Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION TO BALLISTICS

Overview

Crimes of robbery, assault, murder, homicide, rape or any other violent crimes which involve the use of
firearms appear on headline in most of the news in the television, radio and leading newspaper. The rise
of crime rates has prompted a public awareness of the seriousness of the problem. Thus, the law
enforcement agencies have been maligned, castigated and ridiculed by the outraged citizenry for their
apparent inability to prevent those crimes.

Crimes involving the use of firearms represent a significant area of investigation, Pieces of evidence were
present in all crimes and needed to interpret and process to determine what transpired in the crime. The
findings must corroborate with the statement of witnesses, victims and suspects to obtain the conviction
of the suspect and administer justice to the offended party.

Solving a crime that involves firearms often depends on the scientific examination of evidence by a
qualified examiner at the crime laboratory, The laboratory examination may show that a projectile or
expended cartridge case was fired from specific weapon. Testing the mechanical condition of the
weapon may show the presence or absence of gunpowder residue in the barrel of a weapon. A fired
bullet or cartridge case may show the caliber and type of weapon that fired it. It may also tell the
manufacturer of the ammunition. Test may show the distance between the muzzle of the weapon and
the point of contact. They may also show the point of entrance and/ or exit of projectile in clothing,
wood, glass, or metal.

Investigator do not perform firearms identification tests in the field. The firearms examiner do the
identification and tests at the crime laboratory and give results to the investigator in the field. They also
give expert testimony in court when needed. But while expert testimony may be given only by a qualified
laboratory examiner, the solving of a crime involving firearms may depend on how you, the investigator
collects and preserve firearm evidence.

Definition of Ballistics

In its broadest sense, ballistics is defined as is the SCIENCE dealing with the MOTION of PROJECTILES and
the conditions governing the motion. To fully understand, the following terms were defined:

Science is a systematized body of knowledge which has been observe tested and proven.

Further, it is science that means it is classified, formulated and verifiable knowledge gathered by
observation, research and experiment and based on science theory and using scientific equipment and
apparatus. Results of firearms identification is an exact science because it permits an absolute precision
in result free from the possibility of error normal to human perception. Therefore, ballistics per se is not
an exact science rather it is branch of physics or applied science which is subject to changes and
development depending upon the demands of the modern civilization.

Motion refers to movement or mobility

 Three Types of Motion

1.Direct Motion - is the forward movement of the bullet or shots out of the shell by the action of the
expansive force of gases from burning gun powder.

2.Gyroscopic Motion – is the action of the bullet passing through a rifled bore barrel firearm which is
either twisted to the left or right.

3.Translational Motion - is the action of the bullet once it hits a target and subsequently ricocheted.

a)Ricochet – a bouncing of the bullet from its original trajectory.

b)Yaw- is the unstable rotating motion of the projectile.

c)Tailwag – it is the end of the projectile wobbles before it picks up a smooth flight path.

Projectile means to metallic and non-metallic objects propelled by means of force.

In a strict sense, it is the study of natural law relating to the performance of gunpowder and projectile in
firearms and the means of predicting such performance. It is referring to the science of firearms
identification which involves the scientific examination of ballistics exhibits (fired bullets, fired shells,
firearms and allied matters) used in crimes involving scientific equipment such as bullet recovery box,
bullet comparison microscope and others.

Etymology

The term ballistic was derived from the Greek word “ballo” or “ballien” which means “to throw” its root
word was also said to have been derived from the name of an early Roman war machine called “ballista “–
a gigantic bow or catapult which was used to hurl missiles or large object such as stones at a particular
distance to deter enemy forces. The term ballistics is frequently used synonymously in the press and police
parlance to firearm identification and investigation.

Early Recorded firearms identification

The earliest recorded identification of firearms by the trained observer was recorded in the criminal
investigation by Hans Gross, the great Austrian Criminologist and considered as the Father of
Criminalistics. This refers to the French bullet fired by the soldier of Napoleon Bonaparte’s Army, which
lodges behind the eye of his grandfather in 1799. The bullet was recovered in 1845 after the death of his
grandfather. When Hans Gross saw it, he observed and found out that it was still with traces of
gunpowder, and this would prove evidentiary value.

Another was done by Charles Waite in the United States of America, He was an employee of New York
State who conducted an investigation involving firearms. In 1915, a farmer was accused by the evidence
of the firearms’ experts, and his effort showed that the accused is innocent. Through Waite’s effort, to
trace the gun from which the bullet fired, consequently identify the manufacturer of the gun.

Alexandre Lacassagne (1844 – 1921) was the first recognize the significance of the striations etched
found on a bullet extracted from a murder victim and it’s to link to the gun from which it was fired, thus
beginning the science of ballistics.
Edmond Locard (1877 – 1966) established the first forensic laboratory in France. His principle “objects or
surfaces which came into contact always exchange trace evidence.”

Dr. Albert Llewellyn Hall, the pioneer in the field in forensic ballistics, was an expert in identifying
firearms from the bullets. Identification of the crime gun is in the principal purpose and object of the
criminal investigation, to establish the identity of the criminal offender and assist in their prosecution.

COLONEL CALVIN HOOKER GODDARD, Father of Forensic BallisticsHe was born in Baltimore, October
30, 1891, son of Capt. Henry P. Goddard, he graduated (with honors) from Johns Hopkins University in
1911 and was awarded his M.D degree in 1915. He received special training in military medicine at the
U.S Army Medical School, from which he was an honors graduate in 1917. Serving in the Army Medical
Corps in France, Germany, and Poland as well as in this country during World War 1, he was advanced
though grades to the rank of major.

His passion for ballistics and justice led to his most famous invention, the comparison microscope.
Calvin’s microscope was popularized in 1927, during the Sacco and Vanzetti Case. Calvin was called upon
to assist investigator with the Massachusetts murder case. With the aid of his microscope, he was able to
compare and analyze bullets found at the crime scene to those of Sacco’s revolver.

Calvin offered his expert opinion and found ballistic evidence that proved it was the bullet from Sacco’s
pistol that killed Alesandro Berardelli. The ballistic evidence helped secure the convictions of accused
murderers, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti. They were immediately sentenced to death by the
electric chair. Calvin’s microscope was so valuable to forensics because it enabled scientist to compare
the specimen side by side instead of viewing each specimen separately and solely relying on memory.

