CML 6 D.

Terminal Ballistics
E. Forensic Ballistics
FORENSIC BALLISTICS

Internal/Interior Ballistics- is that branch of

BASIC TERMINOLOGIES
ballistics which treats of the motion of projectile
BALLISTICS - is defined as the science of motion of while still inside the firearm (chamber/barrel)
projectiles. which extends from the breech to the muzzle.
Technically: It refers to the “science of firearms
identification which involves the scientific examination of How the Cartridge Works
ballistics exhibits such as: fired bullets; fired shells;
1. A blow from the firing pinto the primer is the tendency
firearms; and other allied matters, use in perpetrating
for the priming mixture is to be crushed against the anvil
the crime.
causing its ignition which refers to percussion.
Legally: it is the microscopic examination of fired
2. Subsequently, the produced flame travels and
cartridge cases and bullets together with the
passes to vent or flash hole as the canal that
recording and presentation of by means of
connects the priming mixture and gunpowder
photography of what is revealed by the
causing the rapid and confined burning of the
microscope.
gunpowder known as deflagration at about
0.0000001 seconds.
PROJECTILE – refers to metallic or non-metallic objects
3. When the powder begins to burn the pressure inside
propelled from a firearm.
the cartridge rises rapidly thus, producing the
expansive force and pressure to push the bullet to
MOTION – refers to movement or mobility of any object. disengage from being crimped at the mouth of the
a) Direct- forward movement of the projectile inside cartridge case for its propulsion from the barrel down
the gun barrel resulting from the expanding forces the target of various motions.
of gasses produced after combustion of the gun 4. Almost at once the bullet is pushed from the case
powder. mouth, at first the side of the bullet is forced outside to
b) Rotary- the gyrating action (rotating/spinning), either make firm contact with the bore. Likewise, with the shell,
right or left, of the projectile while passing through a gun it expanded as the pressure generated within to thwart
barrel. the gas to leak rearward so that it would be
c) Translational- the straight line movement where 5. confined within the chamber of the firearm. Thus,
every part of the projectile follows as parallel path sealing of the barrel due to case expansion and bullet
and no rotation takes place such as bouncing of a action is known as obturation. 5.But one thing should
bullet after hitting a resistant surface. remember that even how much the shell is expanded
d) Wobbling – due to uneven forces applied to one side following the size of the chamber wall, there is even still
and to the other side. a small amount of expanded gas that would leak in
e) Tumbling – due to air resistance and mostly between the body of the shell and the inner surface of
encountered by the bullet fired in rifle. the chamber wall. If this
f) Pulling of Gravity – downward reaction of the bullet 6. happens, the said phenomenon is known as blowback.
towards the earth surface. 7. The time during which the projectile is influenced
by interior ballistics is very short. From the
SCIENCE- refers to the systematic body of knowledge. release of the firing pin to the moment the sound
FORENSIC - as applied to ballistics or to any other subject, of the shot can be heard as it leaves the muzzle
suggests a relationship to a court of justice and legal occupies only about 0.01 seconds.
proceedings.
FORUM - Latin word which means “marketplace” – where Things Involved in Interior Ballistics
people gather for “public disputation” and “public discussion” . Ignition of the primer (percussion) =Flames is produced =
Combustion of the gunpowder (deflagration)= Energy that is
ETYMOLOGY of the word Ballistics generated = Force/Pressure developed = Velocity of the bullet
Balo” or “Ballien” (GREEK) meaning to throw (from the chamber to the muzzle) = Rotation of the bullet
(left/right)= Engraving of the cylindrical surface of the
Ballitae or Ballista (OLD ENGLISH) a gigantic bow or bullet(impression of lands and grooves).
catapult which was used to hurl large objects such as
stones at a particular distance to deter animals or
enemy forces. The British engineer Benjamin Robins conducted many
experiments in interior ballistics. His findings justly entitle him
to be called the father of modern gunnery.
In 1920 Col. Calvin H. Goddard (Father of the Modern
Ballistics) pioneered the introduction of this science in
criminology courses in the different Universities in the United Transitional Ballistics- Transitional ballistics, also known
States. as INTERMEDIATE BALLISTICS, is the study of a
projectile's behavior from the time it leaves the muzzle until
the pressure behind the projectile is equalized, so it lies
Ballistics Theory between internal ballistics and external ballistics.
Ballistics is the scientific study of the propulsion and
motion of projectiles such as bullets, artillery shells, rockets External/Exterior Ballistics- treats of the attributes or
and guided missiles. Also includes the study of the destructive movement of the projectile after leaving the gun muzzle. It is
action of such projectiles. extended from the muzzle of the gun to the target or any
attributes to the motion of the projectile while it is in flight and
The drag of a projectile moving head on is now usually before reaching the target.
divided into three parts:
1.bow resistance - due to air pressure at the head of  Niccolò Tartaglia;
the projectile;
Italian mathematician,in a published work on gunnery,
2.skin friction - caused by the friction of air moving claimed that no part of the path of a projectile could be a
along the middle portion of the body; and straight line and that the greater the velocity of the projectile
3.base drag - due to the under-pressure and the flatter its path. Tartaglia invented the gunner's quadrant
disturbance of the air behind the base. used to determine the elevation of the muzzle of a gun.
