Author: J. Allan Jones

J. Allan Jones obtained a Bachelor of Science degree (1969) from Southern Methodist University and continued graduate studies there until 1971, when he joined the Dallas County (Texas) Institute of Forensic Sciences Crime Laboratory as a firearm examiner. Mr. Jones worked in that capacity until 1987, when he moved to Lewiston, Idaho, as the manager of technical publications for CCI Ammunition and Speer Bullets. He directed ballistics research for and authored Speer Reloading Manual, numbers 12, 13, and 14. Mr. Jones retired from CCI/Speer in 2007.

Introduction

This module primarily covers the fabrication of metal components of firearms using common manufacturing technologies. Wooden, plastic, or composite stocks and grips are not discussed in this module.

Firearms manufacturing technologies are important to the firearm examiner because this is where class and individual characteristics originate. Knowledge of the manufacturing materials used provides practical information about the functional characteristics and durability of the firearm.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this module the student should be able to do the following:

• Describe traditional and current metal-forming processes, methods, and materials
• Describe the methods used for making barrels
• Define the rifling processes
• Describe the effect rifling has on bullets
• Define the contouring and crowning process
• Identify the main components of a firearm
• Identify the parts of a firearm that can produce identifiable marks for firearms identification
• Describe the firearm finishing and testing process

AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors

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