Forensic 105 (ballistics) studies of combustion of the powder,

Alternative definition pressure developed and velocity.

Basic – it is an activity that involves throwing. Firing pin hitting the primer
- It is a science in itself because it evolved Ignition of the priming mixture
from systematic knowledge, research and (percussion system)
development training experience and Combustion of the gun
education of those who pioneered in this powder/powder charge or propellant
field. Expansion of heated gas
Pressure developed
Technical – it refers to the science of firearms Energy generated
identification which involves the scientific Recoiled of the gun
examination of ballistic exhibits (evidence Velocity of the bullet inside the barrel
concerning firearms). Rotation of the bullet inside the barrel
Engraving of the cylindrical surface of
Legal – it is the microscopic examination of the bullet
fire cartridge cases and bullets together with Exterior ballistics – traits of the motion of the
the recording and presentation by means of projectiles after leaving the muzzle namely
photography of what is being revealed. trajectory, velocity, range penetration, etc.
Muzzle blast – noise created at the
Broadest – it is the study of projectiles, gun muzzle.
firearms and ammunitions including the Muzzle energy – energy generated at
characteristics of firearm that affect the way the gun muzzle.
projectiles are fired. Trajectory – curve path of the bullet.
Range – distance from muzzle to the
Motion – refers to the movement or mobility target.
of the projectile launched from firearms. o Accurate range – controls
o Direct motion – shot out of the shoots.
shell. o Effective range – capable of
o Rotary motion – pass through the inflicting injury.
riffled bore. o Maximum effective range –
o Translational motion – hits an farthest distance bullet could
object (ricocheted). travel but still capable of
inflicting injury.
Projectiles – the metallic and none metallic o Maximum range – farthest
projectiles propelled from firearm. distance bullet could travel.
Velocity – speed.
Branches of ballistics Pull of gravity – downward reaction.
Interior (internal) ballistics Air resistance – force of air
External ballistics encountered by a bullet.
Terminal ballistics
Forensic ballistics Terminal ballistics – traits if the effects of the
projectile on the impact on the target.
Interior ballistics – traits of the motion of the Terminal accuracy – grouping size of
projectiles while still in the firearm, namely the the bullet.
 Terminal energy – energy strike on
the target.
Terminal velocity – speed strike on
the target.
Terminal penetration – depth of the
bullet entries.
Forensic ballistics – the science of firearms
identification by means of the ammunition
fired through them.
Forensic
Latin word “forum” – marketplace.
Combination of science and law.
Application of science into law.
Division of forensic ballistics:
Field investigation – refers to the
work of an investigation in the field. It
concerns mostly with the collection,
marking, preservation, packing, and
transmission of firearms evidence. It
includes the study of class
characteristics of firearms and bullets.
Legal proceedings – last part but the
most critical part in the field of
investigation.
Qualification
Competence
Expertise
Men behind firearms
o Col. Calvin h. Goddard m.d, os army –
father of modern ballistics.
o Horace smith – founded the great
firm smith and wesson and pioneered
the making of breech-loading regales.
o Daniel b. Wesson – an associate of
partner of smith in revolver making.
o John m. Browning – wizard of modern
firearms and pioneered breech
loading single shot riffle.
o John t. Thompson – pioneered the
making of the thompson sub-machine.
o David “carbine” williams – maker of
first know carbine.
o Alexander john forsyth – father of the
percussion system.
o Elisha king root – designed machinery
for making colt firearms.
o Eliphalet remington – one of the first
riffle makers.
o John malon marlin – founder of marlin
firearms company.
o James wolfe ripley – stimulated the
development of the model 1855
riffled-musket.
o Samuel colt (1814-1862) – produced
the first practical revolver.
o Henry derringer – he gave his name
to a whole class of firearms.
o John c. Garand – designed the semi-
automatic us riffle, cal. 30.
o Oliver f. Winchester – one of the
earliest riffles and pistol makers.
o Major uziel gal – an israeli army who