 Galileo;
BRANCHES OF BALLISTICS
prove d that in a vacuum a projectile describes a parabolic
A. Internal/Interior Ballistics arc.
B. Transition/Intermediate Ballistics  Benjamin Robins;
C. External/Exterior Ballistics
Englishman invented the Ballistics Pendulum, an the direction of the bullet upon leaving the muzzle point
instrument use to measure the muzzle velocity of any of a gun.
firearm and who was one of the first to state sound
ballistics theories in his new principles of Gunnery in 1742. c. Terminal Velocity - Is the speed of the bullet upon
He became the Father of modern gunnery. striking the target. This is governed by four factors such
 Alfred Lee Loomis; as; same with terminal energy, gunpowder content,
Invented another instrument use to measure bullet’s speed is barrel length plus type and shape of the bullet
the Chronograph
d. Terminal Penetration - Is the depth of entry of the bullet
CONDITIONS - refers to the natural laws. in the target. Hence, when the bullet hit the target
a) Velocity - speed per unit of time ex. M16 - 3,300 perpendicularly, bullet penetration is deeper in soft
ft/sec. target than that of the hard target.
b) Energy - fatal equivalent of a bullet.
SHOTS BALLISTICS
c) Yaw - the unstable rotating motion of a bullet.
(It deals with the attributes and properties of shots and
d) Gyroscopic action - refers to the stillness of pellets)
its rotating motion and attained its highest
momentum or stability in flight and penetrating This refers to the study of shots from smoothbore
power. firearms like shotguns and muskets.

Factors Affecting the Gyroscopic Stability of the Bullet  Shotgun - a smoothbore, fired multiple pellets and also
it can fire a single slug.
a. Air resistance
 Chilled Shot – shotgun pellets
b. Poor quality of ammunition
made from lead especially
c. Poor quality of barrel hardened by the addition of a
slight amount of antimony.
Further, exterior (external) ballistics refers to the attributes  Shotgun shell or shell - a
and movements of the bullet after it has left the gun muzzle. It single unit of ammunition for
includes: shotgun, with either pellets or
a) Muzzle Blast - Is the noise created at the muzzle point slug as a projectile.
of the gun.  Shots or pellets as projectiles is of two classes based
b) Muzzle energy - Energy generated at the muzzle point on its size;
measured in foot-pound.  Buck shot for the larger one
c) Trajectory - Refers to the parabola-like flight of the  Drop shot or bird shot for the smaller.
projectile from the time it leaves the muzzle until it hits
the target. It is also described as the actual curve path
 Gauge - it refers to the caliber of shotgun , it is a
taken by a bullet during its.
number of lead pellets or balls of the given bore
d) Range - It refers to the imaginary straight distance diameter required to make up one pound weight.
between the muzzle of the gun and the target.
 Choke- is the degree of constriction on the end portion
 Accurate Range- the distance within which the of the shotgun barrel for the purpose of controlling the
shooter or gunner has control of his shots. spread of the shots/pellets after leaving the barrel. That
 Effective Range - the distance within which the is the diameter near the muzzle end is slightly smaller
bullet is lethal. than the diameter of the bore of the rest of the barrel.
 Maximum Range- the distance that a projectile can  True cylinder - is refers to a barrel without choke. That
be propelled from a firearm. is when the diameter of the barrel is the same
 Maximum Effective Range- is the farthest possible throughout the bore. Dram Equivalent is the
distance that a bullet could travel. measurement or the amount of gunpowder in a shot
e) Velocity - Refers to the rate of speed of the bullet shell.
(during its flight) per unit of time usually express is feet  Cylinder – equal bore diameter all through out the barrel
per second (ft/sec.) (term sometimes as True Cylinder)
Pull of Gravity - It is the downward reaction of the bullet  Paradox – contains rifling at the bore a few inch from
towards the earth surface due to its weight. the muzzle point of the barrel.
Air Resistance - Refers to the force of the air encounter by
the bullet in its flight. CHOKE - When the diameter of a barrel of a shotgun is
Penetration - depth of entry on target. the same throughout the bore, it is called true cylinder.
The bore of the gun is sometimes constricted near the
Terminal Ballistics- is that branch of Ballistics which deals muzzle end. That is, the diameter near the muzzle end is
with the effects of the impact of the projectile on the target. slightly smaller than the
Refers to the effects of the impact of the projectile on the diameter of the bore of the rest of the barrel. The barrel
target. It extends from its initial contact towards the depths is said to be choked. The amount of spread in the shot
of penetration on the target. Penetration of the bullet is of is controlled by the choke.
prime interest.
a. Terminal Accuracy - It refers to the size of the bullet Kinds Of Shotgun
grouping on the target. This is so because of some Action Type
resistance and interventions that make the bullet change 1. Auto-loading or Semi-automatic – these are the
its momentum to perform other motions rather than same as auto-loading rifles in that the recoil action
straight and hit the target partially or totally sideways reloads the gun from the magazine without any effort
instead of head on. Due to this effect, keyhole shot on the part of the shooter.
instead of spherical entrance wound might be created. 2. Slide or Pump Action – operates as the same manner
as slide action rifles, by means of sliding the lever under
b. Terminal Energy - Is the energy or force of the projectile the barrel.
when it strikes the target same as striking energy. The 3. Hinged or Break Open Type – a hinged or break
energy of the projectile is affected by three factors such
open action shotgun requires the manual insertion
as; gunpowder content, since the more the gunpowder,
of the shells in the chamber by releasing some sort
the more the energy will be produced. Another is the
of catch for the gun hinges to open at the breech
length of the barrel, as the barrel of the firearm becomes allowing the cartridges to be loaded.
longer it provides and confined a solid mass of
expanded gas pushing the bullet down the muzzle. The
third factor is the additional force imparted by the air to Featured Type
accelerate the bullet’s velocity if its direction goes with
i. Single Barreled Shotgun – it is loaded with a single The damage of the tissue around the bullet’s path produced
shotgun cartridge, closed, fired and then deloaded by the by a shock wave when the bullet travels through the body of
shooter. the victim is known as
ii. Double Barreled Shotgun – it has two barrels TISSUE QUAKE.
arranged either side by side or one on top of the
other. Each barrel may have its own trigger. Three Basic Kinds of GSW Distinguished by the
Combination Gun is a type of break action shotgun Proximity of the Weapon
which it consist of two barrels that is an over and under 1. Contact – gun muzzle pressed against, or within an inch
design with one shotgun barrel and one rifle barrel. or two, of the body.
