Forensic ballistics involves examining firearms, ammunition, and gunshot evidence to help
solve crimes. Specialists use a range of tools and equipment in forensic ballistics for
analyzing bullet trajectories, firearm mechanisms, and gunshot residue. Here are some of the
key tools and equipment:
Comparison Microscope
Purpose: Used to compare two bullets or cartridge cases side-by-side.
Function: Allows examiners to match striations or marks on bullets and cases, which
can help determine if they were fired from the same weapon.
Ballistic Identification Systems
Purpose: Database systems like the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network
(NIBIN) store digital images of spent bullets and cartridge cases.
Function: Enables matching evidence from different crime scenes, which can help
link cases involving the same weapon.
Calipers and Micrometers
Purpose: Used to measure bullets, cartridge cases, and other firearm-related
evidence.
Function: Accurate measurements are critical for comparing evidence to known
firearm models or types.
Trajectory Kits
Purpose: Used to reconstruct the path of a bullet to establish the origin and angle of
a shot.
Function: Typically includes rods, protractors, and laser devices to map out and
simulate bullet paths.
Chronographs
Purpose: Measures the velocity of a projectile (bullet).
Function: Understanding a bullet's speed can aid in determining its energy and
potential impact, providing insights into the firing distance.
Firing Range Equipment
Purpose: Controlled environments to test-fire weapons.
Function: Used to collect bullet and cartridge case samples for analysis and
comparison with crime scene evidence.
Gunshot Residue (GSR) Collection Kits
Purpose: Collects residue from a person’s hands, clothing, or objects to determine if
they were in close proximity to a discharged firearm.
Function: Uses adhesive stubs or swabs to collect microscopic particles for lab
analysis.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Purpose: Identifies gunshot residue particles.
Function: High magnification and elemental analysis capabilities make it suitable for
detecting elements like lead, barium, and antimony present in GSR.
Breech Face and Firing Pin Impression Analyzers
Purpose: Analyzes unique marks left by a gun's breech face and firing pin on
cartridge cases.
Function: Helps match a cartridge case to a specific firearm based on unique
microscopic patterns.
Laser Range Finders and Distance Measurement Tools
Purpose: Measures the distance between a shooter and the victim.
Function: Useful in crime scene reconstruction to assess shooting distance, angles,
and potential obstructions.
Ballistic Gel
Purpose: Used to simulate human tissue for testing bullet impact and behavior.
Function: Provides a way to observe how different bullets behave upon impact and
assess wound potential.
Forensic Light Source (FLS)
Purpose: Detects gunshot residues and bloodstains at crime scenes.
Function: Different light wavelengths help visualize trace evidence not easily seen
under normal light.
X-ray Machines
Purpose: Used to examine firearms or bullets in detail without dismantling.
Function: Helps visualize internal structures, like a bullet lodged in bone or metal
objects in a firearm.
Each of these tools contributes to various aspects of ballistic analysis, from matching bullets
to weapons, examining trajectories, and identifying the presence of gunshot residue.
Stereo Microscope
Purpose: Provides a three-dimensional view of evidence.
Function: Used for initial inspection of bullets, cartridge cases, and firearm
mechanisms to locate distinctive markings and damage.
Firing Range and Bullet Recovery Tank
Purpose: Provides a controlled environment to test-fire firearms.
Function: Often equipped with a water tank or a soft material trap that stops bullets
without damaging them, preserving the bullet’s markings for comparison with crime
scene evidence.
Toolmark Comparison Equipment
Purpose: Used to analyze markings left by tools within a firearm, like the firing pin
and breech face.
Function: Helps identify specific marks left by the weapon on the cartridge case or
bullet, which are unique to each firearm.
Digital Imaging Systems
Purpose: High-resolution cameras and imaging software capture detailed images of
bullets, cartridge cases, and tool marks.
Function: Produces enhanced images for close examination, documentation, and
database storage for ballistic comparisons.
Forensic Photography Equipment
Purpose: Captures images of evidence for documentation and analysis.
Function: Helps document firearm markings and the condition of evidence; these
photos are often used in reports and court presentations.
Casting Kits and Silicon Molds
Purpose: Used to create replicas of internal firearm parts or markings.
Function: Helps capture and study the unique marks from internal parts of the
firearm (such as the chamber or breech face) without damaging the firearm itself.
Trigger Pull Gauge
Purpose: Measures the force required to pull a firearm’s trigger.
Function: Helps determine the likelihood of accidental discharge based on trigger
sensitivity.
Barrel and Breech Face Casting Compounds
Purpose: Used to take detailed casts of a firearm’s internal parts.
Function: Allows examiners to obtain precise imprints of the interior parts like the
barrel rifling pattern, which can be compared with markings on bullets.
Magnifiers and Eye Loupes
Purpose: Simple magnification tools for quick and preliminary examination.
Function: Helps examiners spot tool marks, rifling patterns, and other identifiers on
firearm parts and ammunition evidence.
Each piece of equipment aids in building a comprehensive understanding of the firearms
evidence, helping link a weapon to specific crime scenes and providing key information for
investigations.
