Tools in Firearms Identification

Question 1

Most important tool of a firearm examiner

Answer 1

Comparison Microscope

2 microscopes connected together with an optical bridge allowing one to view 2 objects side by side under the same magnification

Question 2

With this microscope, the firearm examiner can take [BLANK] of his observation and findings under the eyepiece of the comparison microscope

Answer 2

photomicrographs

Question 3

Used in the preliminary examinations of fired bullets and fired shells for class characteristics for orientation purposes

Answer 3

Stereoscopic Microscope

It can be used also in the close-up examination of tampered serial numbers. No photomicrograph can be take in this equipment

Question 4

This determines the bullet diameter and barrel length

Answer 4

Vernier Caliper

Question 5

Determines the weights of the bullets, shots and pellets for possible type, caliber and make of firearm from which they were fired

Answer 5

Analytical Balance

Question 6

Used for determining the bore diameter of firearms

Answer 6

Taper Gauge

Question 7

Determines the speed of the bullet or the muzzle velocity of the bullet

Answer 7

Chronograph

Question 8

Similar to the comparison microscope. Two fired bullets or shells can be compared in one setting

Answer 8

CP-6 Comparison Projector

Question 9

Used for marking fired bullets, fired shells and firearms submitted for examination

Answer 9

Electric gun marker

Question 10

Determines the width of lands, width of grooves, diameter and twist of fired bullet

Answer 10

Measuring Projector MP-6

Question 11

It is a measuring tool frequently used for measuring class characteristics such as thickness, width, or diameter

Answer 11

Micrometer

Question 12

Used for examining the interior surface of the gun barrel

Answer 12

Onoscope

Question 13

For measuring the pitch of rifling

Answer 13

Helixmeter

Question 14

Bullet Recovery Equipment

4

Answer 14

1. Bullet Recovery Box/ Cotton Box
2. Bullet recovery capsules/tubes
3. Water recovery tank
4. SnailTrap Forensic Buddy

Question 15

Bullet Recovery Alternatives

5

Answer 15

• Wet telephone books
• Oil or water-soaker sawdust
• Ballistic gelatin
• Plastic milk jugs
• Blocks of ice

Question 16

Developed by Forensic Technology, Incorporated (FTI) of Montreal. This technology can be configured according to the needs of an individual law enforcement agency

Answer 16

Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS)

Question 17

After images have been uploaded into IBIS, the examiner can use this to perform correlations and on-screen preliminary side-by-side comparisons of images that are stored in the centralized IBIS database

Answer 17

MatchPoint+

Question 18

Is designed to address the comparison needs of the forensic firearms examiner.

Answer 18

BulletTrax-3D

When paired with MatchPoint+, it allows the examiner to personally conduct preliminary correlations prior to actual microscopic comparison