- 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 Comparisons
Home > Toolmark Identification > Toolmark Examination > Microscopic Comparisons
When conducting microscopic comparisons, considerations include these:
- Ensure that stereo- and comparison microscopes meet all maintenance and calibration standards.
- For the comparison microscope, select an appropriate level of magnification for both objective lenses. This setting will frequently be 1x or 2x. Ensure that the objective lenses are locked in place.
- Select the appropriate level of magnification for both ocular lenses. This will typically be 10x. If used with the objective lenses set at 1x or 2x, this will produce a total magnification of 10x or 20x, respectively. Many examiners prefer the lower end of this range.
- Select the same type and orientation of light source for each comparison microscope stage.