Due to his success with the Sacco and Vanzetti Case, Calvin was called upon to help with the St.
Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929, which was one of the first major organized crimes

The case involved the murder of seven gangster by men in Chicago Police uniform. No one knew
whether it was the police or rival gang member in disguise. Calvin stepped in as a private investigator
and was able to showcase his ballistic skills. He tested the gun and bullets used by the Chicago Police and
compared that to the weapons used at the massacre. The bullet did not match. Therefore, Calvin
confirmed it was not the Chicago Police. About two years later during a raid on one of the rival gang
member’s homes, two machine guns were discovered. Calvin once again analyzed the evidence and with
his expertise in ballistics, confirmed that these guns matched the ones at the crime scene

Due to Calvin’s crucial invention of the comparison microscope, dedication, and ballistic masterliness he
was asked to lead the first independent forensic science crime laboratory at Northwestern University, in
1929. This lab became known as the Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory of Chicago. Forensic scientist
mainly studied ballistics and weapon, but also analyzed and tested fingerprints, blood and minute traces
of evidence. This was a sufficient space to perform experiments and store research needed for different
cases.

In 1974, Calvin came to the Philippines and took active participation in the examination of the fired
shells in the infamous General casteָñeda and Colonel Salgado Ambuscade in Quezon City.
Forensic Ballistics

Forensic – a term originated from the Latin word “forum” meaning “marketplace, where people gather
for public disputation or public discussion”.

Forensic Ballistics – it refers to the science of investigation and identification of firearms and
ammunition used in crimes.

The title “Forensic Ballistics” aptly describes the subject under consideration – the science of
investigation and identification of firearms and ammunition used in crimes. The terms “Ballistics”,
Forensic Ballistics” And “Firearms Identification”, have come to mean the same thing in the minds of the
public, and they can be used interchangeably.

It is a refined Tool Mark Identification where the firearms is made of the material harder than the
ammunition components, acts as a tool to leave impressed or striated mark on the various ammunition
components that come into contact with the harder surface of the firearms. (18)

Branches of Ballistics

1.Interior (internal) Ballistics

It refers to the properties and attributes of the projectile while still inside the gun. It covers from
the time; the firearm is loaded with the cartridge, the explosion and the muzzle of the gun.

ATTRIBUTE OF INTERIOR BALLISTICS

A. Firing pin hitting the primer

So that the primer should explode, the firing pin should hit such. This is due to the theory of friction
wherein there is a resistance to motion created by the firing pin.

B. Ignition of the priming mixture

The priming mixture is made of very sensitive material that is commonly located in the center portion of
the cartridge case. In the order to ignite the priming mixture, it must be live and potent and must be
devoid of any moisture.

C. Combustion of the gunpowder

As the primer crushed and ignite, the flash passes though the vent towards the gunpowder that provides
the combustion of gunpowder.

D. Expansion of the heated gas

There will be an equal expansion of heated gas inside the cartridge, after the combustion of the
gunpowder, The gas expanded in a different direction that tends the bullet and shell to separate from
each other in the cartridge.

E. Pressure developed

When the heated gas create by the burning powder charge is developed, a tremendous pressure is
produced in the chamber of the firearm.
F. Energy generated

Energy refers to the fatal equivalent of a bullet compared to a pound that is dropped from a certain
height.

G. Recoil of the gun

Recoil of the gun is due to Newton’s third law of the motion (law of interaction) which states that every
action is always equal and opposite reaction. The forward movement of the bullet after the explosion
result in the backward movement of the cartridge case. Recoil of the gun is affected by several things
such as tightness with which the firearm is held, height of the bore above the center of the stock line of
wrist for pistols, shape and design of the butt plate or the pistol’s grip weight of the firearm and physical
and mental condition of the shooter.

H. Velocity of the bullet in the gun

The bullet will travel the bore of the barrel depending on the powder load of the cartridges, since it is
the powder load that will propel the bullet in the bore of the barrel of the firearm.

I. Rotation of the bullet in the barrel

When the heated gas drives the bullet by tremendous pressure towards the muzzle end, the bullet will
rotate following the riflings inside the gun barrel. But if the firearm does not have riflings inside the
barrel, the bullet (shot) would move forward without rotating inside the bore of the barrel until the
bullet left the gun muzzle.

J. Engraving of the cylindrical surface of the bullet

The riflings starting from the breech end up to the muzzle end of the barrel will engrave in the body of
the bullet, depending on the number of lands and grooves as part of the class characteristics of the
firearms.

K. Muzzle Flash

It is the visible light of a muzzle blast, which expels high-temperature gases from the muzzle of the
firearms. The combustion products of the gunpowder cause the blast and flash, and any remaining
unburdened powder, mixing with the ambient air.

2.Exterior (External) Ballistics or Transition Ballistics

It refers to the attributes and movements of the bullet after it has gun muzzle, which includes the
condition of the bullet movement and flight up to the target.

ATTRIBUTES OF EXTERIOR BALLISTICS

a. Muzzle blast – it is the noise created at the muzzle point due to sudden escape of the expanding gas
coming in contact with the surrounding atmosphere. Due to this sound at the muzzle end of the gun, a
silencer was invented to minimize the sound, which the criminal took advantage of the conceal the
crime.
b. Muzzle energy – it is energy generated at the muzzle point, whenever the cartridge explodes from a
firearm.

c. Trajectory – it is the actual curve path of the bullet during its flight from the gun muzzle to the target.
These are three stages of trajectory namely, straight horizontal line, parabola like flight and vertical drop.

d. Range – straight distance from the muzzle to the target. It is classified into:

Accurate range – it is the distance within a shooter that has control of his shots.

Zero range – this is the farthest distance at which the line of sight and the bullet’s path
intersect.

2. Effective range – the distance within which when the bullet was fired it is still capable of inflicting fatal
injury.

3. Maximum range – it is the farthest distance that a projectile can be propelled from a firearm.

Range is based upon the intrinsic accuracy of the firearms and ammunition, size of the target
marksmanship ability of the shooter, the ability to discern the target, knowledge of the ballistics
characteristics of the ammunition, and the level of power needed to be delivered to the target.

E. Velocity – it is the rate of speed per unit time.

In 1707, Cassini, an astronomer suggested measuring a firearm’s muzzle velocity.

F. Air resistance/ aerodynamic drag - resistance encountered by the bullet during its fight which
reduce its speed. There are three parts of the drag bullet, namely:

1. Bow resistance – due to air pressure at the head of the projectile.

2. Skin friction – caused by the friction of air moving along the middle portion of the body

3. Base drag – due to the under-pressure and disturbance of the air behind the base.

G. Pull of gravity – downward reaction of the bullet towards the center of the earth, due to its
weight. The pull of gravity will apply only, starting from the parabola, then to the maximum
range and to the final vertical drop. However, in the effective range, the bullet could withstand
the pull of gravity due to its velocity and gyroscopic stability.

