FORENSIC BALLISTICS
FOSC 06
BALLISTICS AND ITS BRANCHES
Ballistics is the science of the motion of the
projectile and the condition that affects its motion.
It is a science in itself for it is an orderly arranged
knowledge, which is a product of a series of
experimentation, observation and testing. It is not
an exact science rather an applied physics. As
such, it is subject to changes and improvement
depending upon the demands of the modern
civilization. It is apt to describe ballistics as an
applied physics for it studies the motions of the
projectile such as its velocity, trajectory,
approximate range, power, resistance to air and
other circumstances that affects its travel.
MOTION
• Motion refers to the mobility or movement of the
projectile from the time it leaves the empty shell; it
leaves the gun muzzle and until it reaches its target
or falls on the ground.
PROJECTILE
• A projectile is a generic term which refers to any
metallic or non-metallic ball that is propelled from a
firearm.
Three (3) Types of Motion in Projectile
Direct Motion - is the forward motion of the bullet
or shots out of the shell by the action of the
expansive force of gases from a burning
gunpowder.
Rotatory Motion - is the action of the bullet
passing through a rifled bore barrel firearm which is
either twisted to the left or to the right.
Translational - is the action of bullet once it hits an
object or the target and subsequently ricocheted
(changes in motion).
BALLISTICS AND ITS BRANCHES
The word Ballistics is derived from two Greek
words; the word "ballo" and the word "ballein".
Both of these Greek etymological roots literally
mean "to throw".
The term was also said to have been derived from
the Roman war machine called "Ballista", a
gigantic catapult that was used to hurl missiles or
large objects like stones, dead animals or even
dead persons at a distance.
BALLISTICS AND ITS BRANCHES
The study of Ballistics was initially divided into (3)
three Divisions:
Internal Ballistics, Exterior or External Ballistics
and Terminal Ballistics. These encompass the
time from which the bullet is fired from the gun until
it reaches the target and has its maximum effect.
Due to the current application of Ballistics in solving
cases involving the use of firearms and
ammunitions, a fourth branch has emerged,
namely, Forensic Ballistics.
lnterior (Internal) Ballistics
The branch of ballistics which 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. Firing pin hitting the primer
Upon the squeeze of the trigger, the hammer will
be released which causes the firing pin to be
pushed and hit the base portion of the cartridge
where the primer is located.
b. Ignition of the priming mixture
(Percussion action) The priming mixture
(composing of the KCLO3, sulfur and carbon)
located either at the cavity rim or at the center of
the primer upon the striking effect of the firing pin
will ignite and such action is known as "Percussion
Action".
lnterior (Internal) Ballistics The branch of ballistics
which 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:
c. Combustion of the gun powder/powder
charge or propellant.
After the ignition of the priming mixture, the ignition
is imparted to the gunpowder by passing through
the vent or flash hole, thus burning the gun powder
and converts it into an expanded hot gas.
d. Expansion of heated gas.
Once burned, the charged powder is converted into
a heated gas, and due to a more elastic property of
gases
e. Pressure developed
The outward push of the gases to the burned
powder pressure is developed due to the great
amount of gas that is expanding within the shell
causing the withdrawal of the bullet from the shell
f. Energy generated
Energy is the capacity to do work. The potential
energy serves as the propellant of the expanded
gases inasmuch as the pressure that is developed
has that degree of energy to force the projectile out
of the shell. It is the measure of force in foot-pound
necessary for an action.
g. 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 or at which it leaves
the gun muzzle.
h. Rotation of 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. In some instance, this condition may not
be possible especially when the bullet passes
through a smooth bore barrel.
i. Recoil of the Gun
This 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:
The first, which occurs while the bullet is still inside
the barrel and which is relatively small in intensity;
and the second, which occurs just after the bullet
leaves the muzzle of the gun and this is a more
violent backward impulse when the hot gasses rush
up and out of the muzzle and set against the gun.
Jump is another portion of the recoil action that is
characterized as the backward and upward
movement takes place before the bullet leaves the
muzzle
j. Engraving of the cylindrical surface of the
bullet
Once the bullet has passed through the barrel of
any firearm be it rifled (with cylindrical groove cut)
or a smooth bore, whatever imperfections or
scratches the interior barrel of the gun has will be
impressed and left on the cylindrical surface of the
bullet serving as its thumbprint. This becomes one
of the most valuable marks that would serve as its
individuality.
