internal parts.
18.SIDE PLATE SCREWS – Holds the side plate and yoke in place.
19.STRAIN SCREWS – Controls tension on the mainspring
20.THUMB LATCH – Actuates the bolt from release the cylinder.
21.TRIGGER – Activates the part necessary to fire the weapon.
22.TIGGER GUARD – Guard the trigger to unnecessary action to avoid accidental
firing.
23.TRIGGER SPRING – Provides energy from return movement or rebound slide.
24.TRIGGER LEVEL – Contact rebound slide to return trigger forward.
25.TRIGGER STOP – Prevents excessive rearward movement after hammer
release.
26.YOKE – Pivot connection between the frame and cylinder.

MISCELLANEOUS TYPES OF GUN

(Assorted types of guns to disguise)
1. CANE GUN, KNIFE PISTOLS, CELLPHONE GUN, ETC.
Devices principally designed for other purpose to which a gun mechanism
or incorporated also called as Freakish Gun- kakaiba na designed na barrel
and the purpose is to disguise)
2. FLARE GUN
Designed for tracing or sending signals or locating enemy troops.
3. GAS GUN
Generally referring to all gun designed from firing gas.
4. HARPOON GUN
Refers to a barbed spear in hunting large fish.

5. LIBERATOR
U.S. Government made smooth bore gun sued in Europe during war
designed to fire an automatic colt pistol cartridge caliber 45. -
6. MULTI – BARRELED GUN
Refers to all types of gun containing a number of barrels.
7. PARADOX GUN
A type of gun which contains lands and grooves a few inch from the
muzzle point.
8. TOOLS
Are those device which resembles a gun designed but are generally used
for construction of furniture.
9. TRAPS
Refers to gun used for trapping animals that are fired to woods.
 AMMUNITION
Legal Definition
 Refers to loaded shell for riffles, muskets, combine, shotgun, revolvers
and pistols from which a ball, shot shell or other missiles maybe / fired
by means of gun powder or other explosive.
 The Term also includes ammunition for air rifles as mentioned elsewhere in the
code.( Chapter VII, Sec. 290 of NIRC as well as Sec 877 RAC)
Technical Definition
 Refers to a group of cartridge or to a single cartridge.
 Cartridge is a complete unfired unit consisting of bullet (ball), primer
(cap), cartridge case (shell) and gunpowder (propellant).
Origin
 The word cartridge was derived from the Latin word "Charta' meaning-
a "paper" and also from French word “Cartouche" meaning a rolled
paper.
 This only indicates that the first type of cartridge was made up of a rolled
paper.
 It was about the turn of the 16th century that the term 'cartridge" comes to use

A. GENERAL TYPES OF AMMUNITION (FIG.6)

A. Dummy
- -A type of ammunition. It is a very carefully made replica cartridge,
usually of tool steel and carefully dimensioned to be used by
weapons instructor, inspector and repairman when checking the
functioning of weapons.
B. Drill Ammunition
- This type of ammunition is completely inert, without an explosive and
use in mill training to practice loading and manipulation of the gun.
- Sometimes called "dummy" although in the strict sense there is a
difference.
C. Black Ammunition
 a cartridge without a bullet, containing gunpowder that is designed
to generate a loud noise to indicate firing. This cartridge is used for
theatrical performances or filming. /Training dogs and military training.
D. Live Ammunition
 Is the term applied for complete unit of unfired cartridge.
B .CLASSIFICATION OF CARTRIDGE (Fig.7) I. According to the Location of
the Primer
a. Pin-Fire
 is a type of cartridge in which the ignition cap(primer) is concealed
inside the cartridge case and has a pin resting upon it
 The pin protrudes radially through the side and the gun chamber has a notch
for the pin to stand when loaded and it will be struck by a falling hammer
 This type of cartridge is said to have been used in France in the year
1830's in shotgun ammunition and later revolver and pistol
ammunition.
 At present, this is no longer use.
b. Rim Fire
 Is a type of cartridge in which the priming mixture is located at the
hallow rim of the case can be fired if the cartridge is tuck by the firing
pin on the rim of the case (cavity rim.)
 it may be identified easily by the smooth base of the cartridge case and which
may or may not have a head stump in imprinted on it (1860- 1880)
 At present, this type of cartridge is entirely \ confined to the col...22 short, long
or magnum.
c. Center Fire
 It refers to a cartridge in which primer cup ( ignition cap) is centrally
placed in the base of the cartridge case and the priming mixture is
exploded by the impact of the firming pin and with the support of the
anvil.
 The flame produce by the thought the vent or flash hole and which ignites and
combust the gunpowder.
 Head stamp are frequently used consisting of the design or letter imprinting on
the shell head. It sometimes contains the manufacturer or marker, the Iwo-digit
numbers.