H. Penetration – the depth of energy on the target based on the power and velocity of the bullet.

4. Terminal Ballistics

It refers to the effects of the impact of the projectile on the target. The knocking power of a
particular powder load of the cartridge which makes a devastating lesion, caused by the bullet.

ATTRIBUTES OF INTERIOR BALLISTICS

a. Terminal accuracy – it is the size of the bullet grouping on the target.

b. Terminal energy/ striking energy – it is the energy of the projectile when strikes the target,
This referred to the fatal equivalent of a bullet when it struck the victim.
1. Shocking power – is the power of the bullet that resulted in the instantaneous death of the
victim.

2. Stopping power – is the power of the bullet that put the victim out of action instantly.

c. Terminal velocity - it is the speed of the bullet upon striking the target.

d. Terminal penetration- it is the depth of entry of the bullet in the target.

FORENSIC BALLISTICS

It refers to the investigation and identification of the firearms bye means of ammunition fired
through them.

This is the real branch of the science which the police use as their guide in field investigators.

Attributes of Forensic Ballistics

a. Field investigations - it is conducted the first responders when they investigate a case wherein
firearms have been used.

b. Technical examination of ballistics exhibits- it is conducted by the firearms examiners in the

ballistics laboratory to determine the value of firearms exhibits in the solution of the case.

c. Legal proceeding – it includes making of the ballistics report and presentation of the result of
the examination conducted before the court.

On famous and controlling decided criminal case by the supreme court, recognizing the
testimony of a Forensic Firearm Expert was the case of the PP vs Timbol bros et al. The case fully
established the relevance of this branch in police science in criminal identification and
investigation

SIGNIFICATION CASES OF VIP ASSASSINATIONS THAT EXTENSIVELY REQUIRED THE

APPLICATION OF BALLISTICS AND FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION

United States.

1. John F. Kennedy (November 22,1963)

2. Martin Luther King (April 4, 1968)

3. Sen. Robert Kennedy (June 5,1968)

Philippines

1. Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino Jr. (August 21,1983)

2. Etong Case (April 2009)- Suicide

Firearms identification is one among the major fields of criminalistics that can fired from guns.

3. Atty. Segundo Sotto Jr. Gonzalo (January 18,2016)

Zaldy Salahuddin was convicted with the crime of murder through the fired bullet recovered at
the crime scene and the firearms confiscated to the suspect.

5. Shot Ballistics

It is the study of shotgun ammunition including its characteristics spread and trailing.

Choke – the diameter of a barrel of a shotgun is the same throughout the bore. The bore of the
gun is the sometimes constricted near the muzzle end is slightly smaller than the diameter of the
bore of the rest of the barrel. The amount of spread in the shot is controlled by the choke

It is categorized by:

a. Full choke – bore constriction is reduced by one mm. if a barrel will put 70 percent of its shot
charged in a 30-inch (76-centimeter) circle at 40 yards (37 meters). A full choke 12-gauge gun
will kill ducks that are about 60 to 65 yards (55 to 59 meters) away.

b. Half choke - bore constriction is reduced by one half mm.

c. Quarter choke- bore constriction is reduced by ¼ mm.

d. Improved choke - bore constriction is reduced by about 1/10 mm or about 50 percent of

shots.

e. Modified choke – it will deliver about 60 percent

Chilled Shot – shotgun pellets made from lead especially hardened by addition of a slight
amount of antimony

6. Wound Ballistics

It refers to the study of the effect of a projectile on the target and the conditions that affect
them.

Gunshot wound (GSW) – it is an open wound produced by the penetration of bullet slug within
the tissues of the body. The bullet which was propelled from the gun as well as the flame from
the heated expanded gases in short range fire is the one that produces injury.

Two kinds of Gunshot Wounds (Punctured)

a. Perforating Wound/Transfixing Wound – an injury in which an object enters the body or a

structure and passes all the way through. The wound has an entrance and exit.

b. Penetrating Wound - the injury implies that the object does not pass through. It only has an
entrance wound; therefore, the bullet can be found inside the body and source of firearm
identification.

THREE BASIC KINDS OF GSW DISTINGUISHED BY THE PROXIMITY OF THE WEAPON

a. Contact – gun muzzle pressed against, or within an inch of two, of the body.

b. Close discharged – 6 inches to 2 ft.

 c. Distance discharged – over 2 ft. or 3 ft.

OTHER GSW CHARACTERISTICS

a. Pink coloration – caused by absorbed carbon monoxide in the skin and flesh.

b. Dirt ring – deposited by someone projectile (which carry greases on them) around the wound
existence of this indicates the entrance side of a firearm injury & does not indicate the range.

c. Conclusion – caused by the impact of the projectile (reddish dark to bluish black – varies
somewhat with the age of the injury). It takes the form of a belt around the wound. It is uniform
in thickness.

d. Foreign materials- their presence not only permits the identification of the firearms injury,
but they also permit a fairly reliable guess of the firearm.

FACTOR INFLUENCING ENTRANCE AND EXIT GUNSHOT WOUNDS:

a. Kind of weapon – the higher power the weapon is more destructive to the tissue of the body.

b. Caliber of the weapon – the higher the caliber of the wounding bullet, the greater will be the
size of the wound of entrance, hence, greater destruction to the tissues.

c. Shape and composition of the missile - the conical shape free end of the bullet slug have
more penetrating power but less tissue destruction, while bullet slug with hemispherical free
end had less penetrating but more destruction to the tissues.

Some bullets were made to be deformed upon heating the target like the hallow point, dum-
dum and soft point bullet. Bullets made of hard metals like the magnum 44 and the armor -
piercing bullet are not usually deformed upon hitting the target. Other bullets and fragments
may cause further injury to the body. The tracer bullet is in frame during its fight to the air and
may cause burn upon hitting body and this bullet is also used in targeting the low flying airplane.

d. Range of fire – the injury is not only due to the missile but also due to the pressure of the
heated expanded gases, flame and articles of gunpowder however, in long range fire, the
characteristic effect of the bullet alone will produce the injury.

IT MAY INCLUDE:

1. Muzzle pattern – indicates contact wound and is often observed in suicide cases. The whole
charge (projectile, wads. if any smoke, unburn or semi-burn powder particles and hot gases)
enter into the target. No burning, blackening, they are observed inside the hole through careful
examination. The edges are found ragged (torn in a star shape) and the wound is like an exit
wound.

2. Scorching – caused by the flame or hot gases not by the hot projectile as is commonly
believed. It is also know as burning or charring.