designed the uzi (israel) 1950.
o Michael kalashnikov – designed the
ak 47 (automat kalashnikov) – 1951.
o Eugene stoner – designed the us m16
armalite – colt company – 1959.
Important dates in firearms history
o 1313 – gunpowder as a propellant.
The age of gunpowder began with
outs first use as a propellant for a
projective. Such use has
recorded as early as 1313.
o 1350 – small arms, gunpowder was
first used only in cannons. It was in
the middle of the 14th century that
portable hand, f.a was introduced.
These guns were ignited by a hand-
held wire or lighted match.
o 1498 – riffling, the first reference to
riffled barrels appeared. Although it is
important as an aid to accuracy was
recognized by some, it was many
years after before riffling
generally used.
o 1575 - cartridges, paper cartridges
combining both powder and ball were
developed. This greatly speeded
loading and reduced the hazards of
carrying loose powder.
o 1805 – percussion system,
discovery of forsyth in 1807 that
certain compounds detonated by a
blow would be used to ignite the
charge in a firearm, for the basis for
all later percussion and cartridges
development.
o 1835 – samuel colt patented the first
practical revolvers in which
cylinder was rotated by cocking the
hammer.
o 1836 – pin fire, cartridge. Developed
by le faucheux in 1836, was probably
the first rim fire cartridge.
o 1858 – centerfire cartridge. The morse
cartridge in 1858 marked
beginning of the rapid development
of the centerfire cartridge.
been o 1884 – automatic machine gun. Hiram
maxim built the first fully automatic
gun, utilizing the recoil of the piece to
load and fire the next charge.
o 1846 – smokeless powder. In france,
vielle, developed the first satisfactory
smokeless powder, a new propellant
that not only lacked the smoke
characteristics of black powder but
also more powerful.
o 1845 – rim fire cartridge. In france,
was flobert, developed a “bullet breech
cap” which was in really the first rim
fire cartridge.
o Hiram maxim – developed fully
automatic rifle.
o 1857 – first patented of centerfire
cartridge.
the
Definition of firearms
Legal definition of firearm –
“firearms” or “arms” are herein used
including rifles, muskets, carbines,
shotguns, revolvers, pistols, and all
other deadly weapons from which a
bullet, ball, shot, shell, or other missile
may discharge off by means of
the gunpowder or other explosives. The
term also includes air rifles except
such as 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 see also sec. 290,
national internal revenue code).
the Technical definition of firearm – an
instrument used for the propulsion of
 a projectile by means of the expansive in diameter. (ex. Cannons, mortars,
force of gases from the burning bazookas).
powder. o Small arms – propel projectiles less
than one inch in diameter, can be
operated by one man. (ex. Machine
guns shoulder arm and hand arms).
Ra 10591
Refers to any handheld or portable Types of firearms (according to mechanical
weapon, whether a small arm or light construction)
weapon, that expels or is designed to o Single shot f.a – type of firearm
expel a bullet, shot, slug, missile, or designed to fire only one shot for
any projectile, which is discharged by every loading. (ex. Pistols, rifles,
means of the expansive force of gases shotguns – single shots).
from burning gunpowder of another o Repeating arms – fire several shots in
form of combustion or any similar one loading. (ex. Rifles, shotguns)
instrument or implement. For o Bolt action type – reloading is done
purposes of this act, the barrel, frame, by manipulation of the bolt. (ex. Rifles,
or receiver is considered a firearm. shotguns, machine guns).
o Automatic loading type – after the
The four main types of firearms first shot is fired, automatic loading or
o Revolver – a hand firearm in which a feeding of the chamber takes place.
rotating cylinder successively places (ex. Rifles, shotguns).
cartridges into position for firing. o Slide action type (trombone) –
o Pistol – a hand firearm usually applied loading takes place by back-and-
to simple shot and automatic loading. forth manipulation of the under
o Rifle – a type of weapon designed to forearm of the gun. (ex. Rifles,
be fired from the shoulder. shotguns).
o Shotgun – a smooth-bore weapon o Lever type (break type) – loading
designed to shoot a number of lead takes place by lever action of the
pellets in one charge. firearm. (ex. Rifles, shotguns).