Cape Guns a shotgun that has side by side variation or 2. Close discharge – 6 inches to 2 ft.
construction of barrel.
3. Distant Discharge – over 2 ft. or 3 ft.
iii. Triple Barreled Shotgun - usually two shotgun
barrels of the same gauge and a rifle barrel. The most
common arrangement was a side by side shotgun with Range of Fire - an important aspect of forensic ballistics.
the rifle barrel below and centered. (Drilling) 1) Muzzle Pattern – indicates contact wounds and are
Drilling Gun is class of break action guns which contain often observed in suicide cases. The whole charge
three barrels, usually two shotgun barrels of the same (projectile, wads, if any, smoke, unburnt or semi-burnt
gauge and a rifle barrel. powder particles and hot gases) enter into the target. No
burning, blackening and tattooing are observed. Instead,
iv. Four barreled shotgun - which usually have two
they are observed inside the hole through careful
smoothbore and two rifle barrel. (Vierling)
examination. The edges are found ragged (torn in star
v. Sawn-Off Shotgun – it has a custom design and the shape) and the wound is like an exit wound.
barrel is usually shortened to conceal the action.
2) Scorching – caused by the flame or hot gases not by
the hot projectiles as is commonly believed. It is also
Globally, shotguns are generally not as heavily regulated as known as burning or charring.
rifles or handguns, likely because they lack the range of rifles
3) Blackening – caused by the deposition of smoke
and are not easily
particles by all types of powders at close ranges.
concealable as handguns are; thus, they are perceived as a Being light particles, they soon lose their velocity and
lesser threat by legislative authorities. The one exception is a get deposited on any material available in the path.
sawed-off shotgun, especially a Lupara, as it is more easily
4) Tattooing (a.k.a. peppering) – caused by the
concealed than a normal shotgun.
embedding of unburnt and semi-burnt powder particles
into the surface of the target.
Daniel Myron Le Fever is credited with the invention of
hammerless shotgun and introduced the first hammerless
Other GSW Characteristics
shotgun in 1878.
Winchester was credited as the inventor of the earliest 1. Pink Coloration – caused by absorbed carbon
successful repeating shotgun being the lever-action monoxide in the skin and flesh.
Winchester M1887 in 1887 at the behest of the Winchester 2. Dirt Ring – deposited by some projectile (which carry
Repeating Arms Company. greases on them) around the wound. Existence of this
indicates the entrance side of a firearm injury & does
Rodolfo Cosmi produced the first working prototype of his not indicate range.
semi-automatic shotgun in 1925, which had an 8 round 3. Contusion – caused by the impact of the projectile to
magazine located in the stock. the skin from reddish dark to bluish black. It takes the
form of a belt around the wound . It is of uniform in
Here are the following gauges of the common shotgun and thickness.
their equivalent in the measurement of the bore in the barrel: 4. Foreign Materials – Their presence not only
GAUGES BORE permits the identification of the firearms injury but
DIAMETER they also permit a fairly reliable guess of firearm.
4 .935
Factors influencing entrance and exit gunshot wounds
8 .835
1) Kind of weapon - The higher power the weapon is the
10 .775
more destructive to the tissues of the body.
12 .729
2) Caliber of the weapon - The higher the caliber of
16 .662 the wounding bullet, the greater will be the size of
20 .615 the wound of entrance, hence, greater destruction to
28 .550 the tissues.
.410 not a true gauge .410 3) Shape and composition of the missile - The conical
shape free end (pointed nose)of the bullet slug has
The unit of measurement used in shotgun is expressed in more penetrating power but less tissue destruction,
Gauge. This is determined by the number of solid lead balls while bullet slug with hemispherical free end (round
of pure lead, each with nose) had less penetrating but more destruction to the
tissues.
diameter of the barrel that can be prepared from one pound of
4) Range of fire - the injury is not only due to the missile
lead. As applied to shotgun, Gauge indicates the bore
diameter which is equal to the but also due to the pressure of the heated expanded
gases, flame and articles ofgunpowder within the closest
diameter of the lead ball whose weight in pound is equal to distance. However, in long range fire, the characteristic
the reciprocal gauge index. Example – 12 gauge indicate the effect of the bullet alone will produce the injury.
bore diameter which is equal to each lead ball weighing 1/12
5) Direction of fire - The direction of fire determines
of a pound.
whether the injury is an entry wound or exit wound and
therefore affects the characteristics of the injury.
WOUND BALLISTICS
6) Part of the body involved - When the bullet hit the
It is the study of the effects of projectile to human body. soft tissues of the body; the bullet penetrates and
usually without any change in direction, however upon
Gunshot Wound (GSW) hitting the bones and other hard body structures the
It is an open wound produced by the penetration of bullet bullet may fracture the bones causing further injury or
slug within the tissues of the body. The bullet which was may deflect to another direction.
propelled from the gun as well as the flame from the heated
expanded gases in short range fire is the one that produces Description of the wound of entrance is based on the
injury. distance of the body from the fired gun
1. Contact fire. This is burst due to the explosion of the residue on the hands. The hands were coated with
powder which produces the heated and expanded gases. paraffin or wax, and then the paraffin was tested
There is burning of the tissues because it is within the flame with DIPHENYLAMINE,
zone; singeing of the hair; and particles of gunpowder in and 2. Griess Test - Peter Griess (1858) designed the test to
around the wound of entrance; skin is separated from the assist with the measurement of distances and angles.
