Since the development of early firearms in the mid-1200s, the best material for making critical parts for weapons has been iron-based metal. While iron and steel (an alloy metal that contains iron) are popular materials due to their strength and resilience, they are susceptible to chemical reactions when interacting with the environment. The most common chemical reaction of concern is corrosion or rust, which causes metal to deteriorate or dissolve. Corrosion and chemical reactions most often occur in wet and humid conditions. If firearms are not properly cared for or are left in these conditions, it could have adverse effects on the firearms’ operability and could affect the firearms’ individual characteristics.
While past research has been performed on the possibility of identifying characteristics on rusted firearms after they have been restored, there is little research on how long a firearm can be left to rust before an identification is no longer possible. Potential identification comparisons were performed on cartridge cases and projectiles after they were test fired through firearms that were left to rust for certain periods of time. This project evaluates the effects of rust on the common working surfaces of Glock and Smith & Wesson Sigma firearms that firearm examiners use to make an identification. The unpredicted data suggests that Glocks cannot be identified past three months of rusting while Sigmas can be identified at six months and possibly even longer.