Two general classes of firearm (according to

gun barrel internal construction)
o Smooth-bore firearms – firearms that
have no rifling (land and grooves)
inside their gun barrel. (ex. Shotguns Pistols and revolvers
and musket). Pistol advantages Revolver advantages
o Rifled-bore firearms – firearms that o It has a o It is an old
have rifling inside their gun barrel. (ex. better grip, standard
Pistols, revolvers, rifles). the hand weapon that
points is easy to
Main types of .as. (according to caliber of naturally. operate,
projectiles propelled) hence almost
o Artillery – those types of firearms that everyone
propel projectiles more than one inch knows how to
 handle it. cases of
o It is more o Safer for firing.
compact for inexperience o There is no
the same users to gas leakage
firing power. handle and in its
carry than an operation.
automatic
pistol. Pistol disadvantages Revolver
o It is easier to o Its mechanism disadvantages
load in allows the o Ammunition o It is bulkier
comparison trigger pull to must be perfect to carry
with that of a be better than otherwise; a jam than an
revolver. an average might be automatic
automatic experience pistol.
pistol. o A misfire stops o Its grip or
o In case of o A misfire does the functioning handle is
worn out or not put a of the gun. generally
corroded revolver out not as
barrel, a new of action. good as
one can be that of
put in at a pistol.
little expense o When kept o It is slower
without loaded for long to load.
sending a time, the
gun to the magazine
factory. spring is under
o It gives o It will handle tension and
greater satisfactorily may deteriorate
number of old or new or and cause
shots than a partly problems.
revolver. deteriorated o It cannot use o It is harder
ammunition blank or to replace
which gives a reduced loads. worn out
reduced or broken
velocity that part – it is
would jam an a factory
average job.
automatic o It has poorer o It is hard to
pistol. trigger pull. clean.
o It is easier to o The magazine o Worn out
clean than a requires a poorly
revolver. jacketed bullet made
o It gives which is not weapon is
greater firing good for subject to
power and practical use. improper
 lining of o Trap guns – refers to gun used for
the trapping animals.
cylinder.
o More Four main types of firearms and its main parts
dangerous to o Revolver cal .38
handle and fire. Barrel assembly
o It is not Cylinder assembly
adapted to Frame or receiver
reloading. o Pistol cal .45
o Its mechanism Barrel assembly
ejects empty Slide assembly
shell towards Frame assembly
the face of the o Rifle assembly cal .30
shooter causing Barrel assembly
flinching. Magazine assembly
o It throws out Stock group
empty shells on o Shotgun gauge 12
the ground to Barrel assembly
remain as Magazine assembly
evidence. Stock group
o It cannot be
fired from the
pocket without
jamming.
Ammunition
Miscellaneous types of guns Legal definition
o Zip guns – refers to homemade guns. - Under the national internal revenue code,
o Cane gun – also called as “freakish the word “ammunition” shall mean loaded
gun.” shell for rifles, muskets, carbines,
o Flare gun – designed for tracing or shotguns, revolvers, and pistols from
sending signals or locating enemy which bullets, ball shot, shell, or another
troops. missile may be ammunition for air rifles.
o Gas gun – designed for firing tear gas.
o Harpoon gun – refers to a barbed Technical definition
spear in hunting large fish. - Refers to a group of cartridges or to a
o Liberator – smooth bore gun used in single cartridge.
europe and designed to fire an
automatic colt pistol cartridge. Cartridge – refers to a complete unfired unit
o Multi barreled gun – guns containing consisting of bullet, primer, cartridge case,
a number of barrels. and gunpowder.
o Paradox gun – type of gun which Origin
contains lands and grooves a few Charta – (latin) refers to a paper.
inches from the muzzle point. Cartouche – (french) rolled of paper.
o Tool guns – generally used for the
construction of furniture. General types of ammunition
 Dummy ammunition - There are 10 millimeters (mm) in 1
Drill ammunition centimeter (cm) and 2.54 centimeters in 1
Blank ammunition inch (in). Therefore, multiply a bullet or
Live ammunition bore caliber given in inches by 25.4 in
order to convert it to millimeters.
Classification of cartridge (according to - The formula to convert millimeter to
firearms used) caliber is 1 millimeter = 3.937007874
Revolver cartridges caliber. The millimeter is 3.937 times
Pistol cartridges bigger than caliber.
Rifle cartridge
Shotgun cartridge M6 = 5.56 mm (.22 caliber)
Ak47 = 7.62 mm (.30 caliber)
Classification according to location of primers Revolver = 9.1 mm (.38 caliber)
Pin fire – is an obsolete type of metallic
firearm cartridge in which the priming According to rim diameter
compound is ignited by striking a small o Rimmed type – the rim is bigger than
pin that protrudes radially from just above the body of the cartridge.
the base of the cartridge. Invented by o Semi-rimmed type – the rim is slightly
frenchman casimir lefaucheux. bigger than the body of the cartridge.
Rim fire – is a type of firearm metallic o Rimless type – the rim is equal to the
cartridge whose primer is located within a body of the cartridge.
hollow circumferential rim protruding o Rebated type – the rim is smaller than
from the base of its casing. (louis-nicolas the body of the cartridge.
flobert). o Belted type – it has belt-type rim.
Center fire – is a firearm metallic cartridge
whose primer is located at the center of Parts of cartridge
the base of its casing. o Bullet
o Rimmed type o Shell
o Semi-rimmed type o Gunpowder
o Rimless type o Primer