3. Blackening – caused by the deposition of smoke particles by all types of powder at close
ranges, Being light particles. They soon lose their velocity and get deposited on any material
available in the path.
 4. Tattooing (peppering) - caused by the embedding of unburn and semi-burnt powder particles
into the surface of the target. These particles are slightly heavier than the smoke particles. They
retain motion to somewhat longer intervals and consequently cause tattooing to a distance of
about one and a- half times blackening range.

CHAPTER 2
Learning objectives:

At the end of this chapter the students will be able to:

1. Recognize the different equipment used in Firearms Identification

2. Know the functions of each laboratory equipment for Forensic Ballistics

3. Apply the knowledge on the proper use and care of the different laboratory equipment

By of this equipment and with qualified men to use them, the police will be more effective in
their drive against crimes involving firearms. At times, an insignificant fired bullet or shell found at the
crime scene will serve as the only "missing link" in the final solution of a crime wherein a gun has been
used. And this is brought out to only in the laboratory by the use of different equipment. It includes:

1.Bullet Comparison Microscope

It is designed to permit the firearm examiner to differentiate two fired bullet or shell, by
simultaneously observing their magnified image in a single microscopic field. Fired bullet and shell are
examined and compared in either INTERMARRIAGE (half of the same image of the evidence bullet/ shell
and half of the same image of the test bullet/shell of the same direction, the same magnification, and
the plane are merge into one image to look for same level or plane the congruency of stations or the
same markings) and in JUXTAPOSITION (critical side by side comparison at the same time, direction,
magnification, image and level or plane to find the same feature, structure to the specimens under
observation).

The examiner forensic take photomicrographs which are needed for court presentations as an exhibit to
support the ballisticians' findings he observed under this instrument. The photomicrograph will give a
clue to the judge how the ballistician arrived with his findings and conclusions.

It was introduced by Dr. Calvin H. Goddard in April 1925. He was the first to own and used the first bullet
comparison microscope, and through his efforts, he is considered as the father of modern ballistics.

2.Stereoscopic Microscope

It is generally used in primary examination of fired bullet and shells to determine the relative
distribution of the class characteristic or for orientation purposes. It can also be used in the closed- up
examination of tampered serial number of firearms.

In the middle of the 19th century, Francis Herbert Wenham of London designed the first
successful stereomicroscope. The first modern stereoscopic microscope was introduced in the United
States by Cycloptic
3.Shadowgraph

It contains a series of microscopic lenses of different magnifications that can be used in

examining fired bullets or fired shells to determine class characteristics and for oriental purposes. This
instrument contains a large circular ground glass and diameter about 14 inches wherein the observation
and comparison of class characteristics are dome similarly with the bullet comparison microscope
4.CP-6 Comparison projector

Similar to bullet comparison micro-scope in which two fired bullets of the shell can be compared
simultaneously by projecting the image on a large screen and is observed at a vertical and comfortable
viewing. The instrument was invented by William Howard Livens, an engineer and British army.

5.Bullet Recovery Box

It used to obtain test fired bullets or test fired shells for examination and comparison to the
questioned bullets or shell. Several design of bullet recovery box are now adopted, for as long as it could
meet the desired result in test firing and retrieved the fired bullet undamaged. This is commonly filled
with cotton but sometimes water tank, sawdust with oil, sand, waste, threads, darak, banana trunks or
rubber strips can be used separated by cardboards

6.Micrometer/ Caliper

This is used in making measurements such as bullet diameter, bore diameter, barrel length and other
important details.

7.Analytical or Torsion Balance

Use for determining weights of bullets or shotgun pellets - for possible determination of type,
caliber and make of firearms from which fired.
8.Onoscope page 58

A small instrument that is sometimes used in examining the internal surface of the gun barrel
with a tiny lamp at the terminal portion and this inserted inside the bore for internal examination.

9.Taper Gauge

It is used primarily for determining the bore diameter of firearms.

10.Scanning Electron Microscope

A high-powered electron microscope used to identify left residues and primer residue. This is a
computer system combined with an electron microscope and laser spectrophotometry unit. Its power is
so great that with a mere speck of dust it could identify the elemental components of the particle under
examination.

11.Chronograph

It is used to measure the speed of the bullet. It was invented by Alfred Lee Loomis in 1918.
12. Bullet Puller

It is used to separate the bullet from the cartridge case.

13. Electric Gun Marker/ Stylus

Used in the laboratory for making fired bullets, fired shells and firearms submitted for
examination.

14. Filar Micrometer Eyepiece

A measuring microscope to read the width of the land and groove marks and to obtain the pitch
of the rifling in turns per inch.

15. Helixometer

It is used in measuring the pitch of rifling of firearms. This instrument is generally used in highly
advanced ballistics laboratory. With this instrument, it is possible to measure the angle of twist in rifled
pistol or revolver barrel. It is used in inserting the telescope and aligning it with the axis of the bore. The
scope is mounted in a rotatable bearing, with a graduated disc which permit reading circular
measurement to three minutes of an arc. This instrument was invented by John H. Fisher.
16. Computerized Comparison Microscope

It is similar to the bullet comparison microscope;

The only difference is the magnified image is seen in the monitor. It more convenient to use than a
manual one.

Basic parts

a. Monitor - screen through which the magnified image from the microscope may be viewed

b. Central Processing Unit – the brain of the computer where all programs and process are installed

c. Automatic Voltage Regulatory – regulates the supply of power to the system of the machine

d. Mouse – a palm operating device used to interact with the interface of the program.

e. Keyboard – a computer a peripheral used in encoding data to computer

f. Switch – used to turn on and off lights of the machine

g. Condenser – concentrates the light on the specimen

h. Camera – transfer the image of the microscope to the computer system

i. Magnification knob – adjust the size of the magnified image of the specimen as viewed in the monitor

j. Body – carries the lens and camera systems and permits them to be moved in relation to the specimen
for focusing

k. Stage – the platform where the specimen is placed for magnification

l. Focusing knob – makes focal adjustments based on the selected magnification

m. Centering knob – moves the stage so that the mounted specimen may be properly viewed in the
monitor
II. Materials

II. Materials

 Sample ballistics exhibits

 Micrometer

 Caliper

 Bullet recovery box

 Bullet puller

 Stereoscopic microscope

 Analytical balance

 Bullet comparison microscope

 Computerized ‘comparison microscope

(NOTE: Materials depends on the available equipment)

III. Methodology

1. Show all the laboratory apparatus and equipment used in firearms identification

2. Observe the demonstration of your instruction on how the equipment is used in firearms
identification

3. Observe the manipulation of each apparatus and equipment as demonstrated by your instructor.

4. Each group shall at least one laboratory equipment and manipulate how it is used in laboratory
examination of ballistic exhibits.