Exterior (External) Ballistics
The branch of ballistics which treats of the
attributes or movement of the projectile after
leaving the gun muzzle. It is extended from the
muzzle of the gun to the target or any attributes to
the motion of the projectile while it is in its flight and
before reaching the target.
a. Muzzle Blast
It refers to the noise created at the muzzle point of
the gun brought by chemical reaction between the
expanded gases and the air outside. Given that
most propellant is composed of compounds of
nitrates, it produces the accompanying loud once
these are burned and mixed with the air where
oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and other gaseous
maters are present.
b. Muzzle Energy
Energy generated at the muzzle point measured in
foot-pound. This is attributed to the hot gas
liberating at the muzzle point.
c.Trajectory
This 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. A
trajectory has 3 stages when bullet is fired to its
maximum range. These are: The straight travel or
the stage at which the bullet travel straight or
maintain its accurate travel (gyroscopic action), the
curving of the bullet in flight due to the gradual loss
of its energy, and the drop of the bullet to the
ground due to its weight and upon reaching the
maximum distance of its travel and it hits nothing.
The trajectory plays an important role in the
investigation of shooting incidents for it gives
reference to the possible position of the shooter in
relation to the target. This is associated to the point
of entry and exit of the bullet.
d. Range
The range refers to the imaginary straight distance
from the muzzle of the gun to the target.
– Accurate Range - the distance within which the
shooter or gunner has control of his shots
– Effective Range - the distance within which a
bullet is still capable of inflicting injury after it has
been fired.
– Maximum Range - the distance that a projectile
can be propelled from a firearm. The farthest
distance the bullet could travel.
e. Velocity
This refers to the rate of speed of the bullet (during
its flight) per unit of time, and it is usually expressed
in feet per second (f/sec.) and measured through
the use of a chronograph machine. The velocity of
a bullet fired upward has an equal velocity
downward due to the principle of the gravitational
pull. They only differ in direction and
transformation. A bullet fired upward has its
maximum velocity upon leaving the muzzle and
little by little loses its power and velocity as it
moves upward. While the bullet that falls downward
after reaching its maximum heights has an
increasing velocity as it goes downward.
f. Pull of Gravity
This is the downward reaction of the bullet towards
the earth surface due to its weight. This is based on
the principle that anything that goes up must goes
down.
g. Air Resistance
It is the force of the air encountered by the bullet in
its flight. A slow moving object occupies smaller
space at a given time while a fast moving object
occupies larger space in just a short time. Thus,
since bullet travels fast it encounters more air than
a running man.
Terminal Ballistics
The branch of ballistics which branch of Ballistics
that deals with the effects of the projectile's impact
on the target.
a. Terminal Accuracy
It refers to the size of the bullet grouping on the
target. A bullet grouping that is bigger has a lesser
chance to produce substantial damage, hence
lowering its chance to be lethal. On the other hand,
the smaller the size of the bullet grouping on the
target, the more accurate and effective the shot
become.
b. Terminal Energy It is the energy or force of the
projectile when it strikes the target. A bullet of a
smaller caliber has lesser energy though it
penetrates greatly into the target.
c. Terminal velocity It is the speed of the bullet
once it strikes the target and penetrates it.
d. Terminal Penetration It is the depth of the
bullet's entry into the target.
Forensic Ballistics
This branch of ballistics is the product of the
application of the ballistics to law. The idea comes
with the use of the word forensic. The word
Forensic was derived from the Latin word "forum"
meaning a "market place" where people gathered
for public disputation or public discussion.
When used in connection with the word ballistics or
other natural science, it suggests a relationship to
the courts of justice or legal proceedings. Forensic
Ballistics is defined as the study of the motion of
the projectile as applied to law or simply the
science of firearm identification by means of-the
ammunition fired through them.