Classification of cartridges (according to Shotgun cartridge

caliber) o Bird shot
Caliber .22 o Buckshot
Caliber .25 o Slug
Caliber .30
Caliber .32 Projectile
Caliber .380 Origin – boulette (french word) means bullet.
Caliber. 38
Caliber .357 Nomenlature of a bullet
Caliber .44 o Tip – extreme forward end of a bullet.
Caliber .45 o Ogive – curved forward part of a bullet.
Caliber .50 o Nose – forward end of a bullet, including
the tip, ogive and meplat.
o Cannelure – circumferential groove in a
bullet generally of a knurled or plain
appearance for the purpose of lubrication
or identification, or assist in crimping a
bullet in the mouth of a cartridge case.
o Bearing – portion of the outer surface of a
bullet that makes direct contact with the
interior surface of a gun barrel.
o Base – rear portion of a bullet.
o Heel – configuration of the intersection of
the bearing surface and base of a bullet.
General types of bullets (according to
mechanical construction)
o Lead bullets – those which are made
of lead alloys of this metal, lead, tin,
antimony which is slightly harder than
pure lead.
o Jacketed bullets – those which core of
lead covered by jacket of harder
metal.
According to effects on their target
o Ball bullets – this type of bullets
intended for anti-personnel and
general use.
o Armored piercing – have hardened
steel cores and are a fired against
vehicle and other armored target is
general.
o Tracer bullets – contains a compound
at the base usually similar barium
nitrates which is set on fire when the
bullet is projected. The flash of the
smoke from the burning permits the
light of the bullet to be seen.
o Incendiary – contains a mixture of
such phosphorus and other materials
that can be set on fire by impact. They
are used against target that will
readily burn such as air crafts or
gasoline depot.
o Explosive (fragmentary) – contains a
high changed explosive, because of
their small size it is difficult to make a
fuse that will work reliably in small size
ammunition. For the reason, the use
of high explosive bullets is usually
limited to 20 mm and above.
o Pointed bullet – is more effective
ballistically than the round ball of the
same weight.
o Soft point or mushroom bullet – will
expand on striking an object and
there to produce much more serious
check, and have corresponding
greater stopping power.
o Hollow point bullet – a bullet with a
cavity in the nose design to increase
the expansion when it hits the target.
According to shape
o Flat base
o Boat tailed
o Square base
o Hollow base
Cartridges cases/shell
- Is a tabular metallic or non-metallic
container which hold together the bullet,
gunpowder, and primer.
- The cartridge case is the portion of the
cartridges that is automatically ejected
from the automatic firearm during firing
and this remains at the scene of the crime.
This is firearm evidence that can help
trace particular firearms use.
Functions
- It serves as a means whereby the bullet,
gunpowder, and primer are assembled
into a unit.
- It serves as a water proof contained for
gunpowder.
- It prevents the escape of the gases to the
rear as the sidewalls of the cartridge’s
 cases are forced against the walls of the
chamber by the pressure. It serves as the
“gas seal” at the breech end of the barrel.
Parts
o Rim – serves the purpose of limiting the
forward travel of the cartridges into their
chambers and this also limit the clearance.
If any between the heads and the
supporting surface of the bolt or breech
block.
o Primer pocket – performs triple function:
Holding primer securely in control
position.
Providing or means to prevent the
escape of gases to the rear of the
cartridges.
Providing a solid support from
primer anvil without which the
latter could not be fired.
o Vents or flash hole – is the hole in the
web or bottom of the primer pocket
through which the primer “flash” impart
ignition to the primer charges. The
“opening” or “canal” that connects the
priming mixture with the gunpowder.
o The body – constitute the “cork” that
plugs the breech of the barrel against the
escape of the gas.
o Neck – that part of the cartridges case
that is occupied by the bullet.
o Cannelures – are the serrated grooves
that are sometimes found “rolled” into the
neck and bodies of the cases at the
location of the bullets bases to prevent
the bullet from being pushed back or
loosened.
o Crimp – is that part of the mouth of the
cases that is turned in upon the bullet.
- It aids in holding the bullet in place.
- To resist the movement of the bullet out
of the neck which effects the burning of
the powder.
o Base – the portion of case which contains:
The primer which contains the
priming mixture.
The shell head which contains the
head stamp caliber and the year
of manufacture.
o Shoulder – that portion which support the
neck.
o Extracting groove – is the circular groove
near the rim of the shell designed for
automatic withdrawal of the case from the
chamber.
According to case shape (3 general shapes)
o Straight – all rim fire shell and most center
fire revolver cartridges that are new
manufactured have straight cases.
o Tapered – is very rare but presently being
used in the so called “magnum jet”
cartridges cal .22.
o Bottle neck – most modern center fire rifle
cartridges cases are of bottle neck types.
Since this case form provided the greatest
powder capacity commensurate with
overall case length.
Primers
- Is that portions of the cartridge which
consist of the brass gilding metal-cup
containing a highly sensitive mixture of
chemical compound, which when struck
by the firing pin would detonate or ignite.
Such action is called percussion.
- Use for igniting the gunpowder, a blow
from the firing pin on the primer cup
compresses the priming mixture and this
causes the composition to detonate on
explodes. This detonating on explosion
produces “flame” which passes through
the “event” on “flash hole” in the
cartridges case and this ignites the
gunpowder.
Types of primer
o Berdan type
 o Boxer type Ingredients:
o Battery type Potassium nitrate – 75%
Sulfur – 10%
Parts of primer Charcoal – 15%
o Primer cup – container of the priming
mixture made up of brass, gilding metal, Semi smokeless powder
or copper. - 1890 to early 1900 substitute for black
o Priming mixture – highly sensitive powder.
chemical mixture contained in the primer - Having ingredients of smokeless and
cups. black powder.
o Anvil – that portion of the primer against Ingredients:
which the priming mixture is crushed by a Sulfur
blow from the firing pin. To provide the Potassium nitrate
resistance necessary to fire the priming Charcoal
mixture. Nitrocellulose
o Disc – piece of small paper on disc of the
pin, foil which is pressed over the priming Smokeless powder
mixture. - Term smokeless powder is misnomer for
Two-fold purposes they are neither powder nor they are
o To help hold the priming mixture smokeless. The latter term being applied
in place. to them only because they do not give off
o To exclude moisture. huge cloud of white smoke like the black
powder.
Priming compounds - Most powerful propellant and cleanest.
o Corrosive primers
o Non-corrosive primers Three main classes of smokeless powder
o Single – base propellant or nitrocellulose
Gun powder - Contains only the pure nitroglycerine
- Is the propellant which when ignited by gelatinized with nitrocellulose.
the primer flash is converted to gas under o Double – base propellant
high pressure and this propels the bullet - Composed of nitrocellulose and
or shot changes through the barrel and nitroglycerine as their major ingredients
on the target. according by one more ingredient such as:
A. Centralize
Types of gunpowder B. Vaseline phthalate esters
o Black powder C. Inorganic salt
o Semi smokeless powder
o Smokeless powder Purposes of minor ingredients
Insure instability
Black powder Reduce flash or flame temperature
- Oldest propellant Improve ignitability
- Consist of irregular grains
Depending on manufacturing process Triple based propellant
Either dull or shine Ingredients:
- Produce large volume of smoke Nitrocellulose
 Nitroglycerine o Markings transferred to firearm evidences
Nitroguanadine by deliberate accidental operation during
the process.

