Shotgun Slugs

Although shotgun slugs may be shown to be consistent with laboratory standards or other evidence items, the level of deformation may be severe, limiting the amount of information.

The steps for this procedure are as follows:

1. Perform preliminary procedure.
2. Record the observable physical characteristics.
   • Dimensions.
     1. Measure diameter; use to determine gauge.
     2. Measure length.
   • Measure weight.
   • Design.
     1. Determine composition.
     2. Describe shape (base, nose, etc.).
     3. Describe slug rifling.
3. Compare physical characteristics with laboratory standards or other evidence items.
4. Identify individual markings (these are unusual when found).
   • Compare striated marks (if present) with standards fired from the evidence firearm.

Buffer Material

Shot buffer materials may be shown to be consistent with laboratory standards or other evidence items through the following procedure:

1. Perform preliminary procedures.
2. Compare all physical characteristics of the evidence buffer materials to the standards of similar manufacture and composition, including
   • color,
   • shape,
   • it may be useful in some cases to enlist the aid of an instrumental chemist in determining the composition of buffer materials.
3. Examine questioned surface(s) visually and microscopically for the presence of buffer materials. (See Module 12, Gunshot Residue: Examinations).

Selected Bibliography

The Selected Bibliography is a list of the writings that have been used in the assemblage of the training program and is not a complete record of all the works and sources consulted. It is a compilation of the substance and range of readings and extensive experience of the subject matter experts.

1. AFTE Criteria for Identification Committee. 1992. Theory of identification, range striae comparison reports and modified glossary definitions AFTE criteria for identification committee report. AFTE J 24 (2): 336-340.
2. Biasotti, A., and J. Murdock. 1984. Criteria for identification in firearms and toolmark identification. AFTE J 16 (4): 16-24.
3. Brackett, J. 1970. A Study of idealized striated marks and their comparisons using models. J of Forensic Sci Soc . 10 (1): 27-56.
4. Burrard, G. 1962. The Identification of Firearms and Forensic Ballistics . New York: A.S. Barnes & Co.
5. Cassidy, F.H. 1981. Nomograph for calculation of the number of lands and grooves. AFTE J 13 (4): 67.
6. Davis, J.E. 1958. Introduction to Tool Marks, Firearms and the Striagr . Springfield: Charles C Thomas Pub Ltd.
7. Freels, R.H. 1983. Comparison of a shotshell shot collar to a cut barrel. AFTE J 15 (3): 21.
8. Gunther, J.D., and C.O. Gunther. 1935. The Identification of Firearms . New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc.
9. Hall, E. 1983. Bullet markings from consecutively rifled Shilen DGA barrels. AFTE J 15 (1): 33-53.
10. Hatcher, J. 1935. Textbook of Firearms Investigation, Identification and Evidence . Plantersville: Small-Arms Technical Publishing Co.
11. Hatcher, J. 1947. Hatchers Notebook . Harrisburg: Military Service Publishing Co.
12. Hatcher, J.S., F.J. Jury., and J. Weller. 1957. Firearms Investigation, Identification, and Evidence . Harrisburg: Stackpole Books.
13. Heard, B. 1997. Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics - Examining and Interpreting Forensic Evidence . West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
14. Mathews, J.H. 1962. Firearms Identification, Volume I . Springfield: Charles C. Thomas.
15. Mathews, J.H. 1962. Firearms Identification, Volume II . Springfield: Charles C. Thomas.
16. Mathews, J.H. 1973. Firearms Identification, Volume III . Springfield: Charles C. Thomas.
17. Moran B. 1997. Manual and automated bullet and cartridge case comparison systems: A commentary. AFTE J 29 (1): 42-44.
18. Shem, R., and P. Striupaitis. 1983. Comparison of 501 consecutively fired bullets and cartridge cases from a .25 caliber raven pistol. AFTE J 15 (3): 109-112.
19. Silliman, J.R. 1977. Crime scene search: Evidence at the scene of a shotgun shooting. AFTE J 9 (2): 111.
20. Stengel, R.F. 1987. Thoughts on bullet comparisons and no gun cases. AFTE J 19 (3): 306-307.

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