II. ACCORDING TO RIM DIAMETER (SEE FIG.8)

a. Rimmed Case Type
 a type of cartridge in which the case has a well-defined upstanding rim
around the base or simply a cartridge with rim diameter greater
than the body diameter of the shell. A common example of this is
cal.22 and 38 cal. Used in revolver.
b. Semi-Rimmed Type
 a cartridge with a case slightly rimmed. At first look, the cartridge is
rimless form but with a closer look the rim is lightly greater than
the body diameter of the case. This was invented by John M.
Browning for an automatic pistol in 1903 for greater fit to the chamber.
Commonly seen 6.35 mm, 7.65mm and 9mm. And Browning lone
automatic pistol cartridge.
c. Rimless Type
 A type of cartridge with a case having a rim diameter equal to
diameter of the body, with an "extraction groove" cut around the
base.
 The advantage of its use is it allows the cartridge to slide magazine.
 This is commonly used in 9mm and cal. 45 pistols.
d. Rebated Type
 refers to the cartridge with rimless pattern, but which has a rim
diameter smaller than the body of the case
 It is seen in some Oerlikon 20mm cannon cartridge and later on some
custom-built sporting rifles of unusual calibers.
e. Belted Type
 A cartridge with a prominent raise belt around its body just in front of
the extraction groove. This in used for two basic purposes:
1. To position the case and the projectile accurately in the camber and
2. To strengthen the rear of the case for use with high-powered propelling
chargers.

III. ACCORDING CALIBER

 Caliber designation and their interpretation is one of the difficult factors to
explain to a layman for its inconsistence and varieties.
 In English speaking countries, the caliber of the gun or cartridge use in
expressed in one- hundredth (.01") or one thousands (.001") of an inch.
 Thus, we have cal..22 inches, 25 inches cal,.38 cal..,45 ca, etc.
 In countries using the metric system of the measurements, the caliber is
expressed in millimeters, thus we have 6.35mm, 7.62mm, 9mm, llmm etc.
 In cartridge, caliber is generally referred to the diameter of the bullet.
This is measured with the use of the calibre
Caliber in cartridges in inches and their approximate equivalent in mm and
use:
Inches MM
Cal. 22 about 5.59 mm-used in revolver, pistol and rifles
Cal. 25 about 6.35 mm-used in pistol and rifles.
Cal. 30 about 7.63 mm.-(Mauser) - for carbines and other rifles.
Cal. 30 about 7.63 mm (luger)
Cal. 32 about 7.65 mm for automatic pistols and revolvers
Cal 380 about 9 mm- used for pistols
Cal 357 used in magnum. 357 revolvers
Cal.45 about 11 mm- used in automatic pistols
Cal. 50 used in.50 cal. Machine gun

Shotgun Cartridge
 It refers to a complete unit of unfired cartridge consisting of the pallets,
primer, case wads and gunpowder (Fig.9b and 1 1).
Gauge of Shotgun
 Compare with other types of firearms, shotgun has very unique
characteristics in terms of its diameter designation both for its
firearms and cartridge use
 The unit of measurement used in shotgun is expressed in Gauge
  This is determined by the number of solid lead balls of pure , each with
diameter of the barrel that can be prepared from one pound of lead.
 lf for instance, we have a 12 balls that can be made out of one pound of lead
and each ball exactly fitted to the inside of the barrel of a shotgun, the gun is
called a 1 2-gauge or 12 bore shotgun.
 Each lead ball for 1 2-gauge should therefore weigh 1 /12 of a pound.
 Such is applied in almost all type of shotgun in which the diameter is express in
a thousandth of an inch
 At present the 10-gauage shotgun is considered with the biggest diameter while
the.410 as the smallest one.
Listed below are the equivalents of diameter in gauge to inch.
Gauge Inch
10 .775 inch
12 .729 inch
16 .670 inch
20 .615 inch
28 .550 inch
410 .410 inch

TYPE OF SHOTS
1. Soft or Drop Shots
 Made by pure nearly pure lead, to which a small amount of arsenic has
been added to make it take on the form of a spherical drop as it falls
down the shot tower.
 This type is easy to deformed or flattered, loose their velocity quicker, low
penetrating power and string out more.
2. Chilled or Hand Shot
 Is a type of shot with a small of antimony mixed with lead to increase
hardness.
 It does no deform easily, better patterns, less string and more uniform
velocity and penetration.
3. Coated or Plated Shot (lubaloy)
 also called as "lubaloy" shot. A chilled shot coated with thin copper through
electroplating design for greater strength and elasticity, great resistance to
deformation and leading and better pattern.
Buck shot- a large size lead shot for used in shotgun
Ammunition- complete unfired unit (compose of bullet, primer, cartridge &cartridge
case)
Bullet – metallic built in upper part (pinaka tingga)
Cartridge – part of ammunition
Cartridge case – lalagyan
Bullet and projectile are same. Refers to object to throw
 BULLET

 The word "Bullet" was derived from French word "Boullette" which means a small
ball.
 This term is generally used when we are referring to projectile fired from small
arms, which has a variety or form, especially during the earlier history.
 In a more technical sense, bullet refers to a metallic or non-metallic cylindrical
ball propelled from a firearm it is sometimes called as shots or slugs.
 Bullets have various types depending upon their specific nature and purpose. In
general bullet can be classified as either Lead or Jacketed

