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1.

BRIEF HISTORY OF BALLISTICS


The word " Ballistics" originated from the Greek word "Ballein" or "Ballo"
which means “to throw" and from a Roman war machine called "Ballista" - a gigantic
bow or catapult used to throw missiles and large objects such as stones at a particular
distance to deter animals or enemy forces. From those words the term Ballistics was
derived to indicate the science of moving projectile.
Ballistics dates back during the days even before the famous French artist
Leonardo da Vince (1500 A.D.) as can be gleaned in his sketch of Steam-powered
cannon through the hand cannons and primitive muskets like the matchlock, wheel-lock
and flintlock firearms. Colonel Calvin H. Goddard pioneered the introduction of this
science in the Northwestern University, Chicago, U.S.A. Subsequently it was universally
practiced & accepted as manifested in the different court dockets throughout the world.
a. BALLISTICS
Is the science of motion (travel) of a projectile in flight. Science refers to the
systematized body of knowledge; Motion refers to the movement of projectile from the
firearm to the target; and Projectiles refers to metallic or non-metallic objects propelled
from a firearm.
It is the science dealing with the motion of projectiles and the conditions
governing that motion or the study of natural laws relating to the performance of
gunpowder and projectiles in firearms.
b. BRANCHES OF BALLISTICS
1) INTERIOR BALLISTICS – treats of the motion of projectiles while still in
the firearm namely the study of combustion of powder, pressure developed and velocity.
2) EXTERIOR BALLISTICS –treats of the motion of projectiles after leaving
the muzzle namely trajectory, velocity, range, penetration, etc.
3) TERMINAL BALLISTICS – treats of the effects of the projectiles on the
impact of the target.
c. FORENSIC BALLISTICS
Is one branch of ballistics which refers to the investigation and identification of
firearms by means of ammunition fired through them. This is the real branch of the
science which the police use as their guide in field investigations.
d. DIVISION OF FORENSIC BALLISTICS
1) 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 evidences. It includes the study of the class characteristics of
firearms and bullets.
2) TECHNICAL EXAMINATION – refers to the examiners who examine
bullets and/or shells whether fired from also whether or not cartridges were loaded and
ejected made by the suspected firearm submitted. Reports are made by the examiners
and testify in court regarding their reports.
2. FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION
A discipline of forensic science which has as its primary concern to determine if a
bullet, cartridge case or other ammunition component was fired by a particular firearm.
a. HISTORY
The exact origins of Forensic Firearms Identification are shrouded in
obscurity. Exactly when it was first noted that evidence bullets from a given firearm
possessed a certain number of equally spaced impressed grooves, all inclined in the
same direction and at the same angle and which were the same on every other bullet
fired from the firearm, will never be known.
Likewise it will never be known when the next logical step was taken to compare
the width, number and degree of angle of inclination of the grooves with those from
firearm of a different make.
It was later appreciated that all bullets receives microscopic stria (minute
impressed lines) which were unique to the firearm in which they were fired.
In June 1900, The Buffalo Medical Journal by Dr. Albert Llewillyn Hall was the
first article published regarding the subject, to the effect that bullets fired through
different makes and types of firearms, of the same caliber, were impressed with rifling
marks of varying type.
In 1907, Frankfort Arsenal made a significant contribution to the science of
firearms identification in the country. Some U.S. infantry soldiers rioted in Brownsville,
Texas, using .30 caliber rifles. Bullets and shells were submitted for examination. The
staff of Frankfort Arsenal studied this crime carefully and worked out for themselves
methods of identifying the cartridge cases with individual suspect's rifles. The
Investigators had learned to identify a weapon by fired cartridge cases markings,
probably principally those left on the primers. As a method of identification, magnified
photographs of the firing pin impressions on the cartridge cases were used. They felt,
however, that similar conclusions in connection with bullets were not possible.
The Scientific Criminal Investigation Laboratory was opened in April 1930, with
the best equipment and trained personnel. This Laboratory was associated with the
Northwestern University and later became a department of the Northwestern
University. Students were accepted in various courses early in 1931, with Colonel
Goddard as department head and with professorial rank and also editor of the American
Journal of Police Science. It was later combined with the Journal of Criminal Law and
Criminology.
The most significant contribution to the science of firearms identification was the
introduction of that field of the comparison microscope. In April 1925, the first
comparison microscope was obtained and put into service. For the first time a test bullet
from a suspect firearm could be compared directly and relatively simply with a crime
bullet. On the same year, Waite, published an article in the Saturday Evening Post
entitled "Fingerprinting Bullets". This article brought the new science into the ken of the
general public. Meanwhile, Major Goddard writing article after article for technical
magazines and working out procedures for micro comparison of bullets and the
photographing of them. Mr. Waite, Goddard, Gravelle and Fisher were operating as the
Bureau of Forensic Ballistics, a private enterprise. Waite died in November 1926,
Goddard continued the Bureau. Cases at that time were slow in coming. However,
Goddard, whose findings were with scientific basis, was recognized for the first time as
an expert.
The case of Commonwealth versus Sacco is still fresh in the memories of the
public. Sacco and Vanzetti were tried for the murder of Beradelli. It was testified that at
his arrest Sacco had in his possession a Colt .32 Automatic Pistol and some cartridges
for that arm. A .32 caliber bullet, taken from Beradelli's body, was offered in evidence
and the medical witness testified that it had caused the death. Two firearms experts
were qualified by the prosecution and they gave the usual testimony linking the fatal
bullet with the arm found in the possession of the accused. On appeal this evidence
was approved, and the sentence and finding of the lower court were sustained.
Reference: page 44, book entitled Firearms Identification by Thomas Dickerson Cooke).
In 1930, the science of Firearms Identification was firmly established on a
scientific basis.
In 1935, the FBI National Police Academy was established. The curriculum in
this school included lectures on Firearms Identification.