5. Record all your observations accordingly

FIREARMS

At the end of this chapter the students will be able to:

1. Understand the historical background or firearms

2. List the timeline in the development of firearms

3. Identify the general types of firearms according to barrel construction, caliber of projectile
propelled, mechanical construction, operation, function use and manner of fed

4. Comprehend the nomenclature of different firearms

History of firearms

The development of firearms followed the invention of gunpowder in Western Europe in the
13th century. Many stories have been told about the discovery of gunpowder, but most are legendary
and have little support facts. Its also often said that gunpowder was first invented by the Chinese and
that Arabs, with their advance knowledge of chemistry at that time, may have developed it
independently. One of the earliest recorded uses of the firearms in warfare was an attack in Seville, Spain
in 1247, history also showed that cannons were used by King Edward III of England in Crecy in 1346 and
by Mohammed II of Turkey in his famous conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The first firearms were
inefficient, large and heavy, making it difficult for common soldier to carry; and later the development of
small arms weapons was rampant. The direct ancestor of the firearms is the fire-lance, a gunpowder-
filled tube attached to the end of a spear and used as a flamethrower; shrapnel was sometimes placed in
the barrel so that it would fly out together with the flames. Around the late 1400s in Europe, smaller and
portable hand-held cannons were developed, creating in effect the first smooth – bore personal firearms
The firelock was developed in the 14th century as a simple smooth- bore tube of iron, closed at the
breech end except for an opening called a touchhole and set into a rounded piece of wood for holding
under the arms. The tube was loaded with shot and powder and then fired by inserting a heated wire
into the touchhole. In the 15th century, the matchlock was developed. A metal rod, often in the shape of
gently curved “S” held a match at one end and pivoted about the center. The opposite end from the
match projected below the gun barrel where the operator could push or pull on its to cause the match
the touchhole. Wheel lock was developed about 1515. It consisted of a spring-driven wheel which
released of the trigger brought a piece of iron pyrite into contact with a rotating steel wheel which
sparks that ignites the gunpowder Flintlock was the prevailing type of small arms weapon for the both
shoulder guns and handguns from the end of the 17th century to the middle of the 19th century, it
resembled the snaphaunce, except that the striker plate was L-shaped; the bottom limb of the L was
used as a cover for the priming pan, to protect the powder from moisture until the upper limb was
struck by the flint of hammer.
Timeline in the Development of Firearms
1313 – Gunpowder as a propellant. The age of gunpowder began with its first use as a propellant for a
projectile. Such use has been recorded as early as 1313
1350 – Small arms. Gunpowder was first used only in cannons. It was of the 14th century that portable
hand firearms were introduced. These guns were ignited by a hand-held hot wire or lighted match.
1498 – Rifling. The first reference to riffled barrels appeared. Although it’s important as an aid to
accuracy was recognized by some, it was a year after before riffling was generally used.
1575 – Cartridge. Paper cartridge combining both powder and ball were developed. This greatly speeded
loading and reduced the hazards of carrying loose powder.
1807 – Percussion System. The discovery of Forsyth in 1807 that certain compounds detonated by blast
would be used to ignite the charged in firearm, for the basis for all later percussion and cartridge to
come into general use.
1845 - Rimfire Cartridge. The France, Flobert developed a “bullet breech cap” which was in reality the
first rimfire cartridge.
1858 - Center Fire Cartridge. The morse cartridge o f1858 marked the beg=inning of the rapid
development of the center fire cartridge.
1884 - Automatic machine-gun. Hiram maxim built the first fully automatic gun, utilizing the recoil of the
piece of load and fire the next charge.
1885 – Smokeless powder. In France, Vielle developed the first satisfactory smokeless powder, a new
propellant which not only lacked the smoke characteristic of black powder, but also more powerful.