Barrel
Shapes of smokeless gunpowder - Is the tube, usually metal, which a
Disc controlled explosion or rapid expansion of
Squares gases are released in order to propel a
Flakes projectile out of the end at a high velocity.
Perforated cylinder - Metal carefully selected.
Pellets
Strips How the barrel is made
Drilling – special deep hole is used and
Powder flame test through the center of which lubricating oil
Black powder – quick flash with is forced under pressure.
considerable smoke. - Results to uniform rough diameter.
Semi smokeless powder – medium rate - Interior surface will bear numerous scars
flash with less smoke. and scratches.
Smokeless powder – relatively slow - Bore diameter is determined.
burning with little smoke. Reaming – scars and scratches leave
during drilling operation remove.
Explosives - Reamer slightly larger in diameter than
- Is any substance that may cause an drill which complete drill operation.
explosion by its sudden decomposition or Rifling – creation of lands and grooves.
combustion. Hook cutter system
Scrape cutter system
Classification of explosives Broaching system
Propellants or low explosives Button system
Primary explosives or initiators Lapping -
High explosives Chambering – final step of barrel process
- Creating a chamber on the barrel.
Other forms of explosives Caliber (bore diameter)
Nitroglycerine Number of lands
Trinitrotoluene (rdx) Number of grooves
Nitrocellulose Width of lands
Bomb Width of grooves
Direction of twist
Firearm characteristics Depth of grooves
o Things created has a unique characteristic
and could be traced upon its creation. Grooves – the spiral cuts in a rifled bore.
o Knowledge of firearm manufacture plays Lands – the ridges of metal between the
a vital role in identification of firearm. grooves in a rifled bore.
o Firearm examiner determine how and why
made and interpreted to himself and Individual characteristics
court.
- Those which are determinable only after
the manufacture of the firearm. They are
characteristics whose existence is beyond
the control of man and which have
random distribution. Their existence in a
firearm is brought about by the tools in
their normal operation resulting though
wear and tear, abuse, mutilations,
corrosion, erosion, and other fortuitous
causes.
Individual characteristics (shell)
o Firing pin marks – base portion at the
center.
o Breech face marks – backward movement
of breech face.
o Extractor marks – withdrawal from the
chamber.
o Ejector marks – throwing of the shell from
the firearm.
o Shearing marks – secondary firing pin
mark.
o Magazine lip mark – magazine lips during
loading.
o Chamber mark – walls of the chamber.
Chamber marks
Banded striae
Banded spiral
Fluting
Ramp bulging
Diagonal
Rust
Individual characteristics (bullet)
o Land marks – marks left by contact of
land.
o Groove marks – marks left by contact of
grooves.
o Skid marks – forward movement before it
rotates.
o Stripping marks – loose fit barrel.
o Shaving marks – poor alignment.
o Slippage marks – oily or oversized barrel.
Effect of bore on flight of projectile
- Rifled bore fires spinning projectile on a
stable course.
- Smooth bore fires tumbling projectile on
unstable course.
Principles of identification (bullets)
- No two barrels are microscopically
identical as the surface of their bores al
possesses individual characteristics
markings of their own.
- When a bullet is fired from rifled barrel, it
becomes engraved by the rifling and this
engraving will vary in its minute details
with every individual bore. So it happens
that the engraving on the bullets fired
from one barrel will be different from
another bullet fired from another barrel.
- Every barrel leaves its thumb mark or
fingerprint on very single bullet fired
through it just as every breech face leaves
its thumb mark on the base of every fired
cartridge case.
Principles of identification (shells)
- The breech face and striker of every single
firearm leave microscopically
individualities of their own.
- The firearm leaves its “fingerprints” or
“thumb mark” on ever cartridges cases
which it fires.
- The whole principles of identification are
based on the fact that since the breech
face of every weapon must be individually
distinct, the cartridges cases which it fires
are imprinted with this individuality. The
imprints on all cartridge’s cases fired from
the same weapon are always the same;
those on cartridges cases fired from
different weapons are different.
Types of rifling
o Steyer type – four lands and grooves, Objective:
right hand twist, the width of the grooves To determine the caliber, type,
is equal to the width of the lands (4r g-l). and make of firearm from which it
o Smith and wesson type – five lands and was fired.
grooves, right hand twist, the width of the procedure:
grooves is equal to the width of the lands Determine caliber utilizing
(5r g-l). micrometer caliper.
o Colt type – six lands and grooves, left Check the base of the cartridge
hand twist, the width of the grooves is case for the head stamp.
twice larger than the width of the lands (6l
g2x). Type 3 – given a bullet and a suspected
o Browning type – six lands and grooves, firearm, to determine whether or not the
right hand twist, the width of the grooves bullet was fired from the suspected
is twice larger than the width of the lands firearm.
(6r g2x). Objective:
o Army type – four lands and grooves, right To determine whether or not the
hand twist, the width of the grooves is bullet was fired from the
three times larger than the width of the suspected firearm.
lands (4r g3x). procedure:
o Winchester – rifling having six (6) land Examine fired bullet as to its
and grooves, right hand twist, the width caliber or applying procedure
of the grooves is three times larger than number one.
the width of the lands (6r g3x). Examine suspected firearm.
o Webley type – seven lands and grooves, Test fire suspected firearm.
right hand twist, the width of the grooves
is three times larger than the width of the Type 4 – given a fired cartridge case and
lands (7r g3x). a suspected firearm, to determine
whether or not the cartridge case was
Forensic ballistic problem fired from the suspected firearm.
Type 1 – given fired bullet, to determine Objective:
the caliber and type of firearm from which To determine whether or not the
it was fired. cartridge case was fired from the
Objective: suspected firearm.
Determine the caliber, type, make procedure:
of firearm from which it was fired. Examine fired shell as to caliber
procedure: type make.
Identify bullet, type, shape, design. Examine suspected firearm as to
Instrument used, tortion balance, rifling characteristics.
caliper or micrometer. Test fire of suspected firearm.
Identify rifling by determining
lands and grooves. Type 5 – given two or more bullets, to
determine whether or not they were fired
Type 2 – given a fired cartridge case, to from only one firearm.
determine the caliber and type of firearm Objective:
from which it was fired.
 To determine fired bullets Steps to be followed upon arrival at any
whether or not they were fired crime scene
from only one firearm. o Save life
procedure: o Cordon the scene
Identify bullets as to caliber, type, o Call for soco and emergency
and make by applying principle in medical team
problem no. 1. o Record date, time, and weather
Comparison of bullets utilizing condition
bullet comparator microscope. o Conduct field inquiry

