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- Home
- Credits
- Glossary
- Module 01: Introduction
- Module 02 : History
- Module 03 : Propellants, Ammunition, and Firearms Development
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Evolution of Propellants
- Black Powder
- Manufacturing Process
- Disadvantages
- Modern Propellants
- Nitrocellulose
- Celluloid
- Plasticizer
- Nitroglycerin
- Cordite
- Evolution of Firearms
- Components
- Projectiles
- Ignition Systems
- Matchlocks
- Wheel Locks
- Snaphaunce
- Flintlock
- Chemical Ignition
- Percussion Cap
- Rifled Barrels
- Projectiles
- Shotguns
- Breech-Loading Firearm Design
- Transitional Adaptations
- Breech Sealing
- Frame Design
- Top Break Action
- Falling Block Action
- Rolling Block Action
- Bolt Actions
- Mannlicher Action
- Mauser Action
- Repeating Firearms
- Handguns
- Shoulder Arms
- Box Magazine
- Semiautomatic and Automatic
- Gas Operated
- Machine Guns
- Ammunition
- Projectiles
- Cylindrical
- Jacketed
- Cartridge Cases
- Early Metallic
- Rimfire
- Centerfire
- Primer Pocket/Folded Head
- Balloon-Head
- Modern Developments
- Cartridge Naming Systems
- Case Design
- Primer Evolution
- Smokeless Primers
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 04 : Modern Firearms Manufacture
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Metal-Forming Operations
- Investment Casting
- Die Casting
- Materials and Methods
- Forging
- Stamping
- Powdered Metal Technology
- Extrusion
- Fine-Forming Operations
- Drilling
- Turning
- Grinding
- Milling
- Broaching
- Computer Numeric Control Machining
- Electrical Discharge Machining
- Hand Fitting
- Rifled Barrels
- Deep Hole Drilling
- Reaming
- Lapping
- Straightening
- Rifling
- Cut Rifling
- Broached
- Button Swaged
- Hammer Forged
- Electrical Discharge Machining
- Contouring/Profiling
- Chambering and Throating
- Barrels for Muzzleloading Arms
- Parts Fabrication
- High-Stress Load Parts
- Frames or Receivers
- Ejection Port and Feed Ramps
- Slides
- Cylinders
- Low-Stress Load Parts
- Repeating Mechanism Components
- Small Pins, Screws, and Springs
- Detachable Magazines
- Cosmetic Finish
- Bluing
- Electroplating
- Anodizing
- Assembly
- Final Assembly
- Final Steps
- Test Firing
- Serial Numbers
- Preparation for Delivery
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 05 : Small Arms Ammunition
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Components
- Propellants
- Morphology
- Die Extrusion
- Making Ball Propellants
- Drying
- Deterrent Coatings and Stabilizers
- Testing, Grading, and Blending
- Canister and Bulk
- Projectiles
- Casting
- Swaging
- Shot Pellets
- Current Manufacture
- Lead-Free Shot Pellets
- Jacketed Bullets
- Cup and Draw Operation
- Bullet Features
- Other Jacket-Forming Technology
- Lead Free Bullets
- Assembly
- Machinery
- Open Point
- Full Metal Jacket
- Finishing
- Cartridge Case Manufacture
- Rimfire
- Centerfire
- Drawing Operations
- Head-Turning Operations
- Taper, Trim, and Neckdown
- Stress Relief, Annealing, and Hardness
- Inspection
- Alternate Materials
- Shotshell
- Shotshell Wads
- Primer Manufacture
- Testing
- Centerfire
- Shotshell
- Assembly
- Rimfire
- Bullet Seating
- Crimping
- Centerfire Ammunition
- Priming
- Propellant Charging
- Bullet Seating
- Crimping
- Cleaning
- Ballistic Testing
- Pressure
- Velocity and Function Firing
- Accuracy and Custom Specifications
- Shotshell Assembly
- Priming and Loading
- Powder
- Wadding
- Crimping
- Testing
- Handloading and Reloading
- Reloading Process
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 06 : Evidence Handling Procedures
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Types of Evidence
- Physical Evidence
- Trace Evidence
- Integrity
- Biological Evidence
- Integrity
- Safety
- Touch DNA Evidence
- Drug Evidence
- Integrity and Safety
- Other Evidence Types
- Class and Individual Characteristics
- Associative Evidence
- Examples of Associative Evidence
- Value of Associative Evidence
- Specificity
- Frequency of Occurrence
- Persistence
- Alternate Explanations
- The Crime Scene
- Protecting the Scene
- Recording the Scene
- Chain of Custody
- Location of Evidence
- Collection of Evidence
- Firearms Evidence
- Fired Bullets
- Fired Cartridge Cases and Shotshells
- Related Evidence
- Toolmark Evidence
- Toolmarked Items
- Preservation and Packaging
- Firearms and Fired Ammunition Components
- Unfired Ammunition
- Evidence Submission
- Documentation
- Receipt of Evidence
- Laboratory Evidence Handling
- Integrity
- Chain of Custody
