UNIT-5 IDENTIFICATION OF FIREARMS

MATCHING OF CRIME AND TEST: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF IDENTIFICATION OF

FIREARMS WITH FIRED PROJECTILES IN REGULAR FIREARMS AND COUNTRY-MADE FIREARMS

Firearm identification involves comparing fired bullets and cartridge cases from a crime scene
with test-fired ammunition from suspected firearms. This process is essential in forensic science
to link a weapon to a crime. Below is a detailed explanation of the principles and practices used
in this identification:

Principles of Firearm Identification

1. Unique Characteristics of Firearms:

 Every firearm has unique microscopic marks inside its barrel and on its other
components (firing pin, extractor, ejector).
 These unique marks are transferred onto the bullet and cartridge case when the
firearm is discharged.
2. Class Characteristics:
 These are general features shared by firearms of the same make and model,
such as:
 Number of lands and grooves in the barrel.
 Direction of rifling twist (left or right).
 Caliber of the firearm.
 Class characteristics help narrow down the type and make of the firearm.
3. Individual Characteristics:
 These are unique marks caused by wear and imperfections in the firearm's barrel
or firing mechanism.
 No two firearms produce exactly the same marks, even if they are the same
make and model.
 These individual marks are critical for matching a specific firearm to a fired bullet
or cartridge.
4. Principle of Comparison:
 A forensic examiner compares the microscopic marks on crime scene evidence
with test-fired evidence using a comparison microscope.
 Matching these marks confirms whether the bullet or cartridge was fired from
the suspected firearm.

Practice of Firearm Identification

 1. Collection of Evidence:
 Crime Scene:
 Fired bullets, cartridge cases, and any fragments are collected from the
scene.
 The position and condition of evidence are documented.
 Suspect Firearm:
 The suspected firearm is seized for testing.
 Proper chain of custody is maintained to ensure the evidence is
admissible in court.
2. Test Firing:
 The suspected firearm is test-fired in a controlled environment.
 A water tank or soft material is used to recover the fired bullet without
damaging its surface.
 Test-fired bullets and cartridge cases are collected for comparison.
3. Comparison of Evidence:
 Microscopic Examination: A comparison microscope is used to analyze the
marks on bullets and cartridge cases.
 Matching Marks:
 Striation marks on bullets (caused by rifling in the barrel).
 Firing pin impressions, extractor marks, and ejector marks on cartridge
cases.
4. Matching Criteria:
 The examiner looks for identical patterns and continuity of marks between the
crime evidence and test evidence.
 A sufficient number of matching individual characteristics confirms that the
projectile or cartridge case was fired from the suspect firearm.

Challenges with Regular and Country-Made Firearms

1. Regular Firearms:
 Precision and Standardization:
 Regular firearms are manufactured with high precision.
 Rifling and other components produce consistent and well-defined
marks.
 Ease of Matching: The marks on bullets and cartridge cases are usually clear,
making the comparison process straightforward.
2. Country-Made Firearms:
 Lack of Standardization:
 Country-made firearms are often handmade and lack uniformity.
  Rifling may be crude or absent, resulting in inconsistent marks.
 Irregular Marks:
 Firing pin impressions and barrel marks may be poorly defined or
irregular.
 This makes it more challenging to match evidence with the firearm.
 Modified or Improvised Ammunition: Country-made firearms may use non-
standard or modified ammunition, leading to irregular marks on bullets and
cartridge cases.

Key Steps for Country-Made Firearm Identification

1. Examine for Unique Features:

 Country-made firearms often have unique imperfections due to their handmade
nature.
 These imperfections can still leave identifiable marks on bullets or cartridge
cases.
2. Analyze Firing Pin and Breech Marks: Since rifling may be absent, examiners focus on
marks left by the firing pin, extractor, and breech face.
3. Test Different Ammunition: Examiners may use multiple types of ammunition to
produce consistent marks for comparison.
4. Use Advanced Techniques: Digital imaging and 3D scanning may be used to enhance the
visualization of irregular marks.

Important Considerations in Firearm Matching

1. Condition of Evidence: Deformed or fragmented bullets may make it harder to analyze

marks.
2. Environmental Effects: Corrosion or damage to bullets and cartridge cases from the
crime scene can affect the comparison.
3. Cross-Verification: Multiple test firings and comparisons are conducted to ensure
accuracy.
4. Documentation: Detailed notes, photographs, and reports are prepared for
presentation in court.

Conclusion

Matching a firearm to fired projectiles involves analyzing the unique marks left by the firearm
on bullets and cartridge cases. Regular firearms typically produce consistent marks, making
identification easier. However, the irregular and crude features of country-made firearms pose
challenges, requiring advanced techniques and meticulous examination. Through careful
collection, testing, and comparison, forensic experts can establish a link between a firearm and
a crime, playing a crucial role in criminal investigations.