SCOPE OF FORENSIC BALLISTICS
Field Investigation
This is the work of the first officer on the case on
the field. It is primarily a routine job of an
investigating officer. Such work includes
recognition, collection, markings, preservation,
packing and transmittal of ballistics exhibits. At
present, in cases of highly sensational offense, the
investigator on case seeks the assistance of the
Scene of the Crime Operation Unit (SOCO). It will
be the SOCO members who will facilitate the
processing of the crime scene although everything
that transpires and all that is undertaken by the
SOCO shall properly be coordinated with the
investigator on case who makes the necessary
note taking. A more comprehensive discussion of
this phase will be discussed in the later chapter of
this manual.
2. Ballistics Technical Examination of the
Exhibits
This phase involves the participation of the firearms
identification examiner. Its scope covers the
marking of evidences, test-firing (to obtain test
bullet and test shell in case a suspected firearm is
recovered), examination of ballistics exhibits using
caliper, bullet comparison microscope and other
scientific instruments, preparation of comparative
chat and reports on the findings and conclusions as
regards to the examination undertaken.
3. Legal Proceeding
This is the last and yet one of the most critical part
in the field of firearm identification. Here the
examiner has to go to court and testify as an expert
witness regarding the ballistics examination and
report that he/she has prepared. It is also in this
stage that the qualification and competence and
expertise of the examiner is determined and tested.
-He successfully invented the priming mixture and
caused the integration of the primer, bullet,
gunpowder and shell into one unit.
Major Uziel Gal
An Israeli army who designed the UZI (lsrael) in the
year 1950.

WHAT ARE THE 7 PROBLEMS OF FORENSIC Col. Calvin H. Goddard

BALLISTICS? -Father of modern Ballistics.
-He is the man who first utilized the bullet
-Given a fired bullet to determine the caliber, type, comparison microscope to prove the identity of a
make of firearm from which it was fired. fired bullet through comparison with a test bullet.

-Given a fired shell to determine the caliber, type, John C. Garand

make of firearm from which it was fired.? Designed and invented the Semiautomatic U.S.
Rifle Cal. 30.M1 garand.
-Given a fired bullet and a suspected firearm, to
determine whether or not the fired bullet was fired George Hyde
from the suspected firearm. A well-known expert in the field of SMG, (also
known as grease gun) developed in 1941. M3A1
-Given a fired shell and a suspected firearm, to (USA)
determine whether or not the fired shell was fired
from the suspected firearm Michael Kalashnikov
Designed the AK (Automat Kalashnikova) 47
-Given two or more fired bullets, to determine (Soviet Union) adopted by the Russian Army in the
whether or not they were fired from one and the year 1951.
same firearm.
George Luger
-Given two or more fired shell/cartridge case, to Designed the Luger MP08 (Germany).
determine whether or not they were fired from one
and the same firearm. John Wolfe Marlin
Founder of the Marlin Firearms company.
-Given a suspected firearm, to determine whether it
is serviceable or not. Peter Paul Mauser
Invented and designed the Mauser M1912
(Germany)

James Wolfe Rifley

THE EVOLUTION OF FIREARMS CHAPTER 2 Stimulated the development of the model 1855 rifle-
musket.
MAN BEHIND FIREARMS
Eliphalet Remington
John M. Browning One of the early rifle makers.
Wizard of the modern firearms and pioneered the
breech loading single shot rifle that was adopted by Elisha King Root
Winchester. Designed the machinery for making Colt firearms.

Samuel Colt Horace Smith

Patented the first practical revolver and maker of
the Colt Peace Maker, one of the most famous
revolvers in history.
Alexander John Forsyth
-Father of the percussion powder.
Founded the great firm of Smith and Wesson and
pioneered the making of breech loading rifles.
Daniel B. Wesson
the partner of Horace Smith in the making of the
famous revolver bearing their names

L.C. Smith
Developed the shotgun bearing his name and is
now known as the lthaca gun Company.
David "Carbine" Williams
Maker of the first known Carbine.
Oliver Winchester
One of the earliest rifle and pistol makers
John T. Thompson
-Developed in the course of WW1 the Thompson
M1A1 and the 1928 model of the A1 (USA).
-He pioneered the making of the Thompson sub-
machine gun.