- Case Tracking Within the Laboratory
- Forensic LIMS
- Input Information
- Output Information
- System Developments
- Case Assignment
- Evidence Distribution
- Centralized System
- Examiner-Based System
- Storage Options
- Physical Integrity of Evidence
- Controlled Access
- High Security
- Firearm and Toolmark Examination Considerations
- Biological
- Trace Evidence
- Latent Fingerprints
- Gunshot Residue
- Metal Smears
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 07 : Equipment and Instrumentation
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Measurement, Standards, and Accuracy
- Standards, NIST Traceability, and Laboratory Accreditation
- Weight, Force, and Their Measurement
- Digital Scales
- Calibration
- Trigger Pull Measurements
- Standard Trigger Weights
- Digital Trigger Pull Testers
- Dimensional Data and Measurement Tools
- Glass Measuring Reticules
- Digital Measuring Equipment
- Other Equipment
- Muzzle Velocity of Bullets
- Stereo and Comparison Microscopes
- Compound Microscopy
- Maintenance and Calibration
- Comparison Microscopy
- Maintenance and Calibration
- Small Tools and Supplies
- Supplies
- Imaging Equipment
- Digital Imaging
- Field Support Equipment
- Computer-Based Technologies
- IBIS®
- MatchPoint+™
- BulletTrax-3D™
- Firing Facilities
- Indoor Ranges
- Bullet Recovery Equipment
- Cotton Box
- Water Recovery Tank
- Other Bullet Recovery Systems
- Outdoor Ranges
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 08 : Examination of Firearms
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Cycle of Fire Steps
- Steps 1-5
- Steps 6-9
- Evidence Receipt
- Examination Documentation
- Firearms Identification Information
- Military Firearms
- Proof Marks
- Handguns
- Single Action Revolvers
- Modern Single Action Revolvers
- Double Action Revolvers
- Autoloading - Semiautomatic Pistols
- Blowback Action
- Recoil Action
- Gas Operated Action
- Autoloading - Full Automatic Pistols
- Single and Multi-barreled Pistols
- Trigger Systems
- Long or Shoulder Firearms
- Rifles
- Visual Examination
- Shotguns
- Examination
- Revolvers
- Autoloading Pistols
- Single and Multi-barreled Pistols
- Long Guns
- Trigger Pull
- Trigger Weights
- Scales
- Safety Features
- Revolvers
- Autoloading Pistols
- Passive Safety Features
- Single and Multi-barreled Pistols
- Long Guns
- Test Firing
- Drop Testing
- Shock Test
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 09 : Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Identification
- Evidentiary Value
- Individual Characteristics
- Developments
- Prerequisites for Examination
- Equipment
- Identification Process
- Possible Toolmarks
- Physical Characteristics
- Pattern Identification
- Consecutive Matching Striae
- AFTE Theory of Identification
- Sufficient Agreement and Best Known Non-Match
- AFTE Range of Conclusions
- Identification
- Inconclusive
- Elimination
- Unsuitable
- Fired Case Examination
- Microscopic Procedure
- Microscopic Comparison
- Firearms Without Related Evidence
- Firearms With Related Evidence
- Evidence Without Related Firearm
- Examination Challenges
- Cartridges
- Cartridge Cases
- Firearms
- Examination of Unfired Ammunition
- Worksheets
- Case Linkage
- Advanced Case Linkage and Fired Cartridge Case Comparisons
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 10 : Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Recovered Bullets and Projectiles
- Examination
- Physical Features
- Terminology
- Characteristics
- Weight
- Considerations
- Caliber/Diameter
- Possible Cartridge Types
- Composition
- Jacket Type
- Properties
- Color and Finish
- Base Construction
- Base Shape
- Nose Construction
- Nose Shape
- Cannelures
- Manufacturer Determination
- Cataloging
- Identification Resources
- General Riflling Characteristics
- Categories
- Measuring Impressions
- Techniques
- Equipment
- Comparison Microscope
- Stereomicroscope
- Reticules
- Digital Equipment
- FBI GRC File Standards
- Damaged Bullets
- Microscopic Marks
- Rifling Impressions
- Bullet Design
- Reloaded and Handloaded Bullets
- Effects of Firing
- Impact Damage
- Mushrooming
- Medical and Autopsy Procedures
- Conclusions
- Fired Shotshell Components
- Wadding Material
- Shotshell Projectiles
- Buffer Material
- Inconsistencies
- Examination
- Wadding Material
- Shot Pellets
- Dimensions
- Shotgun Slugs
- Buffer Material
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 11 : Bullet Comparison and Identification
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Identification
