CHAPTER 2

Scientific
Equipment Used
in Firearms
Identification
Learning objectives:
At the end of this chapter the students will be able to:
1. Recognize the different equipment used in Firearms Identification
2. Know the functions of each laboratory equipment for Forensic
Ballistics
3. Apply the knowledge on the proper use and care of the different
laboratory equipment
 Introduction
By of this equipment and with qualified men to use them,
the police will be more effective in their drive against crimes
involving firearms. At times, an insignificant fired bullet or
shell found at the crime scene will serve as the only "missing
link" in the final solution of a crime wherein a gun has been
used. And this is brought out to only in the laboratory by the
use of different equipment. It includes:
 1.Bullet Comparison Microscope
It is designed to permit the firearm examiner to differentiate two
fired bullet or shell, by simultaneously observing their magnified image in
a single microscopic field. Fired bullet and shell are examined and
compared in either INTERMARRIAGE (half of the same image of the
evidence bullet/ shell and half of the same image of the test bullet/shell of
the same direction, the same magnification, and the plane are merge into
one image to look for same level or plane the congruency of stations or the
same markings) and in JUXTAPOSITION (critical side by side
comparison at the same time, direction, magnification, image and level or
plane to find the same feature, structure to the specimens under
observation).
 The examiner forensic take photomicrographs which
are needed for court presentations as an exhibit to support
the ballisticians' findings he observed under this instrument.
The photomicrograph will give a clue to the judge how the
ballistician arrived with his findings and conclusions.
It was introduced by Dr. Calvin H. Goddard in April
1925. He was the first to own and used the first bullet
comparison microscope, and through his efforts, he is
considered as the father of modern ballistics.
 2.Stereoscopic Microscope
It is generally used in primary examination of fired bullet and
shells to determine the relative distribution of the class
characteristic or for orientation purposes. It can also be used in the
closed- up examination of tampered serial number of firearms.
In the middle of the 19th century, Francis Herbert Wenham
of London designed the first successful stereomicroscope. The first
modern stereoscopic microscope was introduced in the United
States by Cycloptic
 3.Shadowgraph
It contains a series of microscopic lenses of different
magnifications that can be used in examining fired bullets or
fired shells to determine class characteristics and for oriental
purposes. This instrument contains a large circular ground
glass and diameter about 14 inches wherein the observation
and comparison of class characteristics are dome similarly
with the bullet comparison microscope
 4.CP-6 Comparison projector

Similar to bullet comparison micro-scope in which

two fired bullets of the shell can be compared
simultaneously by projecting the image on a large screen
and is observed at a vertical and comfortable viewing.
The instrument was invented by William Howard
Livens, an engineer and British army.
 5.Bullet Recovery Box
It used to obtain test fired bullets or test fired shells for
examination and comparison to the questioned bullets or shell.
Several design of bullet recovery box are now adopted, for as long
as it could meet the desired result in test firing and retrieved the fired
bullet undamaged. This is commonly filled with cotton but
sometimes water tank, sawdust with oil, sand, waste, threads, darak,
banana trunks or rubber strips can be used separated by cardboards
 7.Analytical or Torsion
6.Micrometer/ Caliper Balance

This is used in making Use for determining

measurements such as bullet weights of bullets or shotgun
diameter, bore diameter, pellets - for possible
barrel length and other determination of type, caliber
important details. and make of firearms from
which fired.
 8.Onoscope 9.Taper Gauge
A small instrument that is It is used primarily
sometimes used in examining
the internal surface of the gun for determining the bore
barrel with a tiny lamp at the diameter of firearms.
terminal portion and this
inserted inside the bore for
internal examination.
10.Scanning Electron Microscope 11.Chronograph

A high-powered electron It is used to measure the speed

microscope used to identify left of the bullet. It was invented by
residues and primer residue. This is a Alfred Lee Loomis in 1918.
computer system combined with an
electron microscope and laser
spectrophotometry unit. Its power is
so great that with a mere speck of dust
it could identify the elemental
components of the particle under
examination.
 13. Electric Gun Marker/
12. Bullet Puller
Stylus
Used in the laboratory
It is used to separate
for making fired bullets,
the bullet from the fired shells and firearms
cartridge case. submitted for examination.
14. Filar Micrometer
Eyepiece
A measuring
microscope to read the width
of the land and groove marks
and to obtain the pitch of the
rifling in turns per inch.
15. Helixometer
It is used in measuring the pitch of
rifling of firearms. This instrument is generally
used in highly advanced ballistics laboratory.
With this instrument, it is possible to measure
the angle of twist in rifled pistol or revolver
barrel. It is used in inserting the telescope and
aligning it with the axis of the bore. The scope
is mounted in a rotatable bearing, with a
graduated disc which permit reading circular
measurement to three minutes of an arc.
This instrument was invented by John
H. Fisher.
16. Computerized Comparison Microscope

It is similar to the bullet comparison microscope;

The only difference is the magnified image is seen in the
monitor. It more convenient to use than a manual one.
Basic parts
a. Monitor - screen through which the magnified image from the microscope
may be viewed
b. Central Processing Unit – the brain of the computer where all programs and
process are installed
c. Automatic Voltage Regulatory – regulates the supply of power to the
system of the machine
d. Mouse – a palm operating device used to interact with the interface of the
program.
e. Keyboard – a computer a peripheral used in encoding data to computer
f. Switch – used to turn on and off lights of the machine
g. Condenser – concentrates the light on the specimen
h. Camera – transfer the image of the microscope to the computer
system
i. Magnification knob – adjust the size of the magnified image of the
specimen as viewed in the monitor
j. Body – carries the lens and camera systems and permits them to be
moved in relation to the specimen for focusing
k. Stage – the platform where the specimen is placed for
magnification
l. Focusing knob – makes focal adjustments based on the selected
magnification
m. Centering knob – moves the stage so that the mounted specimen
may be properly viewed in the monitor
 II. Materials

II. Materials
Sample ballistics exhibits
 Micrometer
 Caliper
 Bullet recovery box
Bullet puller
Stereoscopic microscope
Analytical balance
 Bullet comparison microscope
Computerized ‘comparison microscope
(NOTE: Materials depends on the available equipment)
III. Methodology
1. Show all the laboratory apparatus and equipment used in firearms
identification
2. Observe the demonstration of your instruction on how the equipment is used
in firearms identification
3. Observe the manipulation of each apparatus and equipment as demonstrated
by your instructor.
4. Each group shall at least one laboratory equipment and manipulate how it is
used in laboratory examination of ballistic exhibits.
5. Record all your observations accordingly