FORENSIC

BALLISTICS
(CRI 414L)
By: PROF. SUPT RODOLFO B ALOCELJA, MSCJ
WHAT IS FORENSIC BALLISTICS?

Forensic Ballistics is the science of analyzing

firearm usage in crimes. forensic ballistics involves
the analysis of bullets and bullet impacts to
determine the type. separately from the ballistics
information, firearm and tool mark examinations
also involve analyzing firearm, ammunition, and
tool mark evidence in order to establish whether a
certain firearm or tool was used in the commission
of a crime.
 DEFINITION OF TERMS:

“Ballistics” - is defined as the “science of the motion of

projectiles”.
“Science” - refers to the systematized body of knowledge;
“Motion” - refers to movement or mobility
“Projectiles” - refer to metallic or non-metallic objects propelled
from a firearm.
“Ballistics” - is a science in itself, because it evolved from
systematic knowledge, research, and development, training,
experience, and education of those who pioneered in this field.
 TECHNICALLY SPEAKING:

The term “BALLISTICS” refers to the science of firearms

identification” which involves the scientific examination of
ballistics exhibits – fired bullets, fired shells, firearms, and allied
matters – used in crimes.
ORIGIN:
The term “ballistics” itself was derived from the greek word
“ballo” or “ballein” which literally means “to throw”. its root was
also said to have derived from the name of an early roman war
machine called the “ballista” – a gigantic bow or catapult which
was used to hurl missiles or large objects such as stones at the
particular distance to deter animals (games) or enemy forces.
 DEFINITION OF TERMS:

“Forensic” - as applied to ballistics, or to any other subject, suggests a

relationship to courts of justice and legal proceedings, and the term was
derived from the Latin word “forum” meaning a marketplace, where people
gather for “public disputation” or public discussion”.
thus the title “forensic ballistic” aptly describes the subject under
consideration – the science of investigation and identification of firearms and
ammunitions used in crimes.
the term “ballistics”, “forensic ballistics, and “firearms identification”, have
come to mean one and the same thing in the minds of the public and they
can be used interchangeably.
 BRANCHES: SCIENCE OF BALLISTICS

A. Interior (internal) ballistics –

refers to the properties and
attributes of the projectiles\
(bullet) while still inside the
gun. this extends from the
“breach” to the “muzzle” of the
gun. it involves all reactions
that take place while the bullet
is still in the gun.
These include the following:
Firing pin hitting the primer, ignition of the priming
mixture, combustion of the gunpowder, expansion of
the heated gas, the pressure developed, energy
generated, the velocity of bullet in the barrel,
rotation of the bullet in the barrel, engravings of the
cylindrical surface of the bullet.
b. Exterior (external) ballistics – refers to the attributes and
movements of the bullet after it has left the gun muzzle. this
branch involves the following:
1. Muzzle blast – the noise created at the muzzle point of the
gun due to the sudden escape of the expanding gas
coming in contact with the air in the surrounding
atmosphere at the muzzle point.
2. Muzzle energy – energy generated at the muzzle and
target.
3. Trajectory – the actual curved path of the bullet during its
flight from the gun muzzle and target.
b. Exterior (external) ballistics – refers to the attributes and movements of
the bullet after it has left the gun muzzle. this branch involves the following:
1. Muzzle blast – the noise created at the muzzle point of the gun due to
the sudden escape of the expanding gas coming in contact with the air
in the surrounding atmosphere at the muzzle point.
2. Muzzle energy – energy generated at the muzzle and target.
3. Trajectory – the actual curved path of the bullet during its flight from the
gun muzzle and target.
4. Range – the straight distance between muzzle and target.
A. Accurate (effective) range – the distance within which the shooter has
control of his shots, meaning he can place his shots at the desired
spots.
b. Maximum range – the farthest distance that a projectile can
be propelled from a firearm.
5. Velocity – the rate of speed of the bullet per unit of time.
6. Air resistance – resistance encountered by the bullet while
in flight.
7. Pull of gravity – downward reaction of the bullet toward
the earth center due to its weight.
8. Penetration – depth of entry on target.
c. Terminal ballistics – refers to the effects of the impact of the
projectile on the target. this involves the following:
1. Terminal accuracy – the size of the bullet grouping on the
target.
2. Terminal energy – the energy of the projectile when it strikes
the target also striking energy.
3. Terminal – speed of the bullet upon striking the target.
4. Terminal penetration – depth of entry of the bullet in the
target.
d. Forensic ballistics – refers to the investigation and
identification of firearms by means of ammunitions fired through
them. this is the real branch of the science that the police use as
their guide in filed investigations. this includes the following:
1. Field investigation – this is conducted by the first officers on
the case in the field went hay investigate a case or case wherein
firearms have been used. this is a routine job of the investigating
officers, and this involves recognition, collection, marking,
preservation, and transmittal of ballistics exhibits like fired
bullets, fired shells, firearms, and allied matters.
2. Technical examinations of the ballistics exhibits – this job is
performed by the firearms examiners in the laboratory. it involves
marking of the evidence firearms, test firing of evidence firearms to
obtain test bullets and test shells for comparative purposes,
photomicrography under the bullet comparison microscope,
preparation of comparative charts, and the making of reports on
the findings and observations of the firearms examiners.
3. Legal proceedings – courts trials – wherein the ballistics
report of the firearm examiner and ballistics exhibits – fired bullets,
fired shells, firearm or firearms, and allied exhibits are presented
during the trial of the case in a court of justice.
 Ballistics