Type 6 – given two or more cartridge Iv. Collection of evidence

cases, to determine whether or not they
were fired from only one firearm. Observe the "mac" rule
Objective: Photograph/sketch
To determine cartridge cases Take notes
whether or not they were fired
from only one firearm.
procedure:
Identify each fired shell as to their
caliber type and make applying
the procedure in problem no. 2.
Compare each fired shell.

Type 7 – given a suspected firearm, to

determine whether it is serviceable or not.
Objective:
To determine whether it is
serviceable or not.
procedure:
Examine suspected firearm,
caliber type, and make whether or
not it is serviceable/functional.
Check serial number and records
identification.

o Caliber .22 – about 5.59 mm.

o Caliber .25 – about 6.35 mm.
o Caliber .30 – about 7.63 mm.
o Caliber .32 – about 7.65 mm.
o Caliber .38 – about 9 mm.
o Caliber .45 – about 11 mm.
o Caliber .50 – about 12 mm.

Investigation of ballistic case

 5. If tag are to be used, make the necessary
entry, attach it securely before putting on the
evidence bag or container. Mark the evidence
tag for proper entry.

6. Keep the complete record of the chain of

possession of the ballistics evidence.

►v. Marking of evidence

Rules in marking of evidence.

1. Make use of a hard pointed instrument

called stylus in marking ballistics evidence
such as metallic or plastic cartridge case,
bullet and firearm. In case of paper cartridge
use fountain for marking

2. Use distinctive marks such as initials of the

investigator, victim or suspects plus the date
of recovery.

3. Put the mark on the surface of the evidence

that would not in any way alter its very nature.

4. Make a complete record of the mark used

where it is placed and other distinctive marks
that the evidences possesses.
► preservation of physical evidence

Transmittal of physical evidence

Chain of custody of evidence/s

▶the time of its recovery until the final

disposition in court
▶record of all the person who have handled
the physical evidence.
▶information as to who received and
accepted the evidences, date and time of
received, number of the physical evidence
involved

►stereoscope microscope
This is generally used in the preliminary
examination of fired bullets and fired shells.
To determine the location of the extractor
marks and ejector marks for orientation
purposes. It can be used also in one close-up
examination of tampered serial numbers of
firearms.