b. FIREARMS
Technical Definition – is an instrument used for the propulsion of projectiles
by means of the expansive force of gases from burning gun powder.
Legal Definition – Firearms or Arms (Legal Sec. 877 of RAC) includes, rifles,
muskets, carbines, shotguns, pistols, revolvers and all other deadly weapons from
which a bullet, a ball, a shot, a shell or missiles may be discharged by means of
gunpowder or other explosives. The term also includes air rifles, except those that are
in small in caliber and usually used as toys. The barrel of any firearm is considered a
complete firearm for purposes of section 877 of the Revised Administrative Code.
RIFLE – a type of weapon designed or intended to be operated from the
shoulder & uses the energy of the gunpowder to propel projectile through a rifled bore.
MUSKET – is an ancient smooth-bore and muzzle loading
military shoulder arm which are designed to fire a single round lead ball in every charge.
CARBINE – a short-barreled rifles designed for mounted troops and the barrel
of these are not longer than twenty-two (22) inches.
SHOTGUN – a smooth-bore type of weapon designed to fire a number of
lead pellets or a single rifled slug in one charge.
PISTOL – is a magazine fed type of handgun designed to fire a single
projectile through a rifled bore for every press of the trigger. It applies to a semi-
automatic or self-loading pistols.
REVOLVER – a type of handgun equipped with a rotating cylinder, serving as
a magazine that successively places a cartridge into firing position. It can either be a
single action or double action.
1) CALIBER/ BORE DIAMETER OF THE FIREARM
The caliber of the firearm is the diameter of the bore of the barrel
measured from land to land in rifled firearm. It is expressed in inches or fraction of an
inch by the American and English manufacturers and millimeters or in centimeters or
fraction there by manufacturers in Continental Europe.
2) GAUGE
As applied to shotgun indicates that bore diameter is equal to the diameter
of lead ball weighing in pounds.
3) CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARM
a) According to Bore:
Small Arms – are firearms which propel projectiles of less than one
inch in diameter.
 Types of Small Arms in General
(1) Rifled Bore Firearms - are those that contain rifling inside the
gun barrel. Ex.Pistols, revolvers and rifles
RIFLINGS – consist of a number of helical grooves cut in the
interior surface of the bore. The rifling in firearms may be divided into the following:
(a) Styr type – four grooves, right hand twist, grooves and lands
of equal width. (4R G-L)
(b) Smith and Wesson type – five grooves, right hand twist,
grooves and lands of equal width. (5R G-L)
(c) Browning type – six grooves, right hand twist, narrow lands
and broader grooves. (6R G2X)
(d) Colt type – six grooves, left hand twist, narrow lands and
broader grooves. (6L G2X)
(e) Webley type – seven grooves, right hand twist, narrow lands
and broader grooves. (7R G3X)
(f) Army type – four grooves, right hand twist, narrow lands and
broader grooves. (4R G3X)
PURPOSE OF RIFLINGS – is to impart a motion of rotation to a
bullet during its passage inside the barrel in order to insure gyroscopic stability in the
flight, and so that it will travel nose-on towards the target.
(2) Smooth Bore Firearms - those that have no rifling inside the gun
barrel from the breech end up to the muzzle of a firearm. Ex. Shotguns, Muskets
b) According to Mechanical Construction:
 Single Action Firearms - those that are designed to shot only one
shot in one loading.
 Repeating Arms - those that can fire several shots in one loading.
 Bolt Action Type - those that bolt is used in order to load.
 Automatic Loading Type - there is an automatic in the loading.
 Single Action Type - known as trombone
 Lever Type - such as of the rifles and shotgun
c) According to Use
 Military Firearms
 Pistol, revolver, rifles shotgun, machine gun
 Pocket and Home Defense
 Pistol, revolver, rifles
 Target and Outdoorsman known as Sporting