Concerning firearms and bullets, there are

three phases of ballistics:

Internal ballistics – concerning the

movement of a bullet as it travels down the
barrel.
 External ballistics – the study of a bullet in flight from the
time it leaves the barrel until the flight terminates
● Terminal ballistics – the study of bullet behavior after it strikes
a target
WELCOME BACK!
Firearms

● Many stories told about the discovery of

gunpowder, but the most legendary and have
little support facts Berthold Schwartz and
Roger Bacon, a German monk and
English monk, respectively, are that
gunpowder was first invented by the
Chinese and that the Arabs, with their
advanced knowledge of chemistry at the
time, may have also developed it
independently.
Firearms

Legal Definition – its “legal definition” may be found in section 877 of our
Revised Administrative Code as well s in Section 290 of our National Internal
Revenue Code and this runs as follows.
Section 877 “FIREARMS” or “ARMS” as herein used includes rifles,
muskets, carbines, shotguns, pistols, revolvers, and all other deadly
weapons from which bullets, balls, shots, shells, or other explosives. This
term also includes air rifles except such as being of small caliber and of the
limited range used as toys. The barrel of any firearm shall be considered a
complete firearm for all purposes hereof.
Technical Definition – a firearm is an instrument used for the propulsion of
projectiles by means of the expansive force of gases coming from burning
gunpowder. (FBI Manual or Firearms Identification)
Firearms Examination

Ballistics - is the study of objects that are shot or thrown through

the air, such as bullets from guns.

Firearms examination - deals with comparative analysis of fired

ammunition components to a questioned firearm to determine if
components were fired from that firearm
Firearms Examination

● One of the earliest recorded uses of firearms in warfare was an

attack in Seville, Spain in 1247 history also showed that cannons
were used by King Edward in 1346 and by Mohammed II of Turkey
in his famous conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
● The first firearms were inefficient, large, and heavy, making it
difficult for a common soldier to carry; hence, the development of
cannons proceeded to the invitation of small arms weapons for
almost 50 years now. The tube of gun then was shaped like a
barrel and made of wooden slaves bound together with hoops of
iron.
Firearms

Rifle – A type of weapon normally designed to be

fired from the shoulder.  

Musket – An ancient smooth bore weapon designed

to shoot a single-round lead ball. They are
considered muzzle-loading firearms. Named after
the smallest bird of prey called “mosquette”, a small
hawk.
Firearms

Matchlock Musket – came into being about the end

of the first quarter of the Fifteenth century.

Flintlock Musket – was first introduced at the

beginning of the 18th century. Three characteristics
weapons of the American Civil War. The top is a
Colt revolving rifle issued at the start of the war in
considerable numbers and of full musket bore, but
entirely unsatisfactory for use in the field.
Firearms
Carbine – (David “Carbine” William) caliber.30 a short
barrel rifle, having a barrel not longer than 22 inches.