Bullet recovery box

For obtaining best fired bullet or test fired
cartridge cases from the suspected firearms
submitted to the ballistics laboratory. In test
firing suspected firearms, it is standard
procedure to used ammunition that are of the
same caliber, make or brand and
manufactured in the same year with that of Frame-houses the internal parts.
the evidence bullet or shell.
Yoke - connecting pivot between the frame
►measuring projector - mp6 and cylinder.
This projector determines the width of the
lands, width of grooves, diameter and twist of Extractor pulls the empty shells from the
fired bullets. cylinder - simultaneously.

▶verneir calipers Extractor road - activates the extractor and is

This instrument determines the bullet a locking device.
diameter and barrel length.
Center pin - serves as a looking device for the
Analytical balance cylinder.
This more or less determines the weight of the
bullets, shots and pellets for possible type, Center pin srping - holes the center pin in a
caliber and make for firearm from which they locked position.
were fired
Side plates - provides access to the internal
▶taper gauge parts.
Used for determining the diameter of the
bore of the firearms. Side plate screw - hold the side plate and
yoke in place.
▶onoscope
For examining the interior surface of the Hammer block - safety device that prevents
barrel. hammer blow to primer.

►helixometer double action sear - built into the weapon to

For measuring the pitch of the rifling. Pitch of allow double action fire.
rifling is the distance advanced by the rifling
in one complete turn or a distance traveled by Hammer - strikes the blow that initiates or
the bullet in one complete turn. ignites primer.

Chronograph Bolt - disengage center prim to allow opening

For determining the speed of the bullet or the of cylinder and blocks hammer.
muzzle velocity
Thumblatch - actuates bolt to release the
Shadowgraph cylinder.
works almost the same as the bullet
comparison microscope. Hand (pawl) - rotates the cylinder when the
hammer is cocked.

Nomenclature and function Cylinder stop - stops and holds the cylinder
alignment for firing.
Barrel - initiates the path of the bullet.
Trigger - actuates the parts necessary to fire
the weapon.
Trigger guard - guards the trigger from
unnecessary action to avoid accidental firing.
Rebound slide - returns trigger, actuates
hammer block and locks hammer.
Trigger spring - provides energy for return
movement or rebound slide.
Trigger lever- contacts rebound slide to
return trigger forward.
Main spring - provides energy to the hammer
to activate firing mechanism.
Strain screw - controls tension of the
mainspring.
Trigger stop- prevents excessive rearward
movement after hammer release.
racket - helps in the withdrawal of the
cartridges or shells from the chambers of the
cylinder.
Cylinder notch - it helps hold the cylinder in
place and aligned ready for firing.
Definition of terms
Percussion - action when the priming mixture
of chemical compound hit or struck by firing
in would ignite.
Juxtaposition - two objects is evidence bullet
and test bullet are examined and compared
under the bullet comparison microscope.
Includes also the examination of fired shells.
Ballo or ballein
Greek words where ballistics was derived from
which means "to throw".
Ballista - the early roman was machine - a
gigantic bow or catapult.
Ballistics - science of the motion of projectiles.
Forum a greek word of forensic which means
debatable, argumentation in relation to the
court of justice.
Forensic balliastics- the study of firearms
identification by means of ammunition fired
from them.
Ballistician - person whose knowledge in
identification is accepted by the courts and
other investigation agencies.
Abrassion - (in the world) scratches cause by
using improper cleaning materials, or by firing
ammunition with bullets to which abrasive
material was adhering. Normal enlargement
of the bore and wearing away of lands due to
the abrasive action of the bullets.
Black powder - a mechanical mixture of
charcoal, sulfur and salt paper. Burned with
considerable white smoke.
Cartridge is a complete unfired unit of bullets,
cartridge case, gunpowder and primer.
Ammunition (legal) - sec. 877 of the rac - shall
mean "loaded shell" for rifles, muskets,
carbines, shotguns, revolvers and pistols
which a ball, bullet shot shell or other missile
maybe discharges by means of gunpowder or
other explosive. The term includes
ammunition for a rifles as mentioned else
where in the code.
Ball bullets -bullets have soft lead course
inside a jacket.