GENERAL TYPES OF BULLETS

1. Lead Type
- Is a type of a bullet that I basically composed of lead metal
- It’s used was due to its density; having a good weight is a small size
and easy for casting.
- At present it is being mixed with a small amount percentage of antimony or
zinc in order to add harness and prevent "lead fouling.”
- In some cases, lead metal are used as core for jacketed type of a
bullet.
- Commonly used in revolvers and in modern construction having its
rear section jacketed, leaving the lead core exposed.
2. Jacketed Type
- Is a type of bullet consisting of the regular lad core, coated with a
copper alloy in order to prevent lead fouling of the barrel and is
generally used in pistols and other high-power guns.
According to their Maximum Effect to their Targets (See Fig.12)

1. Ball Type
 Is a type of bullet, which is intended for anti- personnel and general
use.
2. Armor Piercing
 Is a type of military bullet designed to penetrate light steel armor.
 Its mechanical construction makes it capable of penetrating through some
light vehicles.
 It is formed by a hard steel core covered with a jacket thus, giving its core
the optimum power of piercing while its shape has the optimum shape for
accurate fight.
 It was first patented in about 1903 by Roth of Vienna, although, it
was largely introduced for snipers countering the small armor
shields in the year 1914-1918.
3. Explosive Bullet
 Is a small bullet containing a charge of explosive, which will
detonate on impact.
4. Incendiary Bullet
 Type of military bullet used to cause fire in a target, generally
designed to use by aircraft armament in order for the fuel tanks to
ignite.
 It is constructed by having front of the bullet be filled with while
phosphorous, a chemical capable of spontaneous ignition when comes into
contact with air.
5. Tracer Bullet
 A type of military bullet capable of leaving visible marks or traces
while in flight giving the gunner the chance to observe the strike of the
shot or make adjustments in the event of miss.
 It resembles a ball type, although the rare portion of the core removed and
the space filled with mixture of magnesium powder, barium nitrate and
metallic salts to give the desired color of the flame or smoke.
MISCELLENEOUS TYPES OF BULLETS

1. Baton Round
 Is the proper name used when referring to a "rubber bullet".
 This type of bullet was first developed for the Hong Kong Police and
was of wood, due to its ability to split on impact with the ground
thus, possible of inflicting wounds it was later replaced by a rubber.
 This is generally a plain cylindrical rubber or plastic used in 12-bore, 26mm
or 37mm riot gun and fired by a lot powered charge.
2. Compound Bullet
 A type of bullet having its core of dense metal covered with jacket of
lighter metal which does not bring lead into contact with the rifling
on the weapon and which was designed by Major Rubin of the Swiss
Army in the year 1880's.
3. Discarding Sabot
 is special type of bullet in which a solid ball place in a case which
separates when the bullet was fired giving an extra velocity to the
bullet.
 A bullet of this type was manufactured by Remington, and it was given
the name “Accelerator Bullet”.
4. Dum- Dum Bullet
 It is a type of bullet designed in India in the year 1890s by Captain
Bertie Clay.
 It consisted of service ball having its nose expose due to a trimmed
jacket to the back. Now the term is loosely used in describing any
expanding bullet.
5. Frangible Ball Type
 Is a type of bullet designed for training purposes especially for aerial
targets.
 It does not cause any damage to the target rather leaving a paint
mark for the purpose of assessing the gunners.
6. Flechette
 A dark — like solid projectile, stabilized in flight by fins.
 It was in used as early as 1914 and at present the cartridge for 12
gauges is loaded with 20 steel flechettes
7. Heel Bullet
 Is a type of bullet commonly used in pistol having its rear portion
reduced in diameter in order to fit into mouth of the shell, thus
making the rest of its part appears flush with the mouth of the shell.
8. Hallow Point
 Is a type of bullet in which the nose is drilled out to the certain depth
leaving a hole.
 The purpose is to be able for the bullet to deform upon impact
making a "mushroom".
9. Lethal Ball
 British term used when referring to a single shot used to issue to the
members of the home guard anti personal use during World War
Two.
10.Multiple Bullet
 Is the term applied to a number or two (duplex) or three (triplex)
bullet formed a cartridge it was patented to the early 1990s by Gorge
Luger.
11.Soft Point
 Refers to any of bullet having its jacket short that have nose in
exposed thus capable deforming upon the impact and it is common
for hurting purpose.
12.Spitzer Bullet
 Is the term to use by the American AND British sportsmen when
referring to a pointed bullet.
13.Streamlined Bullet
 Is a type of bullet that has front section tapered to a point and its rear
section tapered to as smaller diameter thus reducing the Base Drag.
Cartridge Case

- Is the metallic or non-metallic tabular container usually of brass (70%copper

and 30% zinc) designed to units the bullet, primer and the gunpowder into one
unit.
- It is also known as shell or casing.
- maker is traditional of brass although there are some at present, which are either
plastic varnish steel, zinc-coated or even chemically coated are at use:

Functions of the Cartridge Case

1. It locates the bullet properly relative to the bore of the firearm.

2. It is used to carry the means of ignition.

3. It provides gas seals at the breech against an unwanted escape of propellant gas
upon firing.

4. Serve as a waterproof container for the propellant or powder charge.

5. Acts as the insulator between the propellant and the hot walls of the chamber in
a rapid firing firearms.

Part of the Cartridge Case

1. Base = the bottom of the cartridge case which contain the head stamp
marking on the base of the shell containing the caliber, manufacturer and in
some cases including the data, trade name, and batch number.
2. Rim = is the part of the cartridge designed to limit he forward movement of the
cartridge to chamber.
3. Exacting grooves = is the circular grooves near the rim of the shell designed for
automatic withdrawal of the case the chamber.
4. Primer Pocket = is that part of the shell which provides the mean for the
primer to be put in the central position.
Its function I extended to
a. Hold the primer in place
b. To provide means to prevent the
escape of gas.
c. To provide solid support to primer
anvil.
5. Body = is the cylindrical part of the shell
which house the gunpowder.
6. Shoulder = that part of the cartridge case which support the neck of the cartridge
which is evident in a bottleneck type.
7. Cannelure = is the cylindrical groove in the outer surface of the cartridge case
designed to secure the shell to the chamber as well as prevent bullet from
being push down to the powder charge. In some instance it is even being utilized
for identification.
8. Neck = is that part of the shell which is actually occupied by the bullet. This is obvious
in a bottleneck type of shell but not with the straight type.
9. Crimp = is the cylindrical groove on the mouth of the shell designed for two
purposes:
1. Is to hold the bullet and prevent it from being pull out from the shell
2. to offers resistance to the bullet out of the neck to ensure burning of
the gun powder.
10.Vent or Flash hole= is the hole at the bottom of the primer pocket as the
passage way for the priming mixture to impart an ignition to the propellant
charge.
PRIMER

- Is also called “CAP”

- Is the ignition system of the cartridge used in a center fire type, containing a
highly sensitive chemical compound that could easily ignite or bursts into flame
when struck by the firing pin.
- It may either be Berdan or Boxer type
1. Berdan Type
 Is a type primer construction which was designed in 1860s by Colonel Hiram S.
Berdan of the U.S Army Ordinance Department.
 Its distinction over the Boxer is that, its anvil forms part of the cartridge case
and a number of flash holes to serve as the passage of ignition usually
two (2).
 This is common in almost all the military ammunition
2. Boxer Type
 The Boxer on the other hand, was developed by Col. Edward M. Boxer of the
Royal Laboratory at Woolwich Arsenal in the year 1866.
 In this type the anvil was formed separately from the shell and became
part of the ignition cap making a single flash hole too serve as the
passage of ignition.
 Although its manufacture seems to be quite difficult, it becomes more popular
because of its adaptability for reloading.

Origin of Ignition System

 The term "lock" was the one used during the ancient time when referring to
ignition system.
 The earliest of these is the "match lock" also referred to as refined "serpentine
lock" with S-shaped piece of metal pivoted on the stave, the forward end
holding the hump fiber treated with saltpepper, twisted and tied by a thread to
retain the twists to make it slow burning.
 It burns at about 3 to 5 inches per hour.
 The matchlock was later superseded by a "wheel lock" in the early years of the 16th
century.
 This ignition system is comparable to the modern principle of our cigarette
lighters.
 A roughened wheel, driven by a spring that needs to be the first wound up or spanned
producing sparks igniting the priming powder and passed through a touch hole burning
the powder charge.
  Fifty, years later, the "flint lock" ignition system was developed (fast known "snap-
lock").
 In this system a simple mechanical fire striking lick called "snaphaunce" replace the
wheel mechanism and an iron right-angle pan cover hinged over the priming
pan constituted the flint lock.
 The hinged will be stricken by the cock upon release of the trigger, causing the hinged
cover to be thrown back, exposing and igniting the priming powder by the sparks
produced by the scraping of flint along the iron.
 This system was used until the start of the 19th century when the percussion system
was finally been developed.
 Alexander John Forsyth, a minister of Belhelvie in Scotland, known as the father of
percussion system developed a better system of ignition in the year 1805.
 He devised a formula composing of mercury fulminate that would easily ignite
upon a single struck.
 The percussion system was spread and almost totally replaced the flintlock in
the year 1840.
 This led to the making of the famous percussion cap of Joshua Shaw in 1814 and
finally adopted by British Army in the year 1838 and by the Americans in the
year.

Parts of the Primer

1. Primer Cup = is the brass gilding metal cup which contains the priming
mixture, the disc and the anvil.
2. Priming Mixture (percussion powder.) = is the highly sensitive chemical
compound which ignites by the mechanical blow of the firing pin. Also called
as percussion powder.
3. Anvil = is that portion of the primer which provides solid support and absorbs
the blow of the firing pin causing friction that would initiates ignition
4. Disc = is a the paper or foil which is pressed over the priming mixture in order
to protect it from moisture.
Types of Priming Mixture Compound

1. Corrosive
 One containing potassium chlorate which when ignite produce moisture
causing the formation of rust in the bore of the firearm.
 Other components are Antimony sulfide and mercury fulminate.
2. Non- Corrosive
 One which is designed for less chances of rusting by replacing the
potassium chlorate with barium nitrate.