Men Behind Firearm

Roger Bacon – an English monk and scientist who was credited for the invention of gunpowder
in 1248.
Berthold Schwartz – credited for the application of gunpowder for the propelling of a missile in
the early 1300s
Oliver F. Winchester – one of the earliest rifles and pistol makers.
John C. Garand – designed and invented the semi-automatic US rifle, caliber.30.
Henry Derringer – gave his name to the whole class of firearms (pistols and rifles)
Samuel Colt – was the founder of Colt’s Manufacturing Company and is widely credited with
popularizing the revolver.
James Wolfe Ripley – simulated the development of the model 1855 rifle-musket. John
Mahlon Marlin – founder of Marlin Firearms Company.
Eliphalet Remington – one of the first rifle marks.
Elisha King Root – designed the machinery for making Colt Firearms.
Alexander John Forsyth – father of the percussion ignition.
David “Carbine” Williams – maker of the first known carbine
John M. Browning – “wizard” of modern firearms and pioneered the breech loading single
shot rifle. He was an American Firearm designer who developed many varieties of firearms,
cartridge, and gun mechanisms and develop the auto loading pistol by inventing the slide
design found on nearly every modern automatic handgun.
Daniel B. Wesson – an associate or partner of Smith in revolver making.
Horace Smith¬ – founded the great firm Smith and Wesson and pioneered the making of the
breech-loading firearms.
Monsieur Le Faucheux (1836) – developed the pin-fire cartridge.
Louis Nicolas Auguste Flobert (1645) – developed the rim-fire cartridge and bullet breech cap.
Paul Vieille (1885) – developed the first satisfactory smokeless powder.
Hiram Maxim (1885) – developed the first fully automatic gun and the silencer.
Richard J. Gatling – patented his design of the “Gatling Gun”, a six-barreled weapon capable of
firing a (then) phenomenal 200 rounds per minute.
Oscar Mossberge – maker of high-quality caliber .22 rifle, sporting rifle and pump action
shotgun.
Fedor Tokarev – designed the service pistol for Soviet forces.
Carl Walter – developed a reliable small caliber automatic pistol in (1866).
George Luger – designed the 9mm parabellum and cartridge.
Eugene Stoner – designed the M16 assault rifle.
Joseph Laumann – inverted the first automatic handgun.
John Dreyse (1841) – inverted a breech-loading infantry rifle, the so-called needle gun because
of its long sharp firing pin.
Maj. Cavalli of Sardina (1845) – developed a serviceable breech loading artillery rifle.
Paul Withelm Mauser (1871) – produced parts of the rifle which had been adopted by the
German government.
Sergei Mossin (1891) – designed the Russian service rifle.
Kijiro Nambu (1904) – an army gun designer whose design was first produced by the Kayoba
factory
Charles Dorchester & George Sullivan (1950) – formed the Armalite business.
Major Uziel Gal – an Israeli army who designed UZI (Israel) in the year 1950.
George Hyde – a well-known expert in the field of SMG, (also known as grease gun) developed
in 1941. M3A1 (USA).
Mikhail Kalashnikov – designed the AK (automatic Kalashnikova) 47 (Soviet Union) adopted by
the Russian Army in the year 1951.
L. C. Smith ¬– developed shotgun bearing his name now the Ithaca gun Company.
Definition of Firearms
Legal Definition
Found in Section 877 of Revised Administrative Code and Section 290 of National Internal
Revenue Code
firearm or arm includes rifles, muskets, carbines, shotgun, pistols, revolvers, and all other
deadly weapons from which bullets, balls, shots, shells or other missiles maybe discharge by
mean of other missiles or other explosives. This term also includes air rifles except such as
being small caliber and of the limited range used as toys. The barrel of a firearm shall be
considered a complete firearm for all proposes hereof.
B. As found in Republic Act 10591
-It refers to a small arm or light weapon, that expels or is designed to expel a bullet, shot, slug,
missile or any projectile which is discharged by means of the expansive force of gases from
burning gunpowder or other form of combustion or any similar instrument or implement. For
purposes of the law, the barrel, frame or receiver is considered a firearm.
2. Technical Definition
- It is an instrument used for the propulsion of projectiles by means of the expansive force of
gases from burning gunpowder. (FBI Manual)
It is any weapon, by whatever name is known, which is designed to expel a projectile / s by the
action of explosive. (Federal Firearm Act)
General Types of Firearms
1. According to Barrel Construction
Smooth-bore firearms – have no rifling's (lands and grooves) inside the gun barrel.
Rifled-bore firearms – firearms that have rifling's (lands and grooves) inside their gun barrel.
2. According to the Caliber of Projectile Propelled
Artillery – can propel projectiles more than one inch in diameter. E.g. cannons, mortar,
bazookas.
Small arms – can propel projectiles less than one inch in diameter. E.g. machine gun, shoulder
arms and hand arms.
3. According to Mechanical Construction
Single shot firearms – fire only one shot every loading which has to be reloaded for each shot.
The breech needs to be opened to remove the empty cartridge case and to insert a new one
for the next firing.
Repeating Arms – It fires several shots in one loading. It is divided into two types, namely;
i. Automatic – are those firearms in which the mechanism is so arranged that it will reload a
fresh cartridge case after firing. Automatic firearms are divided into:
- Full automatic – are those firearms in which fire continuously as long as the trigger is pulled.
Semi-automatic –firearms where one pull of the trigger would produce one round explosion
and the trigger must be released first before one can fire another round.
ii. Hand operated – are those firearms that can be operated manually.
c. Bolt action type – these firearms are provided with a box magazine under the bolt, but some
of theme have a tubular magazine. The breech block is shaped like an ordinary door bolt with
a handle sticking out to one side of the firearms. When the bolt is locked to the breech of the
barrel and when it is turned up, it unlocked the bolt and then drawn to the rear, extracting the
fired cartridge case and finally bringing it against the ejector which throws it out of the gun.
Reloading is done by manipulation of the bolt.
d. Automatic loading type – after the first shot is fired, automatic loading or chamber takes
place as long as the trigger of the gun is squeezed by the shooter.
e. Slide action type (trombone) – loading takes place by back-and forth manipulation of the
under the forearm of the gun. Under the barrel there is a tubular magazine for the extra
cartridge.
f. Level type (break type) – the trigger guard of this firearms is hinged at the front end, which is
connected with a breech mechanism. After firing, the finger level is moved downward so as to
cause the trigger guard to pivot on its hinge, and its forward extension is to move back.
Loading and level action of the firearms.
4. According to Operation
I. Manually Operated – the cycle of operation is accomplished. Ex. Springfield
II. Gas Operated – firearms that have gas cylinder and piston. They use to trap gas to push the
bolt assembly backward to achieve a complete cycle of operation. Ex. M16, M14
III. Recoil Operated – the barrel and bolt move rearward with the momentum generated as the
result of an opposite reaction from the forward movement of a bullet mass moving down the
bore at a high velocity. It is divided into:
i. Short Recoil – the breechblock remains locked to the barrel only while the pressure is high.
E.g., Semi auto Pistols
ii. Long Recoil – the bolt and barrel recoil at a greater distance that the length of the unfired
cartridge. Ex., Shotguns
d. Blow back Operated – characterized by a heavy bolt. It has no locking or unlocking
mechanism, inertia or bolt and recoil spring holds the breech closed. It categorized as:
i. Delayed Blowback – the breechblock is not locked, but some mechanical delay is
incorporated to ensure that the breechblock cannot back with sufficient rapidly. E.g., SMG
ii. Simple Blowback – allows a totally unlocked breech and relies simply on the mass of the
blowback and the strength of the return spring to prevent the cartridge case from coming back
during peak pressure. E.g., Sniping Rifle
5.According to Function
Manually Operated – the cycle of operation is accomplished. Ex. Springfield
Gas Operated – firearms that have gas cylinder and piston. They use to trap gas to push the
bolt assembly backward to achieve a complete cycle of operation. Ex. M16, M14
Recoil Operated – the barrel and bolt move rearward with the momentum generated as the
result of an opposite reaction from the forward movement of a bullet mass moving down the
bore at a high velocity. It is divided into:
Short Recoil – the breechblock remains locked to the barrel only while the pressure is high.
E.g., Semi auto Pistols
Long Recoil – the bolt and barrel recoil at a greater distance that the length of the unfired
cartridge. Ex., Shotguns
6. According to Use
a. Hand weapon – designed to be fired by at least one hand. Ex. Pistol
b. Shoulder Weapon ¬– designed to fire from the shoulder. Ex. Rifle
c. Crew-Serve Weapon – designed to be operated by two or more persons. Ex. Mortar
7. According to the Manner of Fed
a. Muzzle Fed – ammunition is fed through the muzzle. Ex. Mortar
b. Clip Fed – ammunition is loaded with the used of a clip that holds several rounds of
communication Ex. M1 Garand
c. Magazine Fed – weapons that have magazine housing well where the magazine is inserted.
Ex. M16 & M14
8. Unusual or Miscellaneous Type
Those are types of firearms that are unique in mechanism and construction.
Specific Types of firearms
1. Machine Gun
It is any weapon which shoots or is designed to shoot, automatically or semi-automatically,
more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single pull of the trigger. It is the principal
source of fire power, not only for ground troops but for aircrafts as well.
2. Rifle
It means any weapon designed or intended to be operated from the shoulder and uses the
energy of the explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a
rifled bore for every single pull of the trigger. This is designed for targets as a longer distance.
3. Musket
It is an ancient smooth-bore and muzzle loading military shoulder arm designed to fire a single
round lead ball. It usually has a long foreshock and is arranged to hold a bayonet at the muzzle
end. This is a smooth-bore without choked and commonly fire a single round lead ball.
5. Shotguns
A smooth-bore and breech loading shoulder arm designed to fire a number of pellets or shots
in one charge. The smaller the number of the gauge of a shotgun, the bigger the diameter of
its barrel. Some shotguns are designed with a double barrel. There are tree general types of
shotguns according to the bore diameter of the barrel, namely; cylinder bore, ckoke bore and
paradox shotgun.
6. Revolver
A hand arm equipped with a rotating cylinder, serving as the magazine, successively places a
cartridge into position for firing. Common revolvers carry five to eight rounds of ammunition
in a cylinder and some of them are single action and double action. There are four
classifications of a revolver, namely; single action, double action, swing out the cylinder and
top break frame.
 7. Pistol
A Short barrel hand arm designed to fire a single projectile though a rifled-bore for every press
of the trigger. This type of weapon is designed to combine optimum penetration with stopping
power and improved accuracy.
8. Mortal
It is a smooth bore, muzzle loading, high angle of fire weapon. The barrel is assembled into a
single unit.
Categories of Firearms (RA 10591)
1. Small Arms – it refers to firearms intended to be or primarily designed for individual use or
that which is generally considered to mean a weapon intended to be fired from the hand or
shoulder, which are not capable of fully automatic bursts of discharge, such as:
a. Handgun which is a firearm intended to be fired from the hand, which includes:
A pistol which is a hand-operated firearm having a chamber integral with or permanently aligned
with the bore which may be self-loading; and
Revolver which is a hand-operated firearm with a revolving cylinder containing chambers for
individual cartridges.
b. Rifle which is a shoulder firearm or designed to be fired from the shoulder that can discharge
a bullet though a rifled barrel by different actions of loading, which may be classified as lever,
bolt, or self-loading; and
c. Shotgun which is a weapon designed, made and intended to fire a number of ball shots or a
single projectile though a smooth bore by the action or energy from burning gunpowder.