GUN-SHOT RESIDUE: ITS FORMATION AND ANALYSIS (CHEMICAL AND INSTRUMENTAL

METHODS)

Gunshot residue (GSR) refers to the tiny particles produced when a firearm is discharged. These
particles come from the primer, gunpowder, and the metal components of the bullet or
cartridge. Analyzing GSR helps forensic experts determine whether someone has recently fired
a gun, was near a gun when it was fired, or handled a firearm.

Formation of Gunshot Residue

When a firearm is fired:

1. Explosion in the Cartridge:

 The firing pin strikes the primer, igniting the primer composition.
 This explosion ignites the gunpowder, producing high-temperature gases that
propel the bullet out of the barrel.
2. Release of Residue:
 The primer and gunpowder create residues, including metals and chemicals,
which are expelled from the firearm.
 These particles are deposited on the shooter's hands, clothing, and nearby
surfaces.
3. Composition of GSR:
 Primer Residue: Contains elements like lead (Pb), barium (Ba), and antimony
(Sb).
 Gunpowder Residue: Includes unburned and partially burned gunpowder
particles, nitrates, and nitrites.
 Metal Residue: May include small amounts of copper, zinc, or other metals from
the bullet casing or firearm barrel.

Factors Influencing GSR Formation and Deposition

1. Type of Firearm and Ammunition: Different firearms and ammunition produce varying
amounts and compositions of GSR.
2. Distance from the Firearm: GSR particles are more concentrated near the firearm and
shooter.
 3. Environmental Conditions: Wind, humidity, and surfaces can affect the deposition of
GSR.
4. Time Since Discharge: GSR particles can fall off or be washed away over time.

Analysis of Gunshot Residue

The analysis of GSR involves detecting and identifying its components. This can be done using
chemical and instrumental methods.

1. Chemical Methods: Chemical methods rely on reactions that produce visible changes,
such as color changes, to detect GSR.
 Diphenylamine Test (For Nitrates):
 Detects the presence of nitrates from gunpowder.
 A reagent is applied to the suspected area; if nitrates are present, the
reagent turns blue.
 Sodium Rhodizonate Test (For Lead):
 Used to detect lead particles.
 A sodium rhodizonate solution is applied, and lead residues turn purple.
 Modified Griess Test (For Nitrites):
 Identifies nitrites from unburned gunpowder.
 A chemical reagent reacts with nitrites to produce an orange or reddish
color.
2. Instrumental Methods: Instrumental methods provide more precise and reliable results
by analyzing the elemental composition of GSR.
 Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy
(SEM-EDX):
 The most accurate method for GSR analysis.
 SEM visually examines particles, while EDX identifies their chemical
composition (e.g., lead, barium, antimony).
 Advantages: High precision, can differentiate GSR from other particles.
 Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS):
 Detects and measures the concentration of metals like lead, barium, and
antimony.
 Requires the sample to be dissolved in a solution for analysis.
 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS):
 Highly sensitive technique for detecting trace elements in GSR.
 Used in advanced forensic laboratories.
 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): Identifies organic components
of GSR, such as unburned gunpowder residues.
  X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF): Non-destructive method for identifying metal
components of GSR.

Collection and Handling of GSR Evidence

1. Collection Methods:
 Adhesive Stubs: Sticky tape is pressed onto a suspect’s hands, clothing, or
surfaces to collect GSR particles.
 Swabs: Cotton swabs moistened with chemicals are used to collect residue.
 Vacuum Sampling: Used for collecting GSR from large surfaces or fabrics.
2. Handling:
 Proper storage and labeling of samples prevent contamination.
 GSR evidence should be collected as soon as possible after the incident, as
particles can easily be lost or removed.

Challenges in GSR Analysis

1. Contamination: GSR particles can transfer to others through contact with surfaces or
people.
2. Loss of Evidence: GSR particles can be washed away, wiped off, or lost over time.
3. Environmental Sources: Some elements of GSR (e.g., lead, barium) can come from non-
firearm sources like fireworks, brake dust, or industrial environments.
4. Interpretation: Detecting GSR does not always confirm a person fired a gun. It could
indicate proximity to a firearm discharge or contact with a contaminated surface.

Importance of GSR Analysis

1. Identifying Shooters: Helps determine if a suspect fired a gun or was near the scene.
2. Reconstructing Events: Assists in understanding shooting incidents, such as the number
of shots fired and distances.
3. Linking Evidence: Connects suspects, firearms, and crime scenes.

Conclusion

GSR analysis is a vital tool in forensic investigations. By understanding its formation, using
proper collection techniques, and applying chemical or instrumental methods, forensic experts
can draw significant conclusions about firearm usage and its connection to criminal activities.