Shotgun – a smooth bore weapon designed to shoot a

number of lead pellets in one charge.
Gauge – as applied to shotgun indicates the bore diameter
is equal to the diameter of the lead ball whose weight in a
pound is equal to the reciprocal gauge index. Indicates
bore diameter that is equal to the lead ball weighing 1/12
of a pound.
Firearms
Revolver - A hand firearm in which a rotating cylinder
successively places cartridges into position for firing.

Pistol - A hand firearm usually applies to single shot

and automatic loading. The smallest pistol in the
world is KOLIBRI, auto pistol, caliber 2.7mm, 5 shots,
1914. The most powerful handgun in the world is once
considered MAGNUM .44 now caliber .50 is
manufactured in Israel. The word “magnum”
originated in England.
Firearms
Single Action - Weapon in which pressure upon the trigger releases the
hammer that must be manually cocked.
Double Action - Weapon in which pressure upon the trigger both cocks
and releases the hammer.
Automatic - A weapon is called automatically when the machine is so
arranged that it will fire continuously while the trigger is depressed.
Air Rifle - A type of weapon designed to shoot pellets by means of
compressed air, (cal. 177 or .22).
 Kolibri 2.7mm Auto
Magnum 44

Cinmarron lightning .38 single action revolver

Caliber .50 Desert Eagle  
Important Dates in Firearms History

● 1313 – Gunpowder as a propellant. The age of gunpowder began with

its first uses as a propellant for a projectile.
● 1350 – Small Arms. Gunpowder was first only in cannons. It was not
until the middle of the 14th century that portable hand firearms were
introduced. These guns were ignited by a handheld hotwire or a
lighted match.
● 1498 – Rifling. The first reference to rifled barrels happened around
this year. Although some recognized its importance as an aid to
accuracy, it took many years before rifling was generally used.
Important Dates in Firearms History
● 1575 – Cartridge. Page cartridges were developed. This combined both powder and
ball about 1575. This greatly speeded loading reduced the hazards of carrying loose
powder.
● 1807 – Percussion System. Forsyth discovered that certain compounds detonated
by a blow could be used to ignite the charge in a firearm, forming the basis for all
percussion and cartridge developments.
● 1835 – Samuel colt patented the first practical revolver in which the cylinder rotated
by cocking the hammer.
● 1836 – Pin-Fire Cartridges. The pin fire cartridge developed by Le Fo Cheux was
probably the first self-exploding cartridge to come into general use.
● 1845 – Rim-Fire Cartridge. In France, Flobert developed a “bullet breech cap” which
was in reality the first rim fire cartridge.
Important Dates in Firearms History
● 1858 – Center-Fire Cartridge. The Most cartridge marked the beginning of the
rapid development of the center-fire cartridge.
● 1884 – Automatic Machine Gun. Hiram Maxim built the first fully automatic gun,
utilizing the recoil of the place to load and fire the next charge.
● 1885 – Smokeless Powder. In France, Vielle developed the first satisfactory
smokeless powder a new propellant that lacked the smoke characteristic of
black powder but was more powerful.
● 1947 - The name AK-47 is derived from the Russian words “Avtomat
Kalashnikova”, in honor of its automatic firing capabilities and its principal
designer, Mikhail Kalashnikov. The 47 denotes the year 1947 when the trials
started on the version of the rifle that was finally approved for adoption by the
Soviet armed forces soon after.
Important Dates in Firearms History
● 1858 – Center-Fire Cartridge. The Most cartridge marked the beginning of the
rapid development of the center-fire cartridge.
● 1884 – Automatic Machine Gun. Hiram Maxim built the first fully automatic gun,
utilizing the recoil of the place to load and fire the next charge.
● 1885 – Smokeless Powder. In France, Vielle developed the first satisfactory
smokeless powder a new propellant that lacked the smoke characteristic of
black powder but was more powerful.
● 1947 - The name AK-47 is derived from the Russian words “Avtomat
Kalashnikova”, in honor of its automatic firing capabilities and its principal
designer, Mikhail Kalashnikov. The 47 denotes the year 1947 when the trials
started on the version of the rifle that was finally approved for adoption by the
Soviet armed forces soon after.
Men behind Firearms