 Pistol, revolver, rifles, shotgun
 Unusual/Miscellaneous Firearms – those that are unique in
mechanism and construction
 Gas gun, knife pistol, traps gun, zip guns/paltiks, cane gun, multi-
barreled guns
4) CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARMS ACCORDING TO POWER
PURSUANT TO R.A. 8294
a) Equivalent of Calibers in Inches and Millimeters
 Caliber .22 about 5.59 mm
 Caliber .25 about 6.35 mm
 Caliber .30 about 7. 63 mm (Mouser)
 Caliber .30 about 7.65 mm (Luger)
 Caliber.32 about 7.65 mm
 Caliber .38 about 9mm
 Caliber .45 about 11 mm
b) High Powered Firearm
 caliber .45
 caliber .44
 caliber .357 magnum
 10 mm/ .40
 caliber .41
 .22 magnum center fire
 Automatic rifles firearms with capability to fire 2 or 3 burst. Shotgun
gauges 410, 10,12, 16, 20 and 28. Homemade firearm w/ bore
diameter bigger than cal. 38/9mm or any caliber but capable of
automatic. Air rifle classified as firearm mode under EO 712
c) Low Powered Firearm
 caliber .22 short
 caliber .22 long
 caliber .22 long rifle
 caliber .22magnum
 caliber .25
 caliber .32
 caliber .380
 caliber .38
 caliber .38 super
 9mm
5) According to its Mechanical Operation
a) Single Action – a firearm that must be manually cocked before firing.
The trigger performs single function of releasing the hammer to fire the gun.
b) Single Action Semi Automatic – needs only be cocked for the first shot,
the hammer is cocked automatically for subsequent shots.
c) Double Action – a handgun that can be fired without first cocking the
hammer. The trigger performs two functions of cocking and releasing the hammer.
d) Gas Operated – An automatic/semi automatic firearm with a locked
breech that uses a small amount of the expanding gases created by the burning powder
charge to cycle the action.
e) Blowback – A semi-automatic or automatic system in which the breech
is not locked during firing, but held closed only by recoil spring & the weight of the bolt.
f) Automatic – Technically, a firearm that chambers and fires rounds
continuously as long as its trigger is held down.
g) Semi-Automatic – a repeating firearm that uses some of the energy
generated upon firing to eject the empty shell and chamber a fresh round. Only one shot
is fired each time the trigger is pulled. It may also be called self loaders or autoloaders.
h) Recoil Operated – A locked breech semi-automatic or automatic
system using a portion of the recoil energy to cycle the operation.
c. AMMUNITION
ORIGIN: The term "cartridge" evolved from about the turn of the sixteenth
century. The earliest small arms ammunition or cartridge consisted of a pre-measured
charge of powder wrapped in paper. In Webster's later edition, a cartridge is defined as
"A case, capsule, shell, or bag of metal, pasteboard, of the like, containing the
explosive charge and in small arms and some cannon, the projectile to be fired.
The term cartridge is derived from the word "charta", the Latin word for paper.
Later on, it came through the French word "cartouche" - meaning a roll of paper, which
indicates that the original cartridges were not the brass gliding-metal tipped units which
we are familiar with today.
Legal Definition – The "Legal" definition of the word "ammunition" may be
found in Chapter VII, Sec. 290 of the National Internal Revenue Code as well as in Sec.
877 of the Revised Administrative Code. It refers to ammunition as a "loaded shell" for
rifles, muskets, carbines, shotguns, revolvers and pistols 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.
Technical Definition – Technically speaking, the term ammunition refers to a
group of cartridges or to a single unit or single cartridge-meaning a completed unfired
unit consisting of a bullet, cartridge case, gunpowder and primer. The term may also
refer to a "single round".
 Small Arms Ammunition – small arms ammunition consist of cartridges
used in rifles, carbines, revolvers, pistols, sub-machineguns and shell used in shotguns.
d. CARTRIDGE
CARTRIDGE – is a complete unfired unit consisting of bullet, cartridge
case, gunpowder and the primer.

