Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics Examining and Interpreting Forensic Evidence

by Heard, Brian J.

• ISBN13: 9780470694602
• ISBN10: 0470694602
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-12-08
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

The updated second edition of Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics includes recent developed analytical techniques and methodologies with a more comprehensive glossary, additional material, and new case studies. With a new chapter on the determination of bullet caliber via x-ray photography, this edition includes revised material on muzzle attachments, proof marks, non-toxic bullets, and gunshot residues. Essential reading for forensic scientists, firearms examiners, defense and prosecution practitioners, the judiciary, and police force, this book is also a helpful reference guide for undergraduate and graduate forensic science students.

Author Biography

Brian Heard began his career as an examiner in firearms and ballistics with the Metropolitan Police Forensics Firearms Laboratory at New Scotland Yard, London, UK. He rose to the level of Deputy Head of the Laboratory before joining the Royal Hong Kong Police as a ballistics officer. He is currently the officer in charge of the Ballistics and Firearms Identification Bureau for the Royal Hong Kong Police. He appears regularly in court as an expert witness in cases involving firearms, ammunition, tools and toolmarks, and has undertaken the research, development and implementation of improved techniques for the collection, examination and interpretation of gunshot residue particles via a scanning electron microscope. He also lectures to police training establishments and related organisations on all aspects of forensic ballistics, forensic firearms and toolmark examinations, gunshot residue analysis and the use of these techniques in criminal investigations.

Table of Contents

Developments in Forensic Science	p. ix
Acknowledgements	p. xi
Foreword	p. xiii
Firearms	p. 1
A Brief History of Firearms	p. 1
Weapon Types and Their Operation	p. 19
Proof Marks	p. 32
Further Reading	p. 42
Ammunition	p. 43
A Brief History of Ammunition	p. 43
Ammunition Components	p. 48
Non-toxic Shot	p. 77
A Brief History of Propellants	p. 80
Priming Compounds and Primers	p. 86
Headstamp Markings on Ammunition	p. 94
Reference	p. 99
Ballistics	p. 101
Internal, External and Terminal Ballistics	p. 101
Internal Ballistics	p. 102
External Ballistics	p. 109
Terminal Ballistics	p. 124
References	p. 143
Forensic Firearms Examination	p. 145
A Brief History of Forensic Firearms Identification	p. 145
Rifling Types and Their Identification	p. 154
Fluted, Annular Ringed, Helical, Perforated and Oversized Chambers	p. 166
Basic Concepts of Striation Matching	p. 170
Basic Methodology Used in Comparison Microscopy	p. 182
Mathematical Proof of Striation Matches	p. 186
Accidental Discharge	p. 191
Identification of Calibre from the Bullet Entry Hole	p. 197
Ricochet Analysis	p. 200
Bullet Penetration and Trajectory through Glass	p. 204
References	p. 208
Range of Firing Estimations and Bullet Hole Examinations	p. 211
Introduction	p. 211
The Use of X-ray Photography	p. 212
Range of Firing Estimations for Pistols and Rifles	p. 219
Chemical Tests for Range of Firing Estimations and Bullet Entry/Exit Hole Identification	p. 227
Range of Firing Estimations for Shotguns	p. 233
References	p. 239
Gunshot Residue Examination	p. 241
Introduction	p. 241
Formation of Discharge Residue	p. 241
Distribution of GSR Particles	p. 242
Identification of GSR Particles	p. 243
The Use of the SEM for GSR Detection	p. 247
Sample Collection	p. 248
GSR Retention	p. 251
Conservation of GSR Particles on the Hands	p. 251
GSR Distribution on the Hands	p. 252
Identification of Type of Ammunition, Country of Origin from GSR Analysis	p. 255
Environmental Contaminants	p. 256
Sources of Elements Commonly Found in Lead-Based GSRs	p. 257
Extending the Recovery Period for GSR	p. 259
References	p. 268
Gun-Handling Tests	p. 271
Introduction	p. 271
Methodology for Ferrozine Use	p. 274
Case Notes	p. 275
References	p. 276
Restoration of Erased Numbers	p. 277
Introduction	p. 277
Methods Used for Removal of Serial Numbers	p. 277
Theory behind Number Restoration	p. 278
Non-recoverable Methods of Number Removal	p. 279
Practice of Number Restoration	p. 280
Chemical Methods of Restoration	p. 280
Reagents Used for Various Metals	p. 281
Electrolytic Methods of Restoration	p. 283
Reagents Used	p. 283
Ultrasonic Cavitation for Restoration	p. 284
Magnetic Particle Method for Restoration	p. 284
Other Methods of Restoration	p. 285
Laser-Etched Serial Numbers and Bar Codes and Their Restoration	p. 286
References	p. 288
Qualifying the Expert and Cross-Examination Questions	p. 291
Introduction	p. 291
General Background Questions	p. 293
Comparison Microscopy	p. 294
GSRs	p. 297
Ferrozine Test	p. 300
Standard of Review: 'Daubert Trilogy'	p. 300
References	p. 302
Classification of Firearm-Related Death	p. 305
Multiple-Shot Suicides	p. 307
References	p. 309
Glossary	p. 311
Important dates in the History of Firearms from 1247	p. 333
GSR results for Chinese and USSR ammunition	p. 341
Primer content of some cartridge-operated nail guns	p. 345
Commercial and General Abbreviations for Bullet Configurations	p. 347
Trade Names	p. 353
Gun Marks	p. 373
Powder Burn Rate	p. 377
Hearing Loss	p. 381
General Firearms Values Conversion Table	p. 389
Index	p. 393
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