- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Firearms Identification Information
Home > Examination of Firearms > Firearms Identification Information
Beretta 8040 Cougar D with 40 S&W
ammunition designation on barrel
Modern commercial firearms produced in or imported to the United States are required to have their basic identification information readily available on the firearm. Prior to 1968, serial numbers were not required on long guns.
Firearm identification information includes the following:
- Brand name or trademark
- Serial number
- Model designation
- Caliber designation
- Importer, if applicable
High Standard Dura-Matic 101 series sold as
the Sears Roebuck & Co. J.C. Higgins model 80
Confusion may occur when the caliber designation contains the name of a firearm manufacturer such as 38 Smith & Wesson or 223 Remington. For example, a first responder (or anyone not familiar with firearms identification) may mistakenly identify a firearm manufactured by Rohm as a Smith & Wesson because the barrel of the gun bears the mark 38 S&W, which is actually the designation for the recommended type of ammunition. The firearm examiner must be aware of the potential for confusion and verify the information contained in the submission documents.
A number of firearms may be manufactured by one company and bear the name of the company that sold the firearm in their retail outlets, such as Western Auto, Sears, and Belknap. Many of these types of firearms do not have serial numbers, but do contain part numbers or store identification numbers. These are not serial numbers and should not be used as such. The examiner should not only list the brand name found on the firearm but should also determine the actual manufacturer of the firearm. Numerous lists and charts are available that contain this information.
Click here to view a list of firearms identification information at www.gunpartscorp.com.
Click here to read more about Small Arms Ammunition in Module 5.