1) PARTS OF A CARTRIDGE
a) BULLET – The projectile propelled through the barrel of a firearm
by means of the expansive force of gases coming from burning gunpowder. It can be
either a fired bullet or an unfired bullet.
Pellets – can be either the individual lead or steel balls found in
shotgun ammunition or the lead pellets for use in air weapons. Lead Slug is also
sometimes used to describe air gun pellets, but this is not the correct term for this type
of missile.
Shot – is another term for the lead or steel balls in shotgun
ammunition.
b) CARTRIDGE CASE – The tubular metallic container for the
gunpowder. Sometimes called "shell" or "casing". It can be either fired cartridge case or
a live cartridge case. It is a metallic or non-metallic container in which the primer,
gunpowder and bullet are placed together to form a single unit.
c) GUNPOWDER – The powder charge which, when ignited by the
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".
It is a substance or a mixture of substances which upon suitable
ignition releases a large amount of chemical energy at a high and controllable rate, the
energy liberation is to convert the propellant into a high temperature gas.
In more recent times, the general term "gunpowder" has been
replaced by the term "propellant". Another term that is being used for it is "powder
charge". All these terms can be used interchangeably because they refer to the same
thing. The weight of the powder charge or propellant is a cartridge is expressed in the
countries using the metric system.
d) 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".
2) TYPES OF CARTRIDGE
a) Pin-fire – the pin extend radially through the head of the cartridge
case into the primer.
b) Rim-fire – the priming mixture is placed in the cavity formed in the
rim of the head of the cartridge case. The flame produced is in direct communication
with the powder charge. Used in calibers .22, .25 and .45 Derringer pistols.
c) Center-fire – the primer cut is forced into the middle portion of the
head of the cartridge case and the priming mixture is exploded by the impact of the
firing pin. The flame is communicated to the powder charge through the vents leading
into the powder charge.
3) TYPES OF CENTER-FIRE CARTRIDGES
a) Rimmed type – the rim of the cartridge case is greater than the
diameter of the body of the cartridge case. Ex. Cal .38 and Cal .22
b) Semi-rimmed type – the rim of the cartridge case is slightly greater
than the diameter of the body of cartridge case. Ex. Cal. Super .38 Auto pistol, .32 & .25
c) Rimmed less type – the rim of the cartridge case is equal to the
diameter of the body of the cartridge case. Ex. Cal. .45 Auto pistol, Cal. .30 Carbine,
Cal. .223 Armalite

