Test Firing
Steps in casting a barrel
Courtesy of Armor Forensics
Laboratory policies and procedures should be followed for test firing. If there are any concerns about the safety of the firearm, a remote firing system should be used.
The following is a general description of the process to be performed and documented for function and bullet recovery test firing:
Steps in casting a barrel
Courtesy of Armor Forensics
- Function.
- Load firearm with one cartridge.
- Announce intention to fire.
- Discharge firearm.
- Bullet recovery.
- Properly mark cartridge case and bullets.
- Determine appropriate recovery medium (water, cotton, etc.).
- Load firearm with one marked cartridge.
- Place the firearm into the recovery system firing opening.
- Announce intention to fire.
- Discharge the firearm.
- Repeat steps c – f until number of test fires required (by laboratory policy) is complete.
- Recover bullets and cartridge cases.
- Additional Testing.
- Full automatic firing.
- Single-action.
- Double-action operation.
Note: |
When testing for firearm function of semiautomatic pistols and full automatic firearms, more than one cartridge should be used. Laboratory protocol should be followed for this functionality testing.
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Special Considerations |
Revolvers |
In double-action revolvers with the capability of operating in single- or double-action mode, test fires should be obtained using both modes; markings may vary depending on the mode of discharge. |
Multi-barreled firearms |
In multibarrel firearms, each barrel must be test fired; marked bullets/cartridges must be readily identifiable back to the barrel and breech that discharged them. |
Rifles |
High-powered rifles can present difficulties in the recovery of fired bullets due to potential bullet fragmentation. Refer to laboratory policy for the correct methodology. |
Firearms unsafe to discharge |
Using casting material, cast the barrel or the breech face firing area to provide microscopic detail for examination and comparison.
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Click here to read more on casting in Module 11.
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