underlying tissues in the affected area and the blasted The examiner presses a photographic paper onto the
tissues are cherry red in color because of the presence of surfaces near the target, then sprays the paper with
carbon monoxide; pressure of the bullet will caused caving- Sodium Rhodizonate.
in or excavation of tissues and the contusion collar is seen 3. Harrison Gilroy Test is the test that does not
around the wound of entrance. The size of the wound is check for nitrate at all, but for antimony, barium,
rather small. and lead using the same paper color change
2. Near contact up to six inches distance. There is indicator.
bursting of tissues, burning and blackening of the skin as in 4. Marshall and Tiwari Test are used to determine the
contact fire but the particles of gunpowder are present firearm’s distance, both tests are for the nitrates.
inside as well as around the wound of entrance. The shape
5. Walker Test a chemical test for the presence
of the wound maybe lacerated or slit-like and the size is
larger than the diameter of the missile. The excavation of of nitrates in unburned or partially burned
tissues due to the pressure of the penetrating bullet slug but propellants. This test gives the prober valuable
it can be severe as in contact fire. information about the range which the weapon
was fired.
3. Distance above six inches up to 24 inches. The size
of the wound gradually approximates the size of the
missile. The farther the target, the lesser the burning or FORENSIC BALLISTICS
blackening of tissues, gun powder tattooing, singeing of Refers to the product of the application of the ballistics to law.
the hair and excavation of tissues and lesser until they Forensic - As applied to ballistics or to any other subject,
disappear beyond the 24 inches distance. suggests a relationship to a court of justice and legal
proceedings. Forum (LATIN) - meaning a “market place”
MUZZLE TO TARGET DISTANCE where people gathered for public disputation or public
1) A halo of soot around the hole is usually 12 – 18 inches. discussion.
2) A halo with specks usually 18 – 25 inches.
Forensic Ballistics is defined as the study of the motion of
3) Specks only 25 – 36+ inches. GUNSHOTS HOLES or the projectile as applied to law or simply the science of
Diferentialpoints
Wound ofEntrance Wound ofExit firearm identification by means of the ammunition fired
Size of the wound
smaller than the missile bigger than the through them.
Inverted
Edge of the wound missile
Round or oval Everted Ballistic fingerprinting - is the identification of the gun
Shape of the
no definite shape that fired a bullet from an analysis of the unique marks that
wound present in contact
absent every gun makes on the bullet and on the shell, that a
Contusion collar
and near contact fire firearm, being harder than a bullet and cartridge case, every
Gunpowder always present absent
time you fire a cartridge on it, its Signature and Thumbmark
tattooing Absent maybe (Fingerprint) leaves on its fired bullets and cartridge cases.
Presence or + in contact and near absent if
absence fire the slug
Firearms Identification is discipline mainly concerned with
Protrusion of tissue lodged
determining whether a bullet or cartridge case was fired by a
inside the
Paraffin test particular weapon.
body
maybe
present Scope of Forensic Ballistics
negative 1. Field Investigations – Conducted by the first officer in the
WOUNDS CATEGORIES case in the field when they investigate a case or cases
wherein firearms have been used. The routine job of the
investigating officer involves the Recognition (process of
Differentiation between gunshot wound of Entrance and
identifying physical evidences), Collection (collecting pieces
Wound of Exit
of evidences), Marking (placing information for identification),
Preservation (wrapping or packaging physical evidences),
a) Contact wound – the muzzle point is directly touching Transmittal (transmit ballistics exhibits to respective
the target when the gun is fired. department).
b) Close Range – when the gun is fired, the muzzle point
is near closely at the target. 2.Technical Examinations of Ballistics Exhibits – the job
c) Distant – here is vast range or gap between the muzzle performed by the firearm examiners in the laboratory.
and the target and brings great problems to the analyst a) Marking of the evidence firearm
in determining the approximate muzzle to target
b) Test firing of evidence firearms
distance.
c) Photomicrography under the bullet comparison
microscope
GUNPOWDER RESIDUE ANALYSIS
d) Preparation of comparative charts
Powder is never totally burned when a gun is fired.
Residues are thrown out quite some distance ( as well as e) Making of reports on the findings and observations
backward in a cloud-like formation). By analyzing the
presence or absence of powder residue thrown out forward 3.Legal Proceedings/Court Trial – the Ballistics Report
towards the target, the analyst can determine muzzle to of the firearm examiner and the Ballistics Exhibits such
target distance. as; firearms, fired bullets, fired cartridge cases and allied
Distances and angles can also be determined by analyzing matters are presented during the trial of the case in a
the halo, tattooing, or spotting around the bullet hole in a court of justice.
target’s garment.
HISTORY OF THE FIRST FIREARM
Infrared photography - will usually reveal even the most a) Firelock developed in the 14th century as a simple
minute traces of powder residue smoothed bore tube of iron, closed at breech end
except for an opening called a touchhole and set into
. a rounded piece of wood for holding under the arm.
