- 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
Microscopic Marks
Home > Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles > Microscopic Marks
The greatest potential for obtaining forensic information from fired bullets is found within the land and groove impressions in the form of microscopic striations.
The information obtained from these striations goes beyond class characteristics (GRC) and is
- unique to a particular firearm,
- reproducible shot after shot,
- identifiable with a specific firearm.
If microscopic marks are present, they must be evaluated for their potential; this information should be noted in the worksheet and related report.
There are three possibilities resulting from the evaluation of microscopic marks on fired bullets:
- Microscopic marks are present and sufficient for comparison purposes.
- Microscopic marks are present, but insufficient for comparison purposes.
- Microscopic marks are not present, precluding an identification.