2. Class-A Light weapon which refer to self-loading pistol, rifle and carbines, submachine guns,
assault rifles and light machine guns not exceeding caliber 7.62MM which have fully automatic
mode.
3. Class-B Light weapon which refer to weapons designed for use by two (2) or more persons
serving as a crew, or rifles and machine guns exceeding caliber 7.62MM such as heavy machine
guns, handheld under barrel and mounted grenade launchers, portable anti-aircraft guns,
portable anti-tank guns, recoilless rifles, portable launchers of anti-tank missile and rocker
systems, portable launchers of anti-aircraft missile systems, and mortars of a caliber of less than
100MM
Main Parts of Firearms
1. Barrel Assembly – these include parts of firearm that affect the path of the bullet.
2. Cylinder Assembly / Slide Assembly / Magazine assembly – these include the chamber of a firearms
where the cartridge is located ready for firing.
3. Frame / Receiver / Stock Group – this part of the firearm is the house of internal parts and the
mechanism of firearms.
Parts of Firearms as Defined in RA 10591
1. Major Parts or components of a Firearm – refers to the barrel, slide frame, receiver, cylinder or the
bolt assembly. The term also includes any part or kit designed and intended for use in converting a semi-
automatic burst to a fully automatic firearm;
2. Minor Parts of a Firearm – refer to parts of a firearms other than the major parts which are necessary
to effect and complete the action of expelling a projectile by way of combustion, expect those classified
as accessories;
3. Accessories – refers to a firearm which may enhance or increase the operational efficiency or accuracy
of a firearm but will not constitute any of the major or minor internal parts there of such as, but not
limited to, laser scope, telescopic sight and sound suppressor or silencer;

Operational Definition of each Part

1. Hammer – its function is to strike the firing pin in a firearm, which in turn detonates the impact-
sensitive cartridge primer.
2. Cylinder – is the round junk of metal with holes in it (chambers) which holds the cartridges in a circular
pattern. Each time the hammer is chocked back the cylinder rotates the next cartridge into a position to
be fired. The cylinder release latch found on the side of the revolver’s frame releases the cylinder,
allowing the cylinder to swing out for loading and unloading. The ejector rod can be found on most
modern revolvers. Revolvers do not have external safeties; they do have internal safeties; they do have
internal safeties which reduce the possibility of an accidental discharge should the handgun fall to the
ground.
3. Front sight – is located on the end the barrel which uses in aiming a target.
4. Thumb latch – a button used to release the cylinder of a revolver.
5. Barrel – is a metal tube though which the bullet passes on its way to the target.
6. Frame – is the component to which all other parts are attached. Internal and external safety is a
mechanical device designed to reduce the possibility of accidental discharge.
7. Trigger guard – is located on the underside of the frame and is designed to protect the trigger from
accidental discharging the firearm.
8. Trigger – is located on the underside of the frame and the hammer is on the rear of the frame. When
the trigger is pulled it activates the hammer, the hammer strikes the firing pin which strike the cartridge
and fires the handgun.
9. Grip panels – are attached to the lower portion of the frame. The grip panels are usually wood, rubber,
molded plastic or animal bone and attached with screws.
10. Muzzle – is the front end of the barrels where the bullet exits

PISTOL

Operational Definition of each Part

1. Frame – is the component to which all other parts are attached. Internal and external safety is a
mechanical device designed to reduce the possibility of accidental discharge.
2. Hammer – its function is to strike the firing pin in a firearm, which in turn detonates the impact
sensitive cartridge primer.
3. Barrel – is the same as the revolver; the front end where the bullet exits are the muzzle and the rear
of the barrel. The location of the single chamber which will contain the cartridge at the instant of firing.
4. Slide – is the big chuck of metal on top of the frame which holds the barrel and many of the action
parts. The first cartridge must be manually inserted into the chamber by puling back the slide and
allowing it to sling shot forward with full force. As the slide sling shorts forward, it snatches a cartridge
off the top of the magazine and shoves into the chamber.
5. Ejection port – it allows the spent brass cartridge to exit the upper receiver after firing.
6. Muzzle – is the front end of the barrels where the bullet exits.
7. Mainspring cap – a button that locks the spring of the stabilizer bushing lock of the slide.
8. Grip safety – it is located on the back of the grip; this safety button is depressed by your hand while
gripping the firearm. If not depressed the grip safety blocks the trigger from being pulled.
9. Trigger – is located on the underside of the frame and the hammer is on the rear of the frame. When
the trigger is pulled it activates the hammer, the hammer strikes the firing pin which strikes the cartridge
and fires the handgun.
10. Trigger guard – is located on the underside of the frame and is designed to protect the trigger from
possible unintentional discharging.
11. Magazine – is the storage device that holds the cartridges ready for insertion into the chamber.
12. Front sight – is the front part used to assist aiming the eye and the muzzle at a target.
13. Rear sight – is the back part used to assist aiming the eye and the muzzle at a target
14. Slide lock/stop – is designed to hold the slide open to the rear when it is empty.
15. Magazine release – is a mechanical device that releases the magazine from the firearm.
16. Thumb safety – this safety usually located on the slide can block the hammer from striking the firing
pin will sometimes de-cock the pistol’s hammer, and can disengage the trigger mechanism.
17. Grip panels – are general made of made of plastic, rubber, wood or other man-made exotic materials
and are located on the lower portion of the frame. Many new pistols frames are now made of polymer
and the grip panels are an integral part of the frame (one piece as in the Glock handguns).

