- 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
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Powders and Residues
- Examination
- Distance Determination
- Significance of Results
- Contact Shot
- Nitrite Residues
- Vaporous Lead Residues
- Residues Consistent with the Passage of a Bullet
- Residues Consistent with the Discharge of a Firearm
- Interpretation Challenges
- Reproduction of Results
- Nitrite Residue Patterns
- Shot Patterning
- Chemical Testing
- Shot Pattern Reproduction
- Selected Bibliography
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Residues Consistent with the Discharge of a Firearm
Home > Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination > Distance Determination > Residues Consistent with the Discharge of a Firearm
Pistol firing showing residue from
muzzle and ejection port
In many instances, the discharge of a firearm will result in the deposit of particulate lead around a bullet hole. This deposit may be in the form of tiny solidified droplets resulting from the surface erosion of a bullet during its passage through the barrel, ejecta from a dirty barrel, or lead shavings from the surface of a bullet.
Such residues may be visible and are chemically detectable. However, these residues are not reproducible and therefore are not useful for a distance determination. On the other hand, they are consistent with the discharge of a firearm.