3. TWO (2) PRINCIPLES OF FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION


a. PRINCIPLES OF IDENTIFICATION THROUGH BULLETS:

1) No two barrels are microscopically identical as the surfaces of their bores


all possess individual and characteristic markings of their own.
2) When a bullet is fired from a 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 engravings on the bullet fired from one barrel will be different from that
on a similar bullet fired from another barrel. And conversely, t he engravings on bullets
fired from the same barrel will be the same.
 Every barrel leaves its thumb mark on every single firearm through it,
just as every breech face leaves its thumb mark on the base of every of every fired
cartridge case.
b. PRINCIPLES OF IDENTIFICATION THROUGH CARTIDGE CASE/SHELLS:
1) The breech face and striker of every single firearm leave a microscopically
individualities of their own.
2) The firearm leaves its “fingerprints” or “thumb mark” on every cartridge
case which it fires.
3) The whole principles of identification is based on the fact that since the
breech face of every weapon must be individually distinct, the cartridge cases which is
fired are imprinted with this individuality. The imprint on all cartridge cases fired from the
same weapon are always the same, those on cartridge cases fired from different
weapons must always be different.

5. TWO (2) GOVERNING CHARACTERISTICS IN FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION


a. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS – Those that are determinable even before the
manufacture of the firearm. It is categorized into the following:
1) Caliber 5) Width of Grooves
2) Number of Lands 6) Twist of Rifling
3) Number of Grooves 7) Pitch of the Rifling
4) Width of Lands 8) Depth of Grooves
b. INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS – Those characteristics which are
determinable only after the manufacture of the firearm. They are characteristics whose
existence is beyond the control of man and which have a random distribution. Their
existence is a firearm is brought about by the tools in their normal operation resulting
through wear, tear, abuse, mutilations, corrosion, erosion and other fortuitous causes.
These are the irregularities found on the inner surface of the barrel and on the breech
face of the breechblock of the firearm as a result of the failure of the tool beyond the
control of the manufacturer to make them smooth as a mirror.

6. FIREARMS EVIDENCE COLLECTION PROCEDURE


Although firearms evidence are generally encountered in crimes against persons
such as assault and homicide, firearms may be found in other types of cases like;
burglary, rape, or narcotics violations. In addition to bullet and cartridge case
comparison function examinations and distance determinations; trace evidence such as
blood, hair or fiber maybe adhering to exposed surfaces. All of which may yield valuable
information to an investigator on his case.
Insure the maximum value of this evidence is obtained; it first must be properly
identified preserved and packaged. These steps should be documented by good notes
and photographs. NOTE: Photos must contain a scale to show size.
a. Firearms
General considerations and precautions: As important as physical evidence
or fingerprints may be, safety is of greater concern. When practicable, always render a
weapon safe to handle before proceeding with further investigation or examination, but
with caution so as to preserve any possible DNA trace and/or fingerprint evidence that
may be present.
1) Unloading the weapon
a) Revolvers – if cocked cautiously uncock the weapon using the knurled
areas if possible. Make two marks on the cylinder, one on each side of the top strap, to
indicate the chamber that is in the firing position. If uncocked, these marks will indicate
the chamber found indexed in front of the firing pin. Your notes should contain the
following information:
Appearance of the cylinder as recovered
Marks made each Diagrams to be used in notes Diagrams to be used in notes
side of top strap 1 1
6 2 2 6
5 3 3 5
4 4
Direction of rotation Direction of rotation
Example Index Card
Chamber position Condition Head stamp
#1 Fired U.S. Cartridge Co.
#2 Fired Remington Arms Co.
#3 Fired Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
#4 Unfired Dominion Cartridge Co.
#5 Loaded Western Cartridge Co.
#6 Loaded Peters Cartridge Co.