GUN POWDER (Propellant or Power Charge)

 (also called as propellant or Powder Charge)

 Is the mixture of chemicals of various compositions designed to propel the
projectile by means of its expansive force of gas when burned.

Development of Gun Powder

 If there is much of literacy works on firearms identification, the history of

Gunpowder is the most controversial of all topics incorporated in this field of
study.
 Powder explosive are at most times credited to the Chinese and the Arabs,
they have had pyrotechnic composition of sorts— fireworks long before
anything of the kind was known in Europe, but there but there is no warrant for
considering that they had invented gun and gunpowder.
 The other hand, according to Frop.J.K. Partington a British Chemist, at about
1000 A.D., the Chinese knew about saltpepper-based gunpowder.
 A question of where it was discovered, who first used it for gun and who invented it is
still a mystery.
 Maybe this is caused by lack of proof beyond doubt as to the claim of various writers as
to who invented the gun powder and realized its capabilities.
 Two of the most popular individual whose name is always attached to gunpowder
discovery were Roger Bacon and Berthold Schwartz.
 Let's take a short description of how their names are always motioned in the history.
 Roger Bacon,(1242 A.D) a Franciscan monk, who wrote the — "De Mirabili
Potestate Artis et Naturae" ( On the Marvelous Power of Art and Nature),
including anagram.
 This anagram was only re-arranged and properly punctuated by a British
Artillery Officer named Colonel Hime, and it read "but of saltpepper takes seven
part, five of young hazel twig and five of sulfur, and so thou wilt call up thunder and
destruction of thou know the art".
  This is Practically a working gunpowder formula.

Berthold Schwartz

 (whose real name was Constantin Anklitzen), a mysterious monk of

Freiburg, who according to legend that is supported by an engraving dated
1643, while experimenting on some powder in a cast iron vessel.
 He ignited a charge and thus blew off the lid, and from this deduced
the principle of containing a charge in a tube and propelling a shot
(Encyclopedia of ammunition. The engraver dated the scene 1380, and it was
evident that well before that date, cannons where already in use.
 Another person in the year 1325 A.D. makes his own literacy works entitled "D
Offices Regnum", which illustrate the firing of cannon.
 There is no explanation of the picture, but it is clearly shown a bulbous tube, with an
arrow protruding from the muzzle, being ignited by a man with a hot iron.

The Black Powder

 Black powder, the oldest known explosive from saltpepper (75%), charcoal
(15%) and formula varies in percentage and even different country throughout the
world.
 This mixture is being ground into fine called “Serpentine" which was said to have
been used until middle of the 16th century.
 After such form, a "corned powder" was used to replace serpentine, for being
more stable. But due to its high sensitivity leading to accidents modifications
had been made to develop other forms.

 Some used potassium nitrates while the other used sodium nitrate.
 But whatever forms or composition of black powders there is generally great
disadvantage of this powder.
 It creates a dark smoke and causes fouling.
 This creates a problem not only to the gunner but also to the gun itself
 These problems in the used of black powder was later remedied with the
introduction of the smokeless powder. According to Harrison Captain E.
 Schultze of the Prussian Army, made the1st successful used of smokeless
powder in shotgun in the year 1864(Although historically nitroglycerine
compound was first discovered in 1846).
 The basic ingredient used for smokeless powder is a nitrocellulose that was
first produced by adding a nitric acid to cellulose fiber.
 Later, M. Vieille of French developed the first smokeless powder for riffle in the
year 1884 and named it "prouder B." taken after Gen. Boulangers name.
 In 1887, Alfred Nobel invented a smokeless powder with (nitroglycerine 40%
and nitrocellulose (60%) as the main composition and called it "Ballistite".
 In Great Britain, they utilized picrid acid in addition to cellulose powder which
they called "Lyddite" and in Germany TNT (tri-nitroleleune) was the one used,
more powerful than picric acid but much difficult to detonate.
 Also in the year 1889, Prof. Abel, a British War dept. Chemist developed
“Cordite" a smokeless powder with same composition as Nobel in the form of
cords or sticks.
 And in early 1890's smokeless powder had replaced black powder and became
uniformly used worldwide by the year 1900.
FIREARM CHARACTERISTICS

 All barrel irrespective of the type of the weapons for which they are made, are
manufactured from a solid piece of metal.
 The metal from which the barrel is made is carefully selected for its chemical and
metallurgical properties, thus assuring a high-quality product after the various
machine operations and heat treatment are completed.

Stages in the manufacture of barrel.