RECONSTRUCTION OF CRIME SCENE

Reconstructing a crime scene involves analyzing the physical evidence to determine what
happened during an incident. For firearm-related crimes, understanding factors like the range
of fire and time of fire is essential. Different methods are used to gather information, but each
has its limitations.

1. Range of Fire: The range of fire refers to the distance between the firearm and the
target at the time of shooting. It helps forensic experts determine whether the shooter
was close to or far from the victim. The range of fire can be categorized as:
i. Contact Range
 Description: The firearm is pressed directly against the target or very
close to it.
 Indicators:
 Burn Marks: The muzzle flash can burn the skin or clothing.
 Muzzle Imprint: The gun barrel leaves a visible mark on the skin.
 Soot Deposits: Heavy deposits of soot around the wound.
 Tissue Damage: Extensive damage caused by gases entering the
wound.
ii. Close Range (1–3 feet)
 Description: The firearm is near the target but not touching it.
 Indicators:
 Soot and Powder Tattooing: Gunpowder particles embed in the
skin or fabric.
 Burns: Possible scorching due to hot gases.
 Shape of Wound: More defined than contact wounds.
iii. Intermediate Range (3–12 feet)
 Description: The firearm is at a moderate distance.
 Indicators:
 Powder Tattooing: Fainter than close range but still visible.
 No Burns: Heat dissipates before reaching the target.
 Wound Appearance: Entry wound is smaller and more uniform.
iv. Long Range (Beyond 12 feet)
 Description: The firearm is far from the target.
 Indicators:
 No Powder Marks: Gunpowder doesn't reach the target.
 Clean Entry Wound: Circular and without soot or tattooing.
 Trajectory Analysis: Bullet angle and path are used to estimate
range.
2. Time of Fire: The time of fire refers to when the shooting occurred. Determining this
helps reconstruct the sequence of events in a crime.
  Methods to Estimate Time of Fire
 Lividity and Rigor Mortis: Changes in the body (e.g., stiffness,
discoloration) provide clues about how much time has passed since
death.
 GSR Deposition: Gunshot residue (GSR) on the shooter or nearby
surfaces can indicate recent firearm discharge.
 Temperature of the Barrel: A warm barrel suggests the firearm was fired
recently.
 Blood Spatter Patterns: The drying or coagulation of blood around the
wound helps estimate time since injury.
 Limitations:
 Environmental factors (e.g., temperature, humidity) can alter
decomposition or drying rates.
 GSR particles can be lost or transferred to others over time.
3. Different Methods Employed in Crime Scene Reconstruction
i. Ballistic Analysis
 Description: Examines the behavior and path of bullets to understand shooting
dynamics.
 Includes:
 Trajectory Analysis: Determines the shooter's position.
 Bullet Recovery: Examines fired bullets for rifling marks to match them to
the firearm.
 Impact Analysis: Studies bullet holes in objects to estimate angles and
distances.
 Limitations:
 Requires accurate measurement of angles and distances.
 Environmental factors, like wind or obstacles, can alter bullet paths.
ii. GSR Analysis
 Description: Identifies gunshot residue on suspects, victims, or objects.
 Limitations:
 GSR can transfer or dissipate quickly.
 Presence of GSR doesn’t always prove someone fired the gun; it could
indicate proximity.
iii. Blood Spatter Analysis
 Description: Studies the patterns, sizes, and shapes of blood stains to
understand how the shooting occurred.
 Limitations:
  Requires expertise; mistakes in interpretation can lead to
incorrect conclusions.
 Altered crime scenes can affect results.
iv. Firearm Examination
 Description: Compares spent bullets and cartridge cases to a specific
firearm using rifling and firing pin marks.
 Limitations:
 Poor-quality marks on bullets may make matching difficult.
 Damage to bullets or casings can obscure identifying features.
v. Witness Testimony and Scene Reconstruction
 Description: Statements from witnesses combined with physical evidence
to recreate events.
 Limitations:
 Witnesses may provide inaccurate or biased accounts.
 Evidence may be tampered with or incomplete.
4. Factors Affecting Accuracy of Reconstruction
 Environmental Conditions: Wind, rain, and other factors can alter evidence like
blood spatter or bullet trajectory.
 Tampered Evidence: Deliberate or accidental changes to the crime scene can
lead to incorrect conclusions.
 Time Lag: Delays in evidence collection can cause degradation or loss of crucial
information.
 Experience of Investigators: Skilled forensic experts can interpret evidence more
accurately.

Conclusion

Reconstructing a firearm-related crime scene involves examining the range of fire, estimating
the time of fire, and using scientific methods like ballistic analysis, GSR testing, and blood
spatter examination. While these methods are powerful, they have limitations, and conclusions
must be drawn carefully based on the totality of evidence.