TEST FOR THE PRESENCE OF GUNPOWDER RESIDUE The tuber was loaded shot and powder and the fired
1. Paraffin Test or Dermal Nitrate Test is an oldest by inserting a heated wire into the touchhole.
test in existence and was designed to check for the b) Matchlock developed in 15th century which was
the same as that of firelock, except that the slow
 match was clamped on the top of the device called w. Daniel Myron LeFever – Credited with the invention of
serpentine-an S shaped metal pivoted to the hammerless shotgun and introduced the first
center. A spring device dropped a lighted match hammerless shotgun in 1878. This gun was cocked
directly into the gun powder. with the external cocking levers on the side of the
c) Wheel Lock developed at about 1515 by breech. He patents the first truly automatic hammerless
Leonardo da Vinci which is consisted of a spring- shotgun in 1883.
driven wheel which when released by the trigger x. Hiram Percy Maxim - inventor of the Maxim Silencer.
brought a peace of iron pyrite into contact with a
rotating steel wheel and the resulting spark IMPORTANT DATES IN FIREARM HISTORY
ignited the gunpowder. a. 1925 - Goddard wrote an article for the Army
d) Flintlock developed from the end of 17th century to Ordnance titled "Forensic Ballistics" in which he
the middle of 19th century. The striker plate was L described the use of the comparison microscope
shaped, the bottom limb of the L was used as a cover regarding firearms investigations. He is generally
for the priming pan to protect the powder from credited with the conception of the term "forensic
moisture until the upper limb was struck by the flint of ballistics," though he later admitted it to be an
the hammer. But the flintlock inadequate name for the science.
e) superseded by the percussion cap b. 1929 – The St. Valentine's Day Massacre led to the
f) Percussion cap introduced in 1830 by Joshua opening of the first independent scientific crime detection
Shaw is placed over a hollow metal called "nipple" laboratory in the United States.
at the rear end of the gun barrel. Nipple is a hollow
tube where flame passes as a result of the ignition FIREARMS
of priming mixture in the percussion cap to burn Legal Definition of Firearm based on Sec 877 Revised
gunpowder inside the firearm. Administrative Code
Firearms or arms as herein used, includes rifles, muskets,
FIREARM INVENTORS AND CONTRIBUTORS carbines, shotgun, pistol, revolvers, and all other deadly
a. Col. Calvin H. Goddrd, - U.S. Army - Father of Modern weapons, to which a bullet, ball, shot, shell, or other
Ballistics missiles maybe discharge by means of gun powder or other
b. Horace Smith – Founded the great firm Smith and explosives. This term also includes air rifle, except such of
Wesson and pioneered the making of the breech loading being of small caliber and limited range used as toys. The
rifles. barrel of every firearm shall be considered a complete
c. Daniel B. Wesson – An associate or partner of Smith in firearm for all purposes based on Sec 877
revolver making. Revised Administrative Code
d. John M. Browning – Wizard of the modern firearms and
pioneered the breech loading shot rifle. Legal Definition of Firearm based on Republic Act No.
e. John T. Thompson – pioneered the making of 10591, an “Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on
Thompson Submachine Gun (SMG) 1920 Firearms and Ammunition and Providing Penalties for
f. Gordon Ingram – designed the Prototype Ingram sub- Violations thereof” was signed into law on May 29, 2013.
machinegun during the late 1940. Firearm refers to any handheld or portable weapon,
g. David “Carbine” Williams – Maker of the first known” whether a small arm or light weapon, that expels or is
Carbine” designed to expel a bullet, shot, slug, missile or any
h. Alexander “John” Forsyth – Father of the “percussion projectile, which is discharged by means of expansive
ignition” force of gases from burning gunpowder or other form of
Elisha King Root – Designed the machinery for making combustion or any similar instrument or implement.
i.
Colt firearms
j. Eliphalet Remington – One of the first rifle makers Technical Definition of Firearm
k. John Mahlon Marlin – Founder of Marlin Firearms Firearm is an instrument used for the propulsion of projectile
Company by means of the expansive force gases coming from burning
James Wolfe Ripley – Stimulated the development of gunpowder. (FBI manual of Firearms Identification).
l.
the Model 1855 rifle musket
m. Samuel Colt (1814-1862) – produced the first practical (l) Firearm refers to any handheld or portable weapon,
revolver whether a small arm or light weapon, that expels or is
n. Henry Derringer – an American gunsmith. He is best designed to expel a bullet, shot, slug, missile or any
known for inventing and giving his name to the projectile, which is discharged by means of expansive force
derringer pistol and soon to the whole class of firearms of gases from burning gunpowder or other form of
including rifles and pistols. combustion or any
o. John C. Garand – He designed and invented similar instrument or implement. For purposes of this Act, the
barrel, frame or receiver is considered a firearm
“Garand Rifle: a Semi-Automatic US Rifle, Caliber
.30 M1, the world’s first self- loading rifle (v) Loose firearm refers to an
usedduring both WWII and Korean war. (1. unregistered firearm), an (2. obliterated or altered
p. Richard J. Gatling – developed the hand- firearm), firearm which has been (3. lost or stolen), (4.
wranked machinegun. A development of the Duver illegally manufactured firearms), registered firearms (5. in
Gatling type of machinegun Oliver F. Winchester the possession of an individual other than the licensee) and
– One of the earliest rifles and pistols makers those with (6. revoked licenses) in
Eugene Stoner – Chief Engineer and one of the top accordance with the rules and regulations.
q.
designers of AR15/M16 Armalite Rifle (w) Major part or components of a firearm refers to the
r. George Lugger – he designed the 9mm Parabellum barrel, slide, frame, receiver, cylinder or the bolt assembly.