A. Drilling
 A special deep-hole is used through the center of which lubricating oil is
forced under pressure.
 This operation results to a comparatively rough hole of uniform diameter from
one end of the barrel to other.
 At this stage, the interior surface of the barrel will bear numerous sears and
scratched resulting from the irregular cutting of the drill and the metal chips
which mark the finish
B. Reaming
 In the process some of the scars or scratches left by the drilling
operation are move. The reamer removes metal from the entire
surface because it is slightly larger in diameter than the drill, which
completes the bore operations.
 It includes roughly, finishing and burnishing reamer to have a smooth
bore barrel.
C. Rifling
 This process necessary for the making of the helical groves inside the
barrel and such can perform in any of the following methods.
1. Hook — cutter system (cutter)
2. Scrape - cutter system (scraper)
3. Broaching - system (broach)
4. Button — system (button)
D. Lapped
 This is the polishing operation in which a lead closely fitting the inside of
the barrel is drawn back and forth on a rod carrying with is a polishing
compound.
 This will remove large imperfection on the side surface of the barrel both
to the lands and the grooves.
 What is important about this process is that no matter how many times
we polish or finish large imperfections maybe eliminated but not the
minute imperfections making a series of striations that will be impressed
on every bullet that will pass through it.
 This is the basis for which firearms is identified.

The Breech face

 Just like any barrel of every firearm, the breech face also bears with it the same
important. It is that portion of the firearms against which the shell or the
cartridge case and the primer is pressed background every time that a
cartridge is fired in the chamber.
 If these things happen the base of the cartridge will be marked by the gun.
 This is due to the fact that every breech face of a firearms just like the barrel are
made up of a harder metal than any cartridge case or bullet, thus the
principle that when a softer surface comes in contract with a harder on it as
always, the softer surface that characters that harder surface has.
Type of Characteristics in Firearms

A. Class characteristics
- are those properties or attributes of a firearms which can be
determined even before the manufacture of the gun.
- This is true for such characteristics are a manufactures designs or
specifications and security.
1. Bore diameter (caliber or gauge)
- it is diameter to which the bore was reamed.
- The distance measure between two opposite lands inside the bore in a
hundredths or thousandths of an inch. In most express in either caliber in
inch or in millimeters such Cal. 22, 25, 30, 32, 38, 380, 357, 44, 45, 50,
r etc., Or 55.55mm, 6.35mm, 9mm, 11mm, etc.
- In shotgun they are either in gauge or in inch, such as in 10-gauge, 12
gauge (.729), 20 gauge (615), 24 gauge (579), 30 gauge (.537) 36
gauge (.506) and the smallest which is 410.
2. Number of lands and grooves
- The number of lands a groove inside the barrel of a given firearms are
always the same or equal. It may run from 3-8, but the most in the
modern firearms are five and six.
- Lands are the elevated portion of the bore of the firearm.
- Grooves are the depressed potion of the bore between the lands.
3. Width of the lands
- is dependent upon the bore diameter of the gun, grooves, width and
number.
- The lands are the remainders of the circumference after subtracting all
the grooves width.
4. Width of the Grooves
- is measured as the shortest distance between the two dies or edge of a
grooves.
5. Direction of twist
- rifling inside the barrel of the gun is either twisted to the left or to the
right which cause bullet to rotate as it passes through the bore, in order
to ensure gyroscopic stability in its flight.
6. Pitch of Rifling
- It is the measure of the twisting of the hands and grooves .
- It refers to the measure of the distance advance by the rifling in order to
make a complete turn inside the barrel.
7. Depth of the Grooves
- the grooves depth if measure on a radius of the bore.
- Grooves are usually few thousandths of an inch deep, which equal to
the height of the lands.

B. Individual Characteristics
- are meant for those characteristics which are being determined only after
the firearm was already been manufactured.
- They are the product of machine imperfections and some later due to the
used of the firearms.
Types of Rifling

1. Steyer Type
 is the type of rifling having four (4) lands and grooves right twist and
the width of the lands grooves (4 RG=L)
2. Carbine Type
 rifling having (4) lands and grooves, right twist, the width of the
grooves is two (2) times the width of the lands (4RG2X).
3. Smith and Wesson
 rifling having (5) lands and grooves, right hand twist, the width of the
land and grooves are equal. (5RG=L)
4. Colt
 type of rifling having six (6) lands and grooves, left twist. the width of
the grooves is twice (2) the width of the lands (6LG2X)
5. Browning
 type of rifling having (6) lands and grooves, right hand twist, the width
of the grooves is twice the width of the lands. (6RG2X)
6. Webley
 Rifling having seven (7) lands and grooves. right hand twist, the width
of the grooves is three time larger than the boarder of the lands.
(7RG3X)
7. Winchester
 Rifling having six (6) lands and grooves, right hand twist, the width of
the grooves is three time larger the width of the lands.