IMPORTANT DATES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
FIREARMS DATES DESCRIPTION
1242 A.D.
Roger Bacon published the "De Mirabili Potestate
Artis et Naturae" (On the Marvelous Power of Arts
and Nature), which noted the black powder formula.
1200
Roman Candle. A hallow tube, strengthened with
wire or shrunken rawhide, and loaded with alternate
charges of powder and balls of tallow wrapped in
cloth. It is ignited at the muzzle. It is said that the
Chinese used the Roman Candle as early as the
mid-1200's.
1326 AD
The oldest authenticated illustration of gun powder
used to hurl projectile in cannons was
demonstrated in Walter de Millemete's manuscript.
In the same period "the metrical life of Robert the
Bruce" by John Barbour also indicates the use of
cannon by Edward lll at Crecy, although this is not
completely authenticated.
1343 AD
Cannon locks were used in the military as depicted
in the Italian Frescoes by Neri.
1390
Codex Germanicus 600- Translates "directions for
preparation of gun powder. This provides
instructions on how to load the gun and discharge
them. 1450 The evolution of the Match Lock
ignition.
1450-1500
Serpentine Lock was used to modify the
conventional match lock, using the S-shaped
instead of C-shaped piece with the bottom portion
serving the trigger. 1469 A drawing from an English
manuscript shows a "ribauldegium", a multi
charged cannon lock weapon.
1498
More improved rifling and sights were introduced,
and breech loaders were attempted although they
never succeeded. Nevertheless, even multi-shot
arms did not also succeed due to the absence of a
good ignition system.
1500's
The development of the Wheel lock, which
operates in the same principle as the modern-day
cigarette lighter. In the mid1500'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-measured
charges or pre-loaded rounds.
1750
The development of Breech-loading firearms
leading to the making of the Ferguson Rifle of
Major Patrick Ferguson; the development of the
COLLIER Rifle, which is a flint lock repeating rifle
operated on a revolving principle and; as well as
the HALL Rifle patented in 1811 by Co. John Hall
and was the 1ST breechloader adopted by the U.S.
Army.
1805
The Percussion System. Alexander John Forsyth
discovered a compound that would ignite when it is
blown, thus igniting the powder charge. In 1840, it
replaced the flintlock ignition and was adopted in
1838 by the British and in 1842 by the Americans.
1835
The first real cartridge was developed "The Flobert
Cap" same as the BB and was considered the
forerunner of the .22 short cartridge.
1835
Samuel Colt patented the first revolver and
marketed in 1872; it isa breech loading revolver
1836
The 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 for Henry
Rifle.
1846
The Smokeless powder was discovered. It was
used first in the shotgun in the year 1864 by Capt.
Schultze of thé Prussian Army and in Rifle by the
year 1884 by M. Vieille of France.
1857
The first patent on a center fire cartridge was issue
in France. The Snider conversation and the Morse
1857 cartridge were also developed.
1873
Colt Peace Maker, model 1873, 45 cal.; the most
famous revolver in history and legend was
manufactured.
1884
Hiram Maxim developed the first fully automatic
machine 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 dropping 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.
FIREARMS: ITS NATURE AND
CLASSIFICATION CHAPTER 3
DEFINITION OF FIREARMS
Legal Definition
Firearms or Arms
as herein used, includes rifles, muskets, carbines,
shotgun, pistol, revolvers, and all other deadly
weapons, to which a bullet, ball, shot, shell, or other
missiles may be discharge by means of gun
powder or other explosives. This term also includes
air rifle, except those of small calibers 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
Firearm 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).
CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARMS
Two General Classifications of Firearms
A. According to Interior Barrel Construction
B. According to the Caliber of-the Projectile
Propelled
CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARMS
A. According to Interior Barrel Construction
1. Smooth Bore Firearms - Firearms that have no
rifling (lands and grooves) inside their gun barrel.
2. Rifled Bore Firearms - Firearms that have rifling
inside their gun barrel. Examples: Pistols,
Revolvers, and other modern
B. According to the Caliber of-the Projectile
Propelled
1. Artillery - refers to those types of firearms that
propel projectile with more than one inch diameter.
Examples: Cannons, Mortars and Bazookas
2. Small Arms - these are firearms that propel a
projectile with less than one inch diameter and it
can be handled, moved and operated by one man.