Cartridge The term also includes any part or kit designed and intended
s. Uziel Gal – invented the Uzi submachine gun, in for use in converting a semi-automatic burst to a full
the 1950s and used by the Israeli army for the first automatic firearm.
time during its Sinai Campaign in 1956. (x) Minor parts of a firearm refers to the parts of the
t. Mikhail Kalashnikov – invented the AK 47 Cal.30. firearm other than the major parts which are necessary to
u. Glock – established in 1996 and owned by Engineer effect and complete the action of expelling a projectile by
Gaston Glock ofDeutsch-Wagram, Austria. way of combustion, except those classified as
accessories.
v. Arms Corporation of the Philippines (Armscor)
– Founded in 1952 - owned by the Squires
Bingham Co. Inc, by Don Celso Tuason. Don Antique firearm refers to any:
Tuason's oldest son Demetrio "Bolo" Tuason is (1) firearm which was manufactured at least seventy-five
the president and CEO of the company. (75) years prior to the current date but not including replicas;
(2) firearm which is certified by the National Museum of the 1) Cylindrical Revolving Magazine Firearm – The
Philippines to be curio or relic of museum interest; cartridge is located in a cylinder magazine that rotates at
(3) any other firearm which derives a substantial part of its the rear portion of the barrel.
monetary value from the fact that it is novel, rare, bizarre 2) Vertical or Horizontal Magazine – The cartridge is
or because of its association with some historical figure, held one after another vertically or horizontally and
period or event. also held in place by a spring side to side or end to
end.
SEC. 9. R.A. 10591 Licenses Issued to
Individuals. – Subject to the requirements set forth (According to the Manner of Feeding)
in this Act and payment of required fees to be a. Muzzle Loading Firearms - these are firearms on
determined by the Chief of the PNP, a qualified which the ammunition is feed through the muzzle.
individual may be issued the appropriate license Examples - Muskets, Mortars & etc.
under the following categories;
b. Clip Loading Firearms – it is a firearm wherein
A. Type 1 license – allows a citizen to own and possess a ammunition are hold together on a clip as a unit,
maximum of two (2) registered firearms; serving as its magazine. Example - Garand Rifle.
B. Type 2 license – allows a citizen to own and possess a
c. Magazine Loading Firearms -
maximum of five (5) registered firearms;
these are firearms which are feed
C. Type 3 license – allows a citizen to own and possess a by the use of magazine.
maximum often (10) registered firearms; Examples - M16, M14 etc.
D. Type 4 license – allows a citizen to own and possess a d. Breech Loading Firearms –
maximum of fifteen (15) registered firearms; and firearms which are loaded on its
E. Type 5 license – allows a citizen, who is a certified gun breech. Example - Howitzer.
collector, to own and possess more than fifteen (15) e. Link or belt – these are weapons designed to receive
registered firearms. cartridges in belt or link. The closed link type includes
Caliber .50 Machine Gun and the open link type
SEC. 1 0 . R . A. 1 0 5 9 1 Firearms That May Be Registered. includes LMG M 60.
– Only small arms may be registered by licensed citizens
Small Arms – refer to firearms intended to be primarily (Firing Mechanism)
designed for individual use or that which is generally  Single Action is a weapon in which pressure upon the
considered to mean a weapon intended to be fired from the trigger releases the hammer that must be manually
hand or shoulder, which are not capable of fully automatic cocked.
bursts of discharge, such as:
 Double Action is a type in which pressure upon the
Handgun is a firearm intended to be fired from the hand, trigger both cocks and releases the hammer. Actually
which includes: this gun can be operated both through (1.) cocking the
a) Pistol – is a hand-operated firearm having a hammer first and squeeze the trigger or directly
chamber integral with or permanently aligned with (2.)squeeze the trigger to cock the hammer.
the bore which may be self-loading;  Double-Action-Only (DAO) is a firearm which
b) Revolver – is a hand-operated firearm with a the trigger system cocks and releases the
revolving cylinder containing chambers for hammer to fire the gun after each shot. This type
individual cartridges. sometimes called hammerless firearm
Rifle – is a shoulder firearm or designed to be fired
from the shoulder that can discharge a bullet (According of Mechanical Construction)
through a rifled barrel by different actions of a) Single shot firearms - types of firearms designed to fire
loading, which may be classified as lever, bolt, or only one shot every loading.
self-loading; and
b) Repeating Arms - A type of firearms designed to fire
Shotgun – is a firearm designed, made and intended to several loads (shot) in one loading.
fire a number of ball shots or a single projectile
c) Automatic F/A - type of firearms that constitutes a
through a smoothbore by the action or energy from
continuous firing in a single press of the trigger and
burning gunpowder.
while the trigger is pressed.
d) Slide Action type - types of firearms in which loading
CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARMS
takes place by back and forth manipulation of the
(According to Interior Barrel Construction) under/over forearms of the gun. (pistol / slide action
1) Smooth Bore Firearms - Firearms that have no rifling shotgun)
(lands and grooves) inside their gun barrel. e) Bolt Action Type - Type of firearms in which reloading
2) Rifled Bore Firearms - Firearms that have rifling inside takes place by manipulating the bolt back and forth.
their gun barrel. f) Lever type (Break type) - loading takes place by lever
action on the firearms.
(According to Wounding Power)
1) Low Velocity Firearm – These are firearms with (Methods of Operation /Actuation of Firearm)
muzzle velocity of NOT more than 1,400 feet per second. a. Blowback System - a system of operation for self-
2) High Velocity/Power Firearm – These are firearms loading firearms that obtains energy from the motion of
with muzzle velocity of more than 1,400 feet per second. the cartridge case as it is being pushed to the rear of
the firearm cause by expanding gas from the ignition
(According to Power) of propellant or powder charge.