Individual Characteristics

 in firearms are usually determined by the test firing which will give us both
the test bullet and the test shell that will show the individuality of its
property based on the left marks on every bullet and shell fired from it.
 Such marks are so minute that the use of the lens with high magnification is necessary
to discover individuality.
 Marks left on fired shells or fired bullet categorized as to either accidental or
 is are generally repetitive.
 Accidental marks are those marks that may bare some importance to the
investigation but are considered of not much value in the identification of
the particular firearm or weapon since they are not regularly formed in the
operation of the gun.
 On the other hand, Repetitive marks are those marks, which are very useful in
identifying a firearm. They show identity

Marks found of Fired Bullets

1. Land Marks
 left on a fired bullet caused by its contact to the elevated portion
(lands) of the bore of the firearm.
 It appears as slight depressions or scratches the cylindrical surface of
the fired bullet.
 This considered as one of the most important mark found on a fired
bullet used for the purposes of Identification.
2. Groove Marks
 marks found on a fired bullet caused by the grooves of the barrel which
is the same number as that of the landmarks.
 3. Skid Marks
 Marks that are generally found on fired bullet from a revolver . It is more
or less located at the anterior portion of the fired bullet due to its
forward movement from the chamber to the barrel of the gun before it
initially rotates.
4. Stripping Marks
 Marks found on those bullets fired from a "loose fit" barrel wherein the rifling
are already been badly worn-out.
 Worn- out in the rifling of the firearms can be cause by either chemical
reaction brought about by rust (corrosion) or through excessive use
(erosion)
5. Shaving Marks
 marks commonly found on bullet fired from a revolver cause by its
forward movement to the barrel that is poorly aligned to the cylinder.
6. Slippage Marks
 marks found on fired bullets passing through either on oily or oversize
barrel.

Marks found on Fired Shells

1. Firing Pin Mark

 mark generally found at the base portion of the cartridge case more
specifically near center of the primer cup in a center fire cartridge or at the
rim cavity of a rim-fire cartridge.
 Considered as one of the most important marks for identification of
firearms using fired shell.
2. Breech Face Mark
 mark found at the base portion of the shell cause by backward
movement to the breech face of the block of the firearms. This is also
one of the important marks is shell identification.
3. Extractor Mark
 mark mostly found at the extracting groove of the fired cartridge case.
Cause by its withdrawal from the chamber.
4. Ejector mark
 mark generally found on cartridge case fired from an automatic firearm.
It is located near the rim of the case cause by the throwing of shell
from the firearm to the area of shooting.
5. Shearing Mark ("Secondary Firing Pin Mark")
 sometimes called "Secondary Firing Pin Mark" found in S. the primer near
the firing pin mark.
6. Magazine Lip Mark
 marking found at the two side of the rim cause by the magazine lips during the
loading of the cartridge into the magazine for firing
7. Chamber Mark
 mark mostly found around the body of the fired cartridge case cause by
the irregularities of nips inside the walls of the chamber.
 In fired cartridge case either of the Firing pin mark and the Breech face
marks can be used as basis for identification, in the absence or none use
of these two, both the ejector and extractor marks can be utilized as
secondary choice.
PROBLEMS IN FORENSIC BALLISTICS

 Jack Disbrow Gunther and Charles 0. Gunther mentioned in their book

entitled, "The identification of Firearms”.
 The Six types of Problems in the identification of firearm . However
certain Firearms Identification Examiner believe that the problems
should be seven for in all cases of shooting incident, firearms are one
of the most Significant Consideration.
 This is the reason for which there are certain manuscript in our country which
refers to this as the “Seven types of Problems” as listed below as the
summary of the work objectives in the field of firearm identification.
 This serves as a general guide to every firearm examiner in
determining the course of action to be taken to serve the ends of
identification.

1. Given a fired bullet to determine the caliber, type, make of firearm from which it was
fired.
2. Given a fired shell to determine the caliber, type, and make of firearm from which it
was fired.
3. Given a fired bullet and suspected firearm, to determine whether or not the fired bullet
was fired from the suspected firearm.
4. Given a fired shell and a suspected firearm.
5. Given two or more fired bullets, to determine whether they were fired from one and the
same firearm.
6. Given two or more fired shell cartridge case, to determine whether they were fired from
one and the same firearm.
7. Given a suspected firearm, to determine where it is serviceable or not.

Discussion On the Problems in Forensic Ballistics

PROBLEM NO 1
Given: A fired bullet.

Objective: to determine the caliber, type and make of firearm from which it was fired.

Procedure:

a. Identify the bullet based on its various features such as type, shape and
design.

b. Use a caliper to measure the base diameter of the bullet in determining its
caliber or simply used standard bullet at hand and match the base of the
bullets.

c. After determining the caliber of the fire bullet, examined its cylindrical surface
for the landmarks and groove marks. Identify the type of rifling by determining
the number of lands and grooves, the direction of twist, the pitch of riffling, the
width of the lands and grooves and the depth of landmarks.

PROBLEM NO. 2
Given: A fired shell/cartridge case

Objective: to determine the caliber, type and make of firearm from which it was fired.
 Procedure:

a. Determine the caliber of the shell utilizing the caliper to measure its body
diameter or the diameter of the mouth of the shell or match the fired shell with
a standard shell.

b. Check on the base of the fired bullet for the head stamp. This part of the
shell will give the examiner information as to the caliber, the maker, and at
certain case even the date of its manufacture.