Examples: Machine gun, shoulder arms and
handguns.
A. MACHINE GUN
A machine gun is a type of firearm that is primarily
designed for military use. Investigations involving
shooting cases in cities rarely find this type of
firearm having been used. It can be grouped in
three general types:
1. 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 the empty shell is extracted upon firing.
2. Gas Operated
a type of machine gun equipped with gas port at
the anterior portion of the barrel. When a cartridge
is fired and the bullet reaches the gas port some
high-pressure gas will move to the gas cylinder
causing the piston to more to the rear moving or
pulling the breech block to the rear. At this time, the
pressure in the chamber has dropped to safe limits
and the various parts are returned to the firing
position by the action of the spring around the
piston.
3. Combined recoil and gas-operated action
in this type of machine gun, the gas operation
merely serves to unlock the breech block by the
pressure moving to the gas port, passing through
the gas-cylinder and causing the piston to move to
the rear, moving the cam to raise the lock through a
stud. Once this is completed, recoil action causes
the breech block to move rearward and completes
the opening cycle. The spring will return the various
parts to their closed position and cycle will be
repeated for the next shot.
Sub Machine Gun
This is a light, portable form of machine gun,
utilizing a pistol size ammunition, having a shoulder
stock that may or may not be folded and designed
to be fired with both hands.
B. SHOULDER ARMS
Shoulder Arms are those types of firearms that
were normally fired from the shoulder e.g. rifles and
shotguns.
Rifles
A shoulder weapon designed to fire a projectile with
more accuracy through a long rifled bore barrel,
usually more than 22 inches. Just like any other
type of gun, rifles appear in various forms. First, is
the 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. Second, is the
Repeating rifle, a type of rifle loaded with several
cartridges at one time and carries the 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 type, slide
action type and automatic type.
Types of Repeating Rifles
1. Bolt action type
The bolt action type may appear as either turning
bolt or a straight-pull bolt type. The turning bolt type
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. In the
straight pull action type as its name implies, the bolt
is directly pulled to the rear without being turned.
The chamber will open; loading will follow, and then
close again before firing. The Swiss army rifle
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 the lever by hand,
causing the opening, cocking and placing of the
cartridge in its position for loading. After which the
lever is pulled back to close position moving the
cartridge to the chamber and putting the breech
block in place, ready for firing. The Winchester
model 91 is a typical example
3. Slide Action type -In this type of rifle, a box type
magazine is attached and removed every time that
loading and unloading is desired. The operation is
simply 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 breech block. The
Remington Model 760 is one good example
4. Automatic type Another type of a rifle is called
Automatic type. It is a type of a rifle in which firing
can be made continuously by a single press of the
trigger and while the trigger is pressed. Firing will
only stop either by the action of the gunner or when
all the cartridges have been used
Carbine
A short barrel rifle, with its barrel rifle, 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 smoothbore and muzzle loading
military shoulder arms designed to fire shots or a
single round lead ball. A more detailed discussion
of musketeers can be found on Chapter 8 in the
discussion of the ignition system. There are three
types of muskets: (1) the Flint Lock, (2) the Match
Lock, and (3) the Wheel
Shotgun
A smooth bore and a breech loading shoulder arm
designed to fire a number of lead pellets or shots in
one charge. (FBA Manual) A shotgun operates
almost exactly in the same way as other rifles. It
only differs in some extent such as the interior
barrel construction. Generally all shotguns are
equipped with a smooth bore barrel designed to fire
a number of lead pellets in a single charge.
This type of firearm also appears in various
mechanism types. They are as follows:
1. Single Barreled Shotgun It is similar to a
single shot rifle. It is loaded with a single
shotgun cartridge, closed, fired and to be
reloaded manually by the shooter. This is
common in a break type, and breech-
loading shotgun.
2. Double Barreled Shotgun It appears in
different variation depending on the barrel
position. There are double barreled shotgun
positioned side by side, one over the other
(over/under shotgun), with individual trigger-
pull or with single trigger pull causing two
hammer and firing pin to fire at the same
time.