1) High Powered- includes whose with bores of bigger in b. Locked breech System – a system design for a
diameter including but not limited to cal. .40, .44, breech-reloading firearm's action. The stored energy,
.45 and also lesser cal but considered high powered drives forward the slide and loads the next charge
such as cal. 357 and .22 magnum and other making the firearm ready for the next cycle of firing.
firearms with firing capability of fully automatic and Examples;.45 caliber pistol firing, the barrel and the
by burst of two or three. slide are locked together. After
2) Low Powered- includes lesser in diameter such as c. firing, the slide moves back and unlock. The source of
rim-fire handgun, including but not limited to cal. power for the movement of a firearm to self load is the
.380 or cal. .32 and other firearms of similar recoil
firepower. d. Gas Operated System – firearms that have a gas
cylinder and piston. Examples are Garand rifle, M16
(Nature of the Magazine) Armalite Rifle.
e. Recoil Operated – these are firearms that use recoil
energy to operate.
f. Manually Operated - firearms wherein the cycle of 4. Harpoon guns - refers to a barbed spear in hunting
operation is manually accomplished. Examples are large fish.
Shotgun, Rifles & etc. 5.Liberator - U.S. government made smoothbore gun used
in Europe during war designed to fire an automatic colt
CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARMS pistol cartridge caliber .45.
1) Artillery - Refers to those type of firearms that propels 6. Multi –Barreled gun - refers to all types of gun
projectile with more than one inch diameter. containing a number of barrels.
7. Paradox gun - a type of gun which contains lands and
2) Small Arms - Are firearms that propels projectile with grooves a few inch from the muzzle point.
less than one inch diameter and it can be handled, moved 8. Tools - are those devices which resembles a gun
and operated by one man. designed but are generally used for construction of
Machine guns - Machine gun is a type of firearm that furniture.
is primarily designed for military use. A type of weapon which 9. Traps - refers to gun used for trapping animals that are
fires or designed to fire automatically or semi-automatically. fired to woods.
Sub Machine Gun (grease gun) - Is a light,
portable form of machine gun, utilizing a pistol size AMMUNITION
ammunition, having a shoulder stock that may or may not Legal Definition:
be folded and designed to be fired with both hands. Ammunition refers to loaded shell for rifles, muskets,
carbine, shotgun, revolvers and pistols from which a ball, shot
B. Shoulder Arms are those types of firearms that were shell or other missiles maybe fired by means of gun powder
normally fired from the shoulder. or other explosive. The term also includes ammunition for air
1. Rifles- A shoulder weapon designed to fire a projectile rifles as mentioned elsewhere in the code. (Chapter VII,
with more accuracy through a long rifled bore barrel, Sec.290 of NIRC as well as Sec 877 RAC)
usually more than 22 inches. It has usually a muzzle
velocity of 2,500 feet per second and a range of 3,000 Technical Definition - Ammunition refers to a group of
feet. cartridge or to a single cartridge.
2. Carbine - A short barrel rifle, with its barrel rifle, Cartridge is a complete unfired unit consisting of bullet
measuring not longer than 22 inches. It fires a single (ball), primer (cap), cartridge case (shell) and gunpowder
projectile though a rifle-bore either semi-automatic or (propellant).
fully automatic, for every press of the trigger.
3. Muskets - is an ancient smoothbore and muzzle Section 3 RA 10591 (b) Ammunition refers to a complete
loading military shoulder arms designed to fire a shots unfixed unit consisting of a bullet, gunpowder, cartridge
or a single round lead ball. Shotgun - A smoothbore case and primer or loaded shell for use in any firearm.
and a breech loading shoulder arms designed to fire a
number of lead pellets or a shots in one charge. ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD CARTRIDGE
a) Cylinder – equal diameter “Charta” ( Latin word) -meaning a “paper”
b) Choke – reducing diameter “Cartouche” ( French word ) - a rolled paper
c) Paradox – contains rifling a few inch from the It was about the turn of the 16th century that the term
muzzle point. “cartridge” comes to use.
KING GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS – of Sweden, is credited with
C. Handguns - those type of firearms that are designed or inventing the first paper cartridge in 1635.
intended to be fired using one hand.
a. Pistol - In early firearm history, all handguns are A. General types of Ammunition
generally called as pistols. There were three
classes of pistols in the period. The single shot a) Dummy (fake) model - a type of ammunition which
pistol, the semi automatic and the revolving merely resembles the genuine one. It is a carefully
pistols now known as the revolver. made replica of a cartridge, usually of tool steel and
dimensioned to be used by weapon’s instructor and
b. Revolver - Revolver is a type of firearm repairman when checking the functioning of the
designed to position cartridge into position for weapon.
firing with the aid of a rotating cylinder serving
as its chamber. b) Drill Ammunition (without gun powder)- is a type of
an ammunition that is completely inert, without
explosives and are use in mill training to practice loading
Kinds of Revolver (based on their construction or and manipulation of the gun. It is sometimes called
mechanism) “dummy” although in the strict sense there is a
1. Revolver with the barrel firmly fixed to the frame and difference.
the revolving cylinder may swing out to the side for the c) Black Ammunition (without bullet)- an ammunition
purpose of loading or extraction of the spent shell. without a bullet, containing gunpowder designed to
2. Revolver with the barrel hinged to the frame and the generate a loud noise to indicate firing. This type of
revolving cylinder may be broken (break action)to load ammunition is used for theatrical performances or film
by releasing the barrel latch. making, training dogs and military training.
3. Revolver with the barrel firmly fixed to the frame and d) Live Ammunition- is the term applied for the complete
the revolving cylinder may be removed by taking out unit of unfired cartridge.
the cylinder pin on which it rotates.