Col. Calvin H. Goddard

Father of Modern Ballistics OS, US

Army
● He is known as the Father of Modern Ballistics. In the late 1920s, the
work of Calvin Goddard brought the FBI (formally named in 1932)
even more fully into the application of science to detective work. 
Goddard, a pioneer in forensic ballistics, was instrumental in the
opening of the Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory, then affiliated
with Northwestern University, in Chicago.  The Bureau learned much
from Goddard’s lab and it supported many of the efforts made by this
organization over the next several years.
● Valentine’s Day Massacre - during the height of prohibition, gang warfare raged
over control of the illegal alcohol trade. One of the bloodiest battles was between
Al “Scarface” Capone and George “Bugs” Moran. On Valentine’s night, 1929,
seven of Moran’s men were awaiting a shipment of stolen alcohol. The shipment
was actually a set up by Capone in an attempt to kill his rival, Moran. Moran was
supposed to be at the warehouse but arrived late. Moran saw a “police car” pull up
so he stayed back and watched. The “police” entered the warehouse and a
barrage of machine gunfire was heard. Moran then saw the “cops” come out and
drive away. The real police arrived and found each of the 7 inside shot numerous
times. 70 casings were recovered from the scene. Bullets were later recovered
from the victims.
Men behind Firearms

Horace Smith

Founded the Great firm Smith and

Wesson pioneered the making of the
breech-loading rifles.
Men behind Firearms

Daniel B. Wesson

● An associate or partner of Smith in

revolver making.
Men behind Firearms

James Wolfe Ripley –

stimulated the development of
the model 1855 riffled-musket
Men behind Firearms

○ John Moses Browning – the wizard of a modern

firearm. He is regarded as one of the most
successful firearms designers of the 20th century,
in the development of
modern automatic and semi-automatic firearms,
and is credited with 128-gun patents. He made
his first firearm at age 13 in his father's gun shop
and was awarded his first patent on October 7,
1879, at the age of 24
 Men behind Firearms

John T. Thompson - pioneered the making of Thompson’s submachine

gun.

David “Carbine” Willliams – maker of the first known carbine.

Alexander John Forsyth – father of percussion ignition.

Samuel Colt – produced the first practical revolver.

John C. Garand – invented the US Rifle. Cal. .30 M1

Hiram maxim - Built the first fully automatic gun, utilizing the recoil of the piece
to load and fire the next charge
Elisha King Root
● Designed the machinery for making Colt firearms.
Eliphalet Remington
● One of the first rifle makers use for the sniper.

Oliver F. Winchester
● One of the earliest rifles and pistols makers.

John Marlon Marlin

● Founder of Marlin Firearms Company.
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF
FIREARMS.
○ According to Interior Barrel Construction

 Smoothbore firearms – firearms that do

not contain rifling or are perfectly smooth
from end to end e.g. Shotguns and
Muskets.
●  

 Rifled arms – Firearms that contain rifling

or the bore are cut longitudinally with a
number of grooves, e.g. Pistol, Revolvers,
and rifles.
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF
FIREARMS.
○ According to the Caliber of the
Projectile Propelled
●  

■ Artillery – Firearms that propel

projectile more than one inch in
diameter. E.g. Cannons, Mortars,
Bazooka

■ Small Arms – Firearms that propel

projectile less than one inch in
diameter. E.g. Pistols, Revolvers,
Rifle, Submachine Guns, Shotguns
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF
FIREARMS.
○ Machine Guns. 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:
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF
FIREARMS.
■ 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.
A recoil-operated firearm uses the energy of the recoil to cycle the action. It is one
of the earliest and most successful methods of operation for an automatic firearm. It
works for a broad spectrum of weapons — from pocket-sized pistols up to heavy
machine guns and automatic cannons.

How does recoil operation work?

