Forensic Firearm Examination

Forensic Firearm Examination provides the reader with a thorough understanding of theory, application, and process of firearm comparison. It is essential in the field of forensic firearm examination to not only understand the marks that examiners are observing, but more importantly learn where these marks come from during the manufacturing process. This book explores the various machining techniques utilized in the manufacturing process and the resulting marks left by those tools. This information will equip the examiner with the knowledge to answer questions posed by the legal system regarding the uniqueness or potential similarity of marks on firearms imparted to fired bullets and cartridge cases.

Intended primarily for firearm and tool mark examiners, this valuable resource serves as a primary requirement for the training of firearm and tool mark examiners. Other forensic science disciplines who rely on pattern matching as a primary determining factor whether or not two objects may share a common source would also find utility in this work. Finally, it will be a valuable resource for attorneys who are seeking to understand better the scientific aspects of firearm identification.

Written by a foremost expert in the field, Forensic Firearm Examination explores specific firearm manufacturing techniques and the resulting marks, which has not been covered in any book publication. Chris Monturo has over 23 years of experience as forensic firearm and tool mark examiner. Additionally, he is a distinguished member of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), a past member of the Scientific Working Group for Firearm and Tool Marks (SWGGUN), past member of the Organization of Scientific Area Subcommittees (OSAC) for firearm and tool marks and has instructed courses in machining for the firearm examiner in the United States and Internationally.

• Provides reader with a thorough understanding of theory, application, and process of firearm identification
• Topics include the manufacturing process of all components that interact with the bullet or case during firing, the nature of manufacturing and potential pitfalls, such as subclass

Forensic Firearm Examiners, Forensic/Crime Laboratories, Crime Scene Investigators, and Law Enforcement. Attorneys and Judges as well as Students and Instructors studying or teaching forensic firearm identification

1. History of forensic firearm examination
2. Firearm nomenclature
3. Ammunition
4. Fundamentals of forensic firearm examination
5. Firearm manufacturing techniques
6. Barrel manufacturing and rifling
7. Equipment used for forensic firearm examination
8. Comparison of cartridge cases
9. Comparison of bullets
10. Documentation, notes, and reports
11. The expert witness
12. Subclass characteristics
13. Pitfalls and challenging comparisons
14. Legal challenges to the science of forensic firearm examination
15. Emerging technology in comparisons