Fired and unfired cartridge should be individually packaged by placing


them in soft tissue or cotton, sealed in a pill box or envelope and pertinent information
placed on the container.
If you mark the weapon for identification, do so somewhere on the frame
where it doesn’t destroy over all appearance ( e.g. inside cylinder crane or under grip).
As an alternative to engraving on the weapon, use the serial number for later
identification. You may also affix a tag to the trigger guard.
2) Semi-Automatics: Note the positions of any manual safety devices or
cocking indicators carefully disengage the magazine and remove it from the weapon.
Open the action and visually check the chamber for a cartridge or cartridge case. If it is
possible, lock the slide to the rear keeping the action in the opened position, if not, let
the action close then engage any manual safety devices that may be on the weapon.
(Note: Make sure that no live cartridge is left in the chamber)
If you mark the weapon for identification, do so somewhere on a part not
readily removable from the weapon. The magazine, if found in weapon, may be
included in the same item as the weapon for submission to the laboratory, however if it
is found not in the weapon, it should be submitted as a separate item. As an alternative
to engraving on the weapon, use the serial number for later identification.
NOTE: if fingerprinting is requested the cartridges may be left in the
magazine but should not be left in the chamber.
3) Shotguns and Rifles: These are handled in similar manner to handguns
listed above. Safety & preservation of physical evidence should always be considered.
NOTE: All weapons should be submitted to the property room or crime
laboratory unloaded. The firearm should be properly strapped with a nylon tie for safety.
If the firearm cannot be unloaded or if it is unknown if it is loaded, the
contributor shall contact the firearms examiner prior to the arrival at the property room
or laboratory, so he/she may assist with the firearm.

4) DNA, Trace Evidence and Fingerprints:


After the weapon is in a safe condition, examine it for trace evidence
material; i.e. blood, hair, fiber and tissue. If in doubt about proper processing, do not
proceed further until contacting the crime laboratory and discussing the situation with a
firearms examiner. Rubber gloves and masks should be worn when DNA is collected or
finger printing is needed. Gloves must be changed with each piece of evidence handled.
5) Packaging and delivery of firearms to the laboratory
Personal delivery is the preferred means of transportation to the
laboratory. If the weapon must be shipped, it is imperative that it be properly packaged.
It should be placed in a heavy corrugated container and secured in a place to prevent
shifting with the container.
NOTE: Rifles and shotguns should not be dismantled before packaging as
this could alter their evidentiary value.
All firearms (both handguns and long guns) shall be packaged upon
submittal to the crime laboratory. Fit packaging for fire arms include: boxes, manila
paper envelopes and paper wrapping. Firearms recovered in water should be submitted
in the same water in a watertight container. However, firearms examiner must be
contacted prior to submission it is unknown whether the firearm is loaded.
b. PROJECTILES GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS
Bullets should always be handled with the utmost care to avoid destroying the
microscopic striations on the bullet. They should be packed sealed in a paper envelope
or pill box and the container marked for identification. The bullet should not be marked
due to the possibility of destroying valuable evidences.
NOTE: Plastic or glass airtight containers should never be used for bullets or
firearms. They could allow moisture to cause corrosion of identifiable detail on the bullet
and rust on a firearm.
1) Projectile Embedded in a Wood, Plastic, etc.
Unless absolutely necessary, do not attempt to dig out projectile. Remove
the portion of material in which the projectiles are embedded and submit the entire
piece to the crime laboratory. If practical, remove a section of the material, the projectile
or projectiles should be recovered by removing the material adjacent to the projectile to
prevent damage to the evidence.
2) Projectile or Projectiles embedded in a person’s body
X-rays should be taken to locate the position of the projectiles. They
should be removed with rubber-tipped forceps or by using just fingers to prevent
mutilation of the projectile. If asked, doctors are usually willing to comply with the
request. Caution should be taken as some projectiles have sharp edges.
The projectile should not be rinsed off. Rinsing will be done in the PNP
Crime Laboratory.
c. CARTRIDGE AND AMMUNITION COMPONENTS
1) Unfired Cartridges
If relatively few, these should be packaged in same manner as
projectiles. Larger quantities should be grouped together as to location of recovery and
may be listed as single item. The larger quantities should may be packaged in
Cardboard or wooden containers. The container should be marked for identifications.
NOTE: Live ammunition must be personally delivered to the Crime
Laboratory by the Investigator.
2) Fired Cartridge Cases:
These should be handled in the same manner as projectiles. Remember
that proper packaging prevents the destruction of valuable evidence.
3) Shot Shell Wads
An attempt should be made to locate wads fired from shot shells. When a
shot shell is fired, the wad or wads travel along with or behind the shot charge. When
the wad or wads are located, they should be handled exactly as projectiles.
NOTE: In cases involving relatively close muzzle to target
distance, wadding may be found in the victims body.
d. DISTANCE DETERMINATION
Muzzle to the target distance can be invaluable to a case if certain condition
exist. To get the most from this evidence, it must be properly submitted. The firearm
must be recovered and submitted with any unfired cartridges found at the crime scene.