PROBLEM NO. 3
Given: A fired bullet and a suspected firearm.

Objective: to determine whether the fired bullet was fired from the suspected firearm.

Procedure:

a. Examine the fired bullet as to its caliber, type and make applying the
procedure in problem no. 1

b. Examine the suspected firearm as to its condition and basic characteristics as

to whether there is probability of it being the one used in the fired bullet (Verify
the type of rifling.)

c. Test-fire the suspected firearm using the bullet recovery box. Use at least (3)
cartridges with the same caliber and make as the fired bullet. Make sure to
mark the cartridge with letter "T1, T2, and T3" as the case maybe plus the last
two digit of the serial number of the suspected firearm.

d. Get the test bullet from the recovery box and identify its general
characteristics to determine probability with the fired bullet.

e. Match the fired bullet with the test bullet using the bullet comparison
microscope or forensic comparator microscope.

f. If similar individual marks (striations) were observed on each bullet, then we

can conclude that the fired bullet was fired from the suspected firearm.
Otherwise, other firearms were used in the discharged.

PROBLEM NO. 4
Given: A fired shell and a suspected firearm.

Objective: to determine whether or not the fire shell was fired from the suspected
firearm.

Procedure:

a. Examine the fired shell as to its, caliber, type and make.

b. Examine the suspected firearm as to its conditions and rifling characteristics.

c. Test-fire the suspected firearm using the bullet recovery box. Used at least
three (3) cartridges for test firing. Make sure to mark the cartridge with letter
"T1, T2 and T3" as the case maybe plus the last two digit of the serial number
of the suspected firearm.

d. Get all the test shell and identify its general characteristics to determine
probability with the fired shell.
 e. Match the fired shell with the test shell using the bullet comparison
microscope or forensic comparator microscope.

f. If similar individual marks, (striations) were observed on the breech face or

firing pin marks, then we can conclude that the fired bullet was fired from the
suspected firearm. Otherwise, another firearm was used in its discharged. If
problem will be encountered as to the use of breech face or firing pen marks,
combined extractor and ejector marks can be utilized as a secondary choice.

PROBLEM NO. 5
Given: Two or more fired bullets

Objective: to determine whether or not they were fired from one and the same
firearm.

Procedure:

a. Identify those bullets as to their caliber, type and make applying the principle
in problem no. 1 don’t forget to mark the fired bullets)

b. Bullets of the same caliber, type and make should be compared at the bullet
comparison microscope.

c. Those fired bullets that show a magnified image of similar characteristics will
be considered fired from one and the same firearm, while those that would not
match positively were fired from different firearm.

PROBLEM NO. 6
Given: Two or more fired shell.

Observe: to determine whether they were fired from one and the same firearm.

Procedure:

a. Identify each fired cartridge case or shell as to their caliber, type and make
applying the procedure in problem No.2 (don't forget to mark each fired shell.)

b. Compare each fired shell of the same caliber, type and make using bullet
comparing microscope. Those fired cartridge case having similar individual
marks (striations) will proved that they were fired from one the same firearms
and non- identity of their individual marks would consider them to have been
from different firearm.

PROBLEM NO. 7
Given: A suspected firearm.

Objective: to determine whether it is serviceable or not

Procedure:

a. Examine the suspected firearm, its caliber, type and make and its condition.

b. Check its serial number and records of its identification.

c. Marked the suspected firearms for further reference.

Basis Of Firearm Identification

1. Firearm identification is actually refined tool marks identification. It means that the
basis of identification of firearm is based on minute imperfection cause by final
polishing of the tools involved.
2. The natural wear and tear of the tools involved. Every firearm is not permanent for
they are subject to deterioration or won out.
3. When the softer surface comes in contact with the harder surface, it is always the
softer surface that will be engraved or marked by whatever impression or marks
present on the harder surface. This is true in a sense that every firearm is made up of
harder material than any bullet or shell of the cartridge.
4. The fact that no two things are absolutely identical or alike. There can be some sort of
similarity in general properties but not on the individuality or minute imperfections.

Principles Involved in Bullet Identification

1. No two barrels are microscopically alike or identical as to the internal bore construction;
all barrels possess individuality or characteristics marks of their own.
2. When a bullet is fired from a rifled gun barrel, it becomes engraved by the rifling
characteristics of that barrel with varying minute details. It means that bullet fired from
one barrel will have an engraving different from that of another bullet fired from
another firearm and conversely, bullets fired from same firearm will bare same
engraving as those that can be found on the barrel.
3. Every barrel leaves its "thumbprint" on every bullet fired on it.

Principles Of Shell Identification

1. The breech face and striker (or firing pin) of every single firearm has microscopic
individualities.
2. Every firearm leaves its" fingerprint" of thumbprint" on every cartridge it fires.
3. The whole principle of identification of shells is based upon the fact that since the
breech face of every weapon must be individually distinct, the cartridge cases that is
fires are imprinted with this individuality. The imprints of all cartridge cases fired from
the same weapon are the same, and those on cartridge cases fired from different
weapon are different.