Round - one single complete cartridge.
Bullet energy - the powder possessed by a
moving bullet, or in other words its ability to
keep going meets an obstacle of immense
importance, for obviously, the more powder a
bullet has and the harder it is to stop the,
more effective it can be as a weapon.
Bullet recovery box - consist of a wooden box,
12" x 12" x 96", with the hinged to cover and
with one end open. This long box is filled with
ordinary cotton and separated into section by
card board partitions.
Caliber is the diameter of the inner surface of
the barrel that is measured from land to land.
Dumdum bullet - "dumdum" is an out molded
and generally misused term. It was an
unofficial name first applied hallow point
bullets maid at the british arsenal at dumdum,
india.
Erosion - the mechanical wear and tear of the
inner surface of the gun barrel due to the
mechanical abrasion or gliding.
Corrosion - the chemical wear and tear of the
inside of the gun barrel due to rust formation
or chemical action of the by products of
combustion after firing.
Cannelure (bullet) - a knurled ring or serrated
grooved around the body of the bullet which
contains wax for lubrication in order to
minimize friction during the passage of the
bullet inside the bore.
Caliper - an instrument used for making
measurement such as bullet diameter and
bore diameter.
Chilled shot - shotgun pellets made from lead
especially hardened by the addition of a slight
amount of antimony.
Class characteristics are those that are
determinable even before the manufacture of
the firearm. It is categorized into caliber or
gauge number of lands and grooves, width of
land and grooves, twist of rifling, patch of
rifling and depth of grooves.
Range - the straight distance between muzzle
and target.
Point blank range - popularity used to
indicate the distance the bullet will travel
before it drops enough to require sight
adjustment. A shot fired so closed to the
target that no sighting is necessary for
effective aiming
Maximum range - the farthest distance that a
projectile can be propelled form a firearm
Effective range the maximum distance at
which a bullet may reasonable be expected
types of live target.
Extreme range - the greatest distance the
bullet will travel the cartridge is fire
Effective range - the maximum distance at
which a bullet may reasonable be expected
types of live target.
Accurate range the distance with in which he
shoots has control of his shots
Fouling the accumulation of a deposit wit in
the bore of a firearm caused by solid by
products remaining a cartridge is fired.
Gum cotton - a very powerful explosive, like
nitroglycerine
Which is a chemical compound and not a
mixture. This is formed by the action of nitric
and sulfuric acid on cotton or nay other kind
of cellulose.
Lands- the raised portion between the
grooves in the interior surface of the gun
barrel.
Lapping is the smoothening of the inner
surface of the barrel.
Knocking power - power of the bullet which
gives of a very
Paralyzing blow that put the victim down and
may then recover if the wound inflicted upon
is not fatal.
Stopping power - power of the bullet which
put the victim out of the action instantly. So it
should be understood that stopping power is
not necessarily the same thing as killing
power. However, stopping power depends
very largely on the location of the shot
Primer - the complete assembly of cup,
priming composition, paper discs and anvil.
Cartouche of paper. - french word of
cartridge which means rool
Charta - latin word for cartridges which
means paper
Pistol - a hand firearm usually applied to
simple sot and automatic loading.
Revolver- a hand firearm in which a rotating
cylinder successively places cartridges into
position for firing.
Shotgun a smooth-bore weapon designed to
shoot a number of lead pellets in one charge.
Rifle a type of weapon designed to be fired
from the shoulder.
Cartridge term used to describe a complete
unfired unit consisting of the bullets, primer
cartridges case and powder charge
Bullet - is a projectile propelled from a charge.
Automatic - a weapon is automatic when its
mechanism is so arranged that it will fire
continuously while the trigger is depressed.
Double action - weapon in which pressure
upon the trigger both cocks and release the
hammer.
Single action - weapon in which pressure
upon the trigger release the hammer that
must be manually cocked.
Caliber term used to indicate the bore
diameter which is measured between two
opposite lands.
Gauge or gage - as applied to shotguns, it
indicates that the bore diameter is equal to
the diameter of a lead ball whose weight in
pounds is equal to the reciprocal gauge index.
Ex. Bore diameter of a lead ball weighing 1/12
of a pound.
Bore - the cylindrical passage of the barrel
through which the projectile travels.
Pitch of rifling - the distance that the rifling
advances to make one complete turn.
Expert - as used in, court includes all
witnesses whose opinions are admitted on
grounds of specialized knowledge, training
and experience.
Breechblock - the steel block which closes the
rear of
The bore against the force of charge or that
part in the breech mechanism that locks the
action against the firing of the cartridges; the
face of this block is known as the breech face.
Ex. 6 inches at 15 yards in white pinewood.
Berdan primer - a primer with two flash holes
or vents.
Boxer primer - a primer with only one flash
hole or vents.

Chamber - that part of the weapon in which Rim - the projection edge of the base or head
the cartridge is placed into position for firing. of a certain cartridge.

Ejector- that mechanism in a firearm which OGIVE - is the technical name of the
causes the empty shell or ammunition to be cylindrical head critic of the bullets.
thrown out from the gun.
BREECH END - the rear end of the bore of an
Extractor- that mechanism in a firearm by arm where the cartridges is inserted.
which the empty shell or ammunition is
withdrawn from the chamber.

Grooves- the depressed channels cut in the

interior of a rifled gun barrel.

Lands - that raised portion between the

grooves inside a rifled gun barrel.

Velocity is the forward speed at which the

bullet travels measured in feet per second.

Pressure - the outward thrust of the burning

powder gases against the breechblock,
chamber and bore normally measured one
inch from the breech and recorded in pounds
per square inch.

Ex. 14,000 to 15,000 pounds per square inch

for caliber .45 automatic pistol.

Range - the straight distance between the

muzzle of the gun and the target.

Penetration - the depth to which a projectile

sinks in the tar

Get.