7. MARKING OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE LIKE FIREARMS, FIRED BULLETS


AND CARTRIDGE CASES
Fired bullet should be marked by means of a stylus or pointed instrument by the
recovering officer with his initial, or the initials of the victim/suspect, on the nose or its
anterior portions. The markings should include the corresponding time and date of
recovery. In cases wherein the nose or anterior portion of the fired bullet is badly
damaged or deformed, the officer’s initials should be placed at the base. Never in any
instance should the initial and date of recovery be placed on the cylindrical or peripheral
surface of the bullets because it is this portion of the bullet that contains the “rifling
marks” or “striations” which are important for the firearm examiners when the evidence
or exhibit is scrutinized under the bullet comparison microscope. The cylindrical or
peripheral surface of the bullet is engraved with the rifling marks.
With regards to fired cartridge cases, the best areas or portions where the officer
can place his marks are: inside near the open mouth, outside near the open mouth, and
on the body of the fired cartridge cases. Never place your marks on the base of the fired
cartridge case. It is this part that contains the “breech face” markings. These marks are
vital to firearm experts when examining the cartridge case under the bullet comparison
microscope and are used as basis in determining as to whether or not a certain
cartridge case was fired from a particular gun.
Never use universal markings such as “X” or any common marks which may lead
to confuse the officer.
The suspected firearm, besides noting down its pertinent features, should be
marked with the initials of the recovering officer on the three main parts such as the
barrel, cylinder, and the frame as in a revolver. In the case of a pistol, the initials should
be placed on the barrel, slide and frame or receiver. On a rifle, the initials should be
placed on the barrel, upper receiver, lower receiver and bolt. Aside from marking these
three main parts, an “identification tag” bearing the complete description of the firearm,
such as the type, make, model, caliber serial number, time and date of recovery, name
of victim, name of suspect, and other features of value must also be placed.
When a firearm does not have serial number, as you will encounter in some
cases, it becomes necessary to mark it for future and ready identification. When
marking a suspected firearm, always mark the portion of the weapon that cannot be
easily replaced, like the barrel and receiver. Never mark the stock alone as it can easily
be replaced.
Clothing should be air dried before packaging. After drying, clean paper should
be placed over each surface. This is to prevent destruction of evidence by rubbing of
other areas of clothing. The clothing should then be individually packaged in a clean
paper, sealed and marked for identification. When projectiles have passed through a
garment or garments, a good photograph of the bullet hole positions in the victim is
desirable. A scale should be used in these photos. Always submit all of the unfired
ammunition with the case, as used of identical ammunition is an essential part of
distance determination.

