Bullet Examination

As a forensic discipline, the essential protocol for firearms identification is the microscopic comparison and potential identification of fired bullets as having been fired from the barrel of the same firearm.

The foundation for this technique is based on the following principles:

• The rifling in the barrel of a firearm bears unique microscopic characteristics due to manufacturing processes, use, and abuse.
• These characteristics mark the bearing surfaces of bullets when fired through the barrel.
• These individual characteristics are reproducible and identifiable with a particular firearm.

Comparison microscopy is used to establish identification and involves one of the following situations:

Click here to read a sample forensic worksheet and report - Bullet Comparison and Identification (Individual Characteristics)

Microscopic Procedures

The following preliminary steps should be addressed prior to any of the case comparisons:

• Review laboratory protocols, as needed.
• Complete administrative requirements.
  • Chain of custody.
  • Marking of evidence.
  • Laboratory case identifiers.
  • Investigative file identifier.
  • Examiner identity.
  • Quality assurance.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols.
• Determine the presence of trace evidence and follow laboratory protocol for collection.
  
  Examples of trace evidence include
  • paint,
  • glass,
  • blood,
  • bone,
  • soft tissue,
  • hair,
  • fibers,
  • wood,
  • metal smears,
  • masonry,
  • stone.
• Determine if latent fingerprint examinations should be performed prior to toolmark examinations.
• Determine if other examinations (not requested) should be performed. If so, coordinate with the investigator.

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