- Physical Characteristics
- Pattern Identification
- Consecutive Matching Striae
- AFTE Theory of Identification
- Sufficient Agreement and Best Known Non-Match
- AFTE Range of Conclusions
- Identification
- Inconclusive
- Elimination
- Unsuitable
- Bullet Examination
- Microscopic Procedures
- Recovered Firearm Without Related Evidence
- Comparison Process
- Recovered Firearm With Related Evidence
- Evidence Without Related Firearm
- Case Linkage
- Casting
- Procedure
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 12 : Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Powders and Residues
- Examination
- Examination Documentation
- Visual and Microscopic Examination
- Chemical Testing
- Modified Griess Test
- Chemistry
- Reagents and Test Media
- Test Procedure
- Reverse Modified Griess Test
- Dithiooxamide Test
- Chemistry
- Reagents and Test Media
- Test Procedure
- Sodium Rhodizonate Test
- Chemistry
- Reagents and Test Media
- Test Procedure
- Bashinski Transfer
- Distance Determination
- Significance of Results
- Contact Shot
- Nitrite Residues
- Vaporous Lead Residues
- Residues Consistent with the Passage of a Bullet
- Residues Consistent with the Discharge of a Firearm
- Interpretation Challenges
- Reproduction of Results
- Nitrite Residue Patterns
- Shot Pattern
- Chemical Testing
- Shot Pattern Reproduction
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 13 : Toolmark Identification
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Tool Manufacture
- Cutting Operations
- Lathe Operations
- Milling
- Other Cutting Operations
- Metal-Forming Techniques
- Modern Machining Techniques
- Basic Toolmark Identification
- Incidental Toolmarks
- Reloading and Handloading
- Tool Actions
- Physical Characteristics
- Pattern Identification
- Consecutive Matching Striae
- AFTE Theory of Identification
- Sufficient Agreement and Best Known Non-Match
- AFTE Range of Conclusions
- Identification
- Inconclusive
- Elimination
- Unsuitable
- Equipment
- Toolmark Examination
- Microscopic Procedures
- Microscopic Comparisons
- Production of Test Toolmarks
- Comparison of Evidence Toolmarks and Test Marks
- Inconclusive Results
- Intercomparison
- Intercomparison of Fractured Objects
- Reverse Lighting Technique
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 14 : Communicating Results
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Communication Skills
- Communication Basics
- Communication Synergies
- Communication Impact
- Verbal Communication
- Presenting Technical Information
- Presenting to Audiences
- Relationship Building
- Written Communications
- Creating an Extended Outline
- Turning Thought into Prose
- Flow and Style
- Closing Remarks
- Continuous Improvement
- Report Writing
- Report Contents
- Courtroom Testimony
- Criminal Proceedings
- Courtroom Personnel
- Legal Issues
- Expert Witness Qualification
- Opinion Testimony
- Giving Testimony
- Pretrial Preparation
- Appearance
- Demeanor
- Presentation Skills
- Conclusions
- Selected Bibliography
- Module 15 : Safety
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Biohazards
- Chemicals
- Firearms
- General Guidelines
- At the Crime Scene
- Fired Bullets
- Live Ammunition
- Biohazard Evidence
- In the Laboratory
- At the Firing Range
- Bullet Recovery
- Distance Determination
- In the Courtroom
- Biohazards
- Toolmarks
- Management and Supervisory Responsibilities
- Safety Training
- Protection of Personnel
- Physical Plant
- Emergency Response Preparation
- Selected Bibliography
- Worksheets and Reports
- Contact Us
- Help
- Glossary
Additional Online Courses
- What Every First Responding Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence
- Collecting DNA Evidence at Property Crime Scenes
- DNA – A Prosecutor’s Practice Notebook
- Crime Scene and DNA Basics
- Laboratory Safety Programs
- DNA Amplification
- Population Genetics and Statistics
- Non-STR DNA Markers: SNPs, Y-STRs, LCN and mtDNA
- Firearms Examiner Training
- Forensic DNA Education for Law Enforcement Decisionmakers
- What Every Investigator and Evidence Technician Should Know About DNA Evidence
- Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court
- Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert
- Laboratory Orientation and Testing of Body Fluids and Tissues
- DNA Extraction and Quantitation
- STR Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Communication Skills, Report Writing, and Courtroom Testimony
- Español for Law Enforcement
- Amplified DNA Product Separation for Forensic Analysts
Date Created: July 13, 2023