Operational Definition of each Part

1. Heel – the upper portion of the recoil pad where the comb begins.
2. Comb / cheek piece ¬– is a raised area on the stock against which the shooter’s face can rest
3. Safety switch – it is button safety located in the top rear of the shotgun.
4. Receiver – is the component to which al other parts are attached. Internal and external safety is a
mechanical device designed to reduce the possibility of accidental discharge.
5. Bolt – is a mechanical part of a firearm that blocks the rear of the chamber while the propellant burns.
6. Double action bars – this bar guides the forearm to the chamber and firing pin of the gun.
7. Barrel – it is similar to other firearms where the bullet exits are the muzzle and the rear of the barrel is
the location of the single chamber which will contain the cartridge at the instant of firing.
8. Front sight – is the front part used to assist aiming the eye and the muzzle at a target.
9. Muzzle – is the front end of the barrel where the bullet exits.
10. Toe – the lower portion of the recoil pad and butt plate.
11. Sling swivel stud – it is a metal loop fastened to the fore end of the stock though which the sling
passes.
12. Butt plate – a protective plate on the butt end of a gunstock, usually of metal.
13. Trigger guard – is located on the underside of the frame and is designed to protect the trigger from
accidental discharging the firearm.
14. Trigger – is located on the underside of the frame and the hammer is on the rear of the frame. When
the trigger is pulled it activates the hammer, the hammer strikes the firing pin which strikes the cartridge
and fires the firearm.
15. Release for action bar lock – this external safety is operated by lateral force on a button usually
located on the trigger guard of a firearm. When engaged this safe prevents the trigger of the firearm
from being pulled.
16. Muzzle loading port – it is the hole in the lower part of the firearm where the shot shells were
inserted in the magazine.
17. Magazine – is the storage device that holds the cartridges ready for insertion into the chamber.
18. Fore-end – is the part of a gun stock under the barrel forwards of the trigger.
19. Magazine cap – it is the cover of the front part of the magazine tube of the shotgun.

Operation Definition of each Part

1. Rear sight drum – is the back part used to assist aiming the eye and the muzzle at a target
2. Charging Handle / coking handle – is a device on a firearm which when operated, result in the
hammer or striker being cocked or moved to the ready position. It allows the operator to pull the bolt to
the rear, facilitates ejecting a spent shell casing or unfired cartridge from the chamber, loading a round
from the magazine or by hand through the chamber, clearing a stoppage such as a jam, double feed,
stovepipe or misfire, verification that the weapon’s chamber is clear of any rounds or other obstructions,
and moving the bolt in to battery, acting as a forward assist. Releasing a bolt locked to the rear, such as
would be the case after firing the last round on a firearm equipped with a last-round-hold-open feature.
3. Carrying handle – this part of the firearm is located in the upper part of the frame and used in
transporting and carrying.
4. Ejection port – it allows the spent brass cartridge to exit the upper receiver after firing.
5. Slip ring – it connects the receiver of a rifle to the barrel assembly.
6. Handguard – is a guard attached to the front of a firearm to grip the weapon from the front. It allows
the user protection from the barrel, which may become very hot when firing. It also gives room for more
attachment to the weapon itself.
7. Front sight assembly – is the front part used to assist aiming the eye and the muzzle at a target.
8. Sling – it is a strap used to steady a rifle in some shooting positions
9. Barrel – it is similar to other firearms where the bullet exits are muzzle and rear of the barrel is the
location of the single chamber which will contain the cartridge at the instant of firing.
10. Flash suppressor – is a device attached to the muzzle of a rifle or other gun that reduces the visible
signature of the burning gasses that exit the muzzle. This is useful from a tactical standpoint because it
reduces the chance that the shooter’s position will be given away and reduces the chances that he will
be blinded in dark conditions.
11. Rubber recoil pad – is a piece of rubber, foam, leather or other soft material usually attached to the
buttstock of a rifle. Recoil pads may also be worn around the shoulder with straps, placing the soft
material between the buttstock and shoulder of the person firing the rifle.
12. Rear sling swivel – it is a rear metal loop fastened to the fore end of the stock through which the
sling passes.
13. Trigger – is located on the underside of the frame and the hammer is on the rear of the frame. When
the trigger is pulled it activates the hammer, the hammer strikes the firing pin which strikes the cartridge
and the firearm.
14. Pistol grip – are attached to the lower portion of the frame. The grip panels are usually wood,
rubber, molded plastic or animal bone and attached within screws.
15. Trigger guard – is located on the underside of the frame and is designed to protect the trigger from
possible unintentional discharging.
16. Magazine – is the storage device that holds the cartridge ready for insertion into the chamber.
17. Magazine release button – is a mechanical device that releases the magazine from the firearm.
18. Dust cover – seals the ejection port from allowing contaminants such as sand, dirt, or other debris
from entering the mechanism.
19. Under sling swivel – it is a lower metal loop fastened to the fore end of the stock through which
the sling passes.
20. Bayonet stud – it serves as the connector of bayonet below the muzzle of the firearm.
21. Butt – it is the shoulder end of rifle or shotgun stock.

Condition of firearms
1. Condition 1 – (Pistol) full magazine cartridge in the chamber, hammer cocked, safety on, also known
as “cocked and locked”
2. Condition 2 – (Pistol) cartridge in the chamber, hammer down, safety off.
3. Condition 3 – (Pistol) full magazine, chamber empty.
4. Condition 4 – (Pistol) full magazine, separate from gun, chamber empty.
5. Cruiser Ready – (Shotgun) full magazine, chamber empty, hammer down and safety off.