Classification of Ammunition
MISCELLANEOUS TYPES OF GUN According to its effect
1. Cane gun, knife pistols, cellphone gun, etc. - 1. Penetrators - pierce targets using a single bullet,
devices principally designed for other purpose to which 2. High explosives - burst before hitting their target,
a gun mechanism is incorporated also called as fragmenting into thousands of penetrating pieces or
Freakish gun. becoming a high-speed jet of molten metal
Freakish gun - a tool in which firearm mechanism is 3. Carrier projectiles - break open near the target to deliver
attached to prevent easy identification. leaflets, radar-deceiving materials, or submunitions
Zip Gun - refers to Home-made gun used in U.S. by (small ammunition).
juvenile delinquent. (Paltik in the Philippines)
2. Flare gun - designed for tracing or sending signals or According to the Location of the Primer
locating enemy troops. a) Pin-Fire - is a type of cartridge in which the ignition cap
3. Gas gun - generally referring to all gun designed from (primer) is concealed inside the cartridge case and has a
firing tear gas. pin resting upon it.
b) Rim fire - is a type of cartridge in which the priming  Buckshot. These are comparatively large lead balls
mixture is located at the hallow rim of the case can be formed in molds, without hardeners alloyed with the lead.
fired if the cartridge is tuck by the firing pin on the rim  Drop shot. These are smaller lead balls which is
of the case (cavity rim). formed by pouring molten lead alloy through perforated
c) Center fire - it refers to a cartridge in which primer pans of selected sizes located at the top of a shot tower.
cup (ignition cap) is centrally placed in the base of the
cartridge case and the priming mixture is exploded by
the impact of the firing pin and with the support of the BULLETS
anvil.
“Boullette” (French word of a Bullet) - meaning a small ball.
There are two (2) Primer Ignition Systems for center fire
This term is generally used when we are referring to
cartridges:
projectile fired from any small arms, which has a variety of
a) Boxer Type. This is one which has only a single, form, especially during the earlier history. In a more
centrally located flash hole. technical sense, bullet refers to a metallic or non-metallic
b) Berdan Type. These are cartridges designed to have cylindrical ball propelled from a firearm it is sometimes
two (2) flash holes. called as shots or slugs.
General Types of Bullets
According to Head Types: Lead Type – is a type of a bullet that is basically
1. Rimmed Cartridge Cases. These are cartridge composed of lead metal. Its used was due to its density;
cases having an extractor flange that is larger than having a good weight is a small size and easy for casting.
the diameter of the cartridge case body. Letter " R" is Jacketed Type – Is a type of bullet consisting of the
added after the case numbers in the metric system of regular lead core, coated with a copper alloy in order to
caliber designation. prevent lead fouling of the barrel and is generally used in
2. Semi-rimmed Cartridge Cases. These are cartridge pistols and other high power guns
cases having an extractor flange that is slightly larger in
diameter than the cartridge case body and also have a According to their Maximum Effect to their targets
groove around the body of the case just in front of the
1. Ball Type – Is a type of bullet, which is intended for anti-
flange. The metric designation for these cartridges is "
SR". personnel and general use.
2. Armor piercing – is a type of military bullet
3. Rimless Cartridge Cases. These are cartridge cases
designed to penetrate light steel armor. Its
having an extractor flange whose diameter is the same
mechanical construction makes it capable of
as that of the cartridge case body and also have a
penetrating through some light vehicles.
groove around the body of the case in front of the flange.
In the metric system of caliber design, no letter is used 3. Explosive Bullet - Is a small bullet containing a charge
for this type of cartridge case. of explosive, which will detonate upon impact.
4. Rebated cartridge case. It has an extractor flange that 4. Incendiary Bullet –Type of military bullet used to
is smaller than the diameter of the case. A groove around cause fire in a target, generally designed to use by
the body of the case is present in front of the flange. The aircraft armament in order for the fuel tanks to ignite.
metric designation is " RB". 5. Tracer Bullet – a type of military bullet capable of
5. Belted Cartridge Case. It has a pronounced, raised belt leaving visible marks or traces while in flight giving the
encircling the cartridge case body in front of the groove gunner the chance to observe the strike of the shot or
in the body. The diameter of make adjustments in the event of a miss
the extractor flange is immaterial. The metric 6. Dum-Dum bullet - bullet made in India designed in
designation is " B ". inflict greater damage.
7. Expanding bullet - bullet such as hallow point
According to Shape (open point) and soft point design to
fragment/expand upon impact. Also called
a)Straight- where the whole body that extends from the
mushroom bullet.
point just above the extracting groove ‘til outside the mouth
have the same in diameter. This is the majority used in 8. Baton Round - wood bullet originated in Hongkong
handgun. designed for riot and later replace by rubber bullet.
b)Tapered type - used in rifle and machine gun 9. Multiple Bullet - Duplex (2) bullets or Triplex (3) bullets
ammunition. This type is called because the body in one chartridge.
measurement is gradually narrowed from bottom to top. 10. Discarding Sabot - also known as accelerator bullet,
c)Bottleneck or also called necked type since this type designed for greater velocity.
possesses neck that is apparently similar to bottle’s neck that 11. Flechette - a number of needle like projectile in one
holds the bullet in place. cartridge.
12. Frangible - design for aerial shooting for practice.
Shotgun Ammunition 13. Streamline/Boat tailed bullet - a bullet design to
Shotgun Shell. Refers to a single unit of ammunition for reduce drag.
shotgun. It consists of a tubular case, (either paper, plastic, 14. Wad-Cutter Bullet is a cylindrical bullet design
or metal) with a metallic base, containing the primer, having a sharp shouldered intended to cut a
powder or propellant, wads, and shots of pellets. target paper clearly to facilitate easy and
accurate scoring. This is designed for target
Parts of a Shotgun Shell shooting practice.
15. Explosive Bullet - is contains a high charge of
1) Tubular case – case usually made up of paper, plastic or
metal explosive designed to explode upon impact on the
2) Metal base - containing primer, powder or propellant hard target. This is likewise known as a fragmentary
bullet.
3) Wads – base wad, over-powder wad, filler wad, closing
wad 16. Sabot is a centerfire rifled cartridge consists of a copper
jacketed bullet that