Upon firing, the firearm recoils backward into the shooter's body. The inertial mass
remains stationary, compressing a spring. The bolt remains locked to the barrel, which
in turn is rigidly attached to the frame. The compressed spring forces the inertial mass
rearwards until it transfers its momentum to the bolt.
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF
FIREARMS.
■ Gas operated – a type of machine
gun equipped with the 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 move to
the rear moving or pulling the
breechblock to the rear.
What is a gas-operated firearm?

A gas-operated firearm is one that uses the

energy from a portion of high-pressure gas
from the cartridge being fired to work the
action in semi-automatic and fully automatic
guns.
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF
FIREARMS.
■ Combined recoil and gas operated – in this type of machine
gun, the gas operation merely serves to unlock the breechblock
by the pressure moving to the gas port, passing through the gas
cylinders 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 breechblock to move rearward and
completes the opening cycle. The spring will return the various
parts to their closed position and the cycle will be repeated for
the next shot.
Recoil and gas operated

A blowback-operated firearm typically lacks a mechanical lock between

the breech and the barrel. This makes it simpler to design and cheaper to
build. A gas- or recoil-operated firearm requires a more complex
system to lock and unlock the bolt. A blowback-operated firearm is
quite reliable.
● Sub-Machine Gun. This is a light,
portable form of a machine gun, utilizing
pistol-size ammunition, having a
shoulder stock that may or may not be
folded, and is designed to be fired with
both hands. Example: Uzi
● Shoulder Arms. Shoulder arms are those types of
firearms that were normally fired from the shoulder.

● Example: rifles and shotguns

● Rifles. It is a shoulder weapon designed to fire
a projectile with more accuracy through a long-
rifled bore barrel, usually more than 22 inches.

1. Types of Repeating Rifles:

1. Bolt Action type – The bolt action type may appear

as either a 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.
Lever – 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 breechblock in place, ready for firing.
The Winchester model 91 is a typical example.

Slide Action Type – In this type of rifle, a box-type magazine

is attached and removed every time that loading and
unloading are desired. The operation is simply done by pulling
the slide back 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.
Carbine. A short barrel rifle, with its barrel rifle,
measuring not longer than 22 inches. It fires a single
projectile through 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 arm designed to fire shots
or a single-round lead ball.
 Shotgun. A smooth bore and a breech-loading
shoulder arm designed to fire a number of lead
pellets or shots in one charge.

Types of Shotgun

A single-barreled shotgun –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.
 
Double-barreled shotgun – It appears in different
variations depending on the barrel position. There are
double-barreled shotguns positioned side by side, one
over the other, with individual triggers or with a single
trigger pull causing two hammer and firing pins to fire at
the same time.
 
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 a “hammerless shotgun”.
 
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.
Handguns. These types of firearms are designed or intended to be fired using
one hand. Example: pistols and revolvers.

Pistols. In early firearm history, all handguns are generally called pistols. The
pistol is loaded through the magazine, and the slide action is taken 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.
● Revolver. The revolver is a
type of hand arms designed
to position cartridges into
position for firing with the aid
of a rotating cylinder serving
as its chamber.
 Types of Firearms According to Mechanical Construction.
 
Single Shot Firearms – types of firearms designed to fire
only one shot for every loading.
 
Repeating Firearms – types of firearms designed to fire
several shots in one loading and for every press of a trigger.
 
Automatic Firearms – a type of firearm that constitutes
continuous firing in a single press of the trigger and while the
trigger is pressed.
 
Slide action type – type of firearms in which
loading takes place by back and forth
manipulation of the under/over forearms of the
gun.
 
Bolt action type – types of firearms in which
reloading takes place by manipulating the bolt
back and forth.
 Advantages and disadvantages of revolvers
 
Advantages
 
- Easy to operate
- Safer
- Trigger pull is better than an average pistol
- Handles satisfactorily deteriorated ammunition.