3. Pump Action Shotgun It is also known by
the name “slide action" type. The hammer
of this shotgun is completely built inside the
receiver which makes it unexposed, thus,
making it known also as "hammerless
shotgun". Its operation is done by back and
forth manipulation of the slide by the
shooter.
4. Auto-loading Shotgun This type of
shotgun has a mechanism similar to auto-
loading or self-loading rifles that permits
reloading by the action of the recoil without
the shooter taking added effort.
The barrel construction of shotguns may also
be found in different bore construction. These
are:
(a) The cylinder bore type, a type of shotgun
bore with the same diameter throughout the
barrel (from breech to muzzle end);
(b) the choke bore type, a type of a shotgun
bore with a diminishing or reducing bore
diameter towards the muzzle. It is designed to
limit the spread of the shots or making the shots
travel longer before they spread; and
(c) the paradox shotgun, a very rare type of
shotgun bore, having a rifling only a few inch
from its ·muzzle point
C. HAND GUNS
These types of firearms are designed or
intended to be fired using one hand e.g., pistols
and revolvers.
1. Pistol In early firearm history, all handguns
are generally called as pistols. There were
three (3) classes of pistols in that period. The
single shot pistol, the semiautomatic and
the revolving pistol now known as the
revolver.
The single shot pistol is operated by
depressing the lever causing the barrel to be
unlatched and tipped upward. ln this position
the cartridge is inserted to the chamber and
locked. The hammer is pulled rearward to be
cocked and ready to fire.
The Semi-automatic pistol is the type of pistol
most common in existence. This is loaded
through the magazine, a slide action is taker) to
first load a 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 loaded to the chamber
without the gunner exerting additional effort.
Thus firing can be made successively for every
press of the trigger without the need to
constantly reload.
2. Revolver
The revolver is a type of a hand firearm
designed to position cartridges into position for
firing with the aid of a rotating. cylinder serving
as its chamber. There are two types of
revolvers according to its mechanical firing
action, they are as follows:
(a) the single action, a type of revolver that
needs manual cocking of the hammer before
squeezing the trigger; and
(b) the double action, a type of revolver that
does not need manual cocking. The gunner just
presses the trigger and it both cocked and
releases the hammer causing a much faster
firing.
C. Types of Firearms According to
Mechanical Construction
 1. Single shot firearms - types of firearms
designed to fire only one shot for every loading.
Examples: single shot pistols, revolvers and
shotguns.
2. Repeating arms - types of firearms designed
to fire several shots in one loading and for
every press of the trigger. Examples: automatic
pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns.
3. Automatic firearms = types of firearms that
constitutes continuous firing in a single press of
the trigger and while the trigger is pressed.
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= types of firearms in which
reloading takes place by manipulating the bolt
back and forth. Examples: Rifles, shotguns and
machine guns.
6. Lever type (break type) - loading takes
place by lever action on the firearms.
Examples: Rifles-and shotguns.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF
PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS
ADVANTAGES
Revolver
1. It is an old standard weapon that is easy to
operate, hence 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. lt will handle satisfactorily old or new or
partly deteriorated ammunition which gives
a reduced velocity that would jam an
average automatic pistol.
Pistol
1. It has a better grip- the hand points naturally
2. It is more compact for the same firing
power.
3. It is easier to load in comparison with that of
a revolver.
4. In case of a worn out or corroded barrel, a
new one can be put in at little expense
without sending the gun to the factory.
5. It gives greater number of shots than a
revolver.
6. It is easier to dean than a revolver.
7. It gives greater firing power and greater
cases of firing
8. There is no gas leakage in its operation.
DISADVANTAGES
Revolver
1. It is more bulky to carry than an automatic
pistol.
2. Its grip or handle is generally not as good as
that of pistol.
3. It is slower to load
4. It is harder to replace worn out or broken
part - it is a factory job
5. It is hard to clean
6. Worn out or poorly made weapon is subject
to variable accuracy due to improper lining
of cylinder.
Pistol
1. Ammunition must be perfect otherwise; a
jam might be experienced.
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 reduced loads.
5. It has poorer trigger pull
6. The magazine requires a jacketed bullet
which is not good for practical use.
7. More dangerous to handle and fire
8. It is not adapted 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 as evidence
11. It cannot be fired from the pocket without
jamming.