8. PROCEDURES IN REQUESTING FOR LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS


a. Letter requests for examinations - should be addressed to the Director, Crime
Laboratory (D, CL), attention: Chief, Firearms Identification Division (C, FAID).
The requests must contain the following information:
1) Submitting contact person’s name, agency, address telephone number.
2) Nature and the basic facts of the case.
3) The name(s) and descriptive data about the individual(s) involved (subject,
suspect, victim, or a combination of those categories) and the unit-assigned case
identification number, if there is any.
4) List of the evidence being submitted or under separate cover.
5) Physical examination of the evidence being referred to for examination
6) Referral of the evidence to other Technical divisions:
a) Fingerprint Division – for possible recovery of latent prints.
b) Photography Division – for documentation through photography.
c) Medico Legal Division – for possible Serology on evidence firearms.
d) Physical Identification Division – responsible in the examination of
allied examination, like Bullet Trajectory Analysis and Serial Number Restoration
e) Chemistry Division – for Gunpowder Residue Analysis
7) Test firing of evidence of the evidence firearm.
8) Microscopic examination of the evidence bullet/cartridge cases
9) Preparation of worksheet
10) Preparation of Laboratory report
11) Retrieval of related laboratory reports
12) Turn-over of evidence to the evidence custodian for safekeeping
13) Release of laboratory report.
9. PROBLEMS IN FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION
a. Given bullet, to determine the caliber, type and possible make of firearm from
which it was fired.
b. Given cartridge case, to determine the caliber and type of firearm from which
it was fired.
c. Given bullet and suspected firearm, to determine whether or not the bullet
was fired from the suspected firearm.
d. Given cartridge case and suspected firearm, to determine whether or not the
cartridge case was fired from the suspected firearm.
e. Given two or more bullets, to determine whether or not they were fired from
one and the same firearm.
f. Given two or more cartridge cases, to determine whether or not they were
fired from one and the same firearm.
g. Given firearm, to determine whether or not it is serviceable.

10. Other Definitions


a. CALIBER – term used to indicate the bore diameter which is measured
between opposite lands.
b. 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 gage index. Ex. Diameter of a lead ball weighing 1/12 of a pound.
c. BORE – the cylindrical passage of barrel through which the projectile travels.
d. PITCH OF RIFLING – the distance that the rifling advances to make one
complete turn.
e. EXPERT – as used in court includes all witnesses whose opinion are
admitted on ground of specialized knowledge, training and experience,
f. 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 cartridge; the face of this block is known as the breech face.
g. CHAMBER – that part of the weapon in which the cartridge is place into
position for firing.
h. EJECTOR – that mechanism in a firearm which causes the empty shell or
ammunition to be thrown out from the gun.
i. EXTRACTOR – that mechanism in a firearm by which the empty shell or
ammunition is withdrawn from the chamber.
j. GROOVES – the depressed channels cut in the interior of a rifled gun barrel.
k. LANDS – that raised portion between the grooves inside a rifled gun barrel.
l. VELOCITY – is the forward speed at which the bullet travels measured in feet
per second.
m. PRESSURE – the cut ward thrust of burning powder gases against the
breechblock, chamber & bore normally measured one inch from breech & recorded in
pounds per square inch. Ex. 14,000 to 15,000 PSI for caliber .45 automatic pistol.
n. RANGE – is the straight distance between muzzles of the gun to the target.
o. PENETRATION – the depth to which a projectile sinks in the target. Ex. 6
inches at 15 yards in white pinewood.
p. TRAJECTORY – is the actual pattern or curved path of the bullet in flight.
q. FIRING PIN – is that part of the firearm which strikes the causing the firing of
the cartridge.
r. HAMMER – is that part of the firearm controlled by the trigger which causes
the firing pin to strike the primer striking the gun.
s. PRIMER – a small sensitive explosive contained in the cap and expulsion of
this mixture detonate the powder charge.
t. CORROSION – the chemical eating away of the bore of an arm due to rusting
or actions of salts deposited from the cap or powder.
u. EROSION – is the mechanical wear and tear of the bore of an arm due to
sliding friction when the bullet passes through it.
v. BERDAN PRIMER – is a primer with two flash holes or vents.
w. BOKER PRIMER – is a kind of primer with only one flash hole or vent.
x. RIM – is the projection edge of the base or head of the cartridge.
y. OGIVE – is the technical name of the cylindrical head or tip of the bullet.
z. BREECH END – is the rear end of the bore of an arm where the cartridge is
inserted.

SUMMARY :
In this lesson, we have learned the definition of the different terminologies on
forensic ballistics. We also discussed the various types of firearms and ammunition, as
well as their evidentiary value including the procedure in the collection, handling and
packaging of firearms evidence that are found in the crime scene. In addition, we
learned also that the successful solution of a crime involving firearms may depend
entirely upon the successful collection and preservation of firearms evidence by a
knowledgeable police investigator and the subsequent examination of the evidence at a
crime laboratory.

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