Disadvantages
 
- More bulky
- Grip is not as good as the pistol
- Slower to load
- Harder to replace when broken
- Hard to clean
- Poorly made weapon is subject to variable accuracy due to improper lining of the cylinder.
 Advantages and disadvantages of
Pistols Disadvantages
  1. Ammunition must be perfect.
Advantages 2. Misfire stops the functioning of the
  gun
1. Better grip 3. Magazine spring is under tension
2. More compact for same firing power when loaded for a long time.
3. Easier to load 4. It cannot use reduced loads
4. Barrel is replaceable 5. More dangerous to handle
5. Greater number of shots 6. Mechanism can eject empty shell
6. Easier to clean towards the face of the shooter.
7. Greater firing power 7. Throws empty shells on the ground to
8. No gas leakage remain as evidence
WELCOME
BACK
 Parts of a Revolver
●  
Barrel- the passageway of the bullet. It initiates the motion of the bullet.

Bolt – disengages center pin to allow the opening of cylinder and blocks the hammer.

Center pin – serves as locking device for the cylinder.

Center pin spring – holds the center pin in a locked position.

Chamber – that part of the firearm in which the cartridge is placed when ready to be fired.

Cylinder – serves as the chamber and magazine for a revolver.

Cylinder notch – helps hold the cylinder in place and aligned for ready firing.

Cylinder stop – stops and holds cylinder in alignment for firing.

Double action sear – built into a weapon to allow double action firing.
Extractor – pulls the empty shells from the cylinder simultaneously.
Frame – houses the internal parts of the firearm.
Hand (paw) – rotates the cylinder when the hammer is cocked.
Hammer – strikes the blow that initiates the ignition of a primer.
Hammer block – safety device that prevents hammer blows to the primer.
Mainspring – provides energy to the hammer to activate firing mechanism.
Ratchet – helps the withdrawal of the cartridge or shells from the chamber of the cylinder.
Rebound slide – returns trigger, activates hammer block, and locks the hammer.
Side plate – provides access to the internal parts.
Side place screws – hold the side plate and yoke in place.
Thumb latch – actuates the bolt to release cylinder.
Trigger – activates the part necessary to fire the weapon.
Trigger guard – guards the trigger to unnecessary action to avoid accidental firing.
Trigger spring – provides energy for return movement or rebound slide.
Strain screws – controls tension on the mainspring.
Trigger level – contacts rebound slide to return trigger forward.
Trigger stop – prevents excessive rearward movement after hammer release
Yoke – pivots connection between the frame and cylinder.
 
Parts of a Pistol

Barrel – typically made of heavy-duty material to take on the abuse of imparted on the assembly by
the forces involved thus providing inherent stability and thereof aiding in accuracy.

Front Sight – is used to align the forward section of the weapon with the rear and its rear sighting
device

Slide – is the complete assembly that houses the upper section of the weapon and to withstand that
harsh force at play when the gun is fired.

Ejection Port – used to eject a spent shell casing or complete cartridge.

Rear Sight – is used to align the weapon with the front sight and direct the muzzle of the gun
towards the target.
 Firing Pin – a movable pin in a firearm that strikes the primer of a cartridge
to set the charge.

Recoil Spring – a spring used to cushion the shock of a recoiling gun or

another mechanism.

Slide Lock – is a simple locking device used to lock the slide in the
rearward position.

Trigger – is the lever used to manage the firing function of the weapon

Magazine Release – is used to eject the magazine from the grip of the
handgun.
Magazine – is an ammunition storage and feeding device within or attached to a
repeating firearm.
Hammer – is used to strike the percussion cap/primer, or a separate firing pin, to ignite
the propellant and fire the projectile.
Thumb Safety – that prevents the trigger and/or firing mechanism from moving.
Grip Safety – is a lever or other device situated on the grip of a firearm which must be
actuated by the operator’s hand, as a natural consequence of holding the firearm in a
firing position, in order for the firearm to fire.
Main spring – used to reduce mainspring pressure.
Barrel Bushing - When the slide goes back into battery, the barrel is held centered in
the bushing and provides a solid platform for firing.
Recoil Spring - a spring used to cushion the shock of a recoiling gun or other
mechanism
Recoil Spring Plug - A reverse plug goes in to the slide assembly from the rear and the
guide rod spring hold it in place one the gun is assembled.
Recoil Spring Guide – It guides the recoil spring to be in place.
 AMMUNITION -
Is generic term for unfired cartridge

● The “legal” definition of the word “ammunition” maybe found

in Chapter VI, Section 290 of the National Revenue Code as
well as in Section 877 of the revised Administrative Code. It
refers to ammunition as “loaded shell” for rifles, musket,
carbines, shotguns, revolvers and pistol from which a ball,
bullet, shot, shell or other missile may be fired by means of
gunpowder or other explosives. The term also includes
ammunition for air rifles as mentioned elsewhere in the code .
● Technically speaking the term ammunition refers to a group of
cartridges or to a single unit or single cartridge – meaning a complete
unfired unit consisting of a bullet, cartridge case, gunpowder and
primer. The term may also refer to a “single round”.

● The general term ammunition also refers to metallic cartridges or shells.

In our discussion of ammunition we shall limit ourselves to metallic
cartridges and modern shot shells used in small arms since these are the
types usually encountered in the field of firearms investigation.
 PARTS OF A CARTRIDGE

● BULLET – the projectile

propelled through the barrel of a
firearm by means of the expansive
force of gases coming from
burning gunpowder.

● CARTRIDGE CASE – the tubular

metallic container for the
gunpowder sometimes called
“shell” or “casing”.
● 3. GUNPOWDER – the powder d er
charge which when ignited by the u npow
G
primer flash is converted to heated
gas under high pressure and propels
the bullet or shots charge through the
barrel and to the target sometimes
called “propellant” or “powder
charge”.
● 4. PRIMER – the metal cup
containing the highly sensitive
priming mixture of chemical
compound which when hit or struck by
the firing pin would ignite such action
is called “percussion”.
● PIN-FIRE CARTRIDGE
● The first cartridge of a self – exploding type which any real general use was
the type called the “pin-fire” commonly attributed to Monsieur Le Fachuex
of Paris around 1836. Pin fire cartridges were made for all types of small arms
and in two or three types of case combination. One common type was similar in
appearance to a modern shotgun shell wherein it had a head of the cartridge
and a percussion fixed by a wad or metal cup. The percussion had a pin resting
on its detonating compound. The end protruding of the pin is hit by a hammer
coming down vertically from the side of the cartridge instead of penetrating
horizontally from its rear. This type of cartridge is no longer used.
● RIM-FIRE CARTRIDGE
● The simplest form of modern cartridges is the “rim-fired cartridge”.
The name “rim-fire” is derived from that this type can be only if the
cartridge is stuck by the hammer or firing pin on the rim of the case. In
this type, the “priming mixture” is contained or located in a cavity and
around the rim of the cartridge which is a very sensitive area
Rimfire ammunition is a type of firearm metallic cartridge whose primer is
located within a hollow circumferential rim protruding from the base of its 
casing. When fired, the gun's firing pin will strike and crush the rim against
the edge of the barrel breech, sparking the primer compound within the
rim, and in turn ignite the propellant within the case. 

 Invented in 1845, by Louis-Nicolas Flobert, the first rimfire metallic

cartridge was the .22 BB Cap (a.k.a. 6mm Flobert) cartridge, which
consisted of a percussion cap with a bullet attached to the top.
 CENTER-FIRED CARTRIDGE

● In modern center-fire ammunition, the firing pin blows on the cartridge. In the
center of the primer crushes the priming mixture between the priming cup and the
anvil of the primer. The resulting flame passes through the “vent” or “flash hole” and
this ignites the power charge or the propellant. In this center-fire cartridge, the
priming mixture is contained in the primer cup which is located in the central area of
the base of the cartridge.
● SHOTGUN SHELL

Shotshells
● A Shotshell is an unfired unit of ammunition for the
shotgun

A shotgun shell is a single unit of ammunition for shotguns. It

consists of a tubular case either paper or metal with a
metallic base containing the primer powder or propellant
wads and shots or pellets
SHOT SHELLS Nomenclature)

Shot (pellets)
Gun
Wad/shot
Shotshell
Powder
cup
hull
Components of Ammunition

● Ammunition is compose of four components:

● Bullet
● Cartridge case
● Gunpowder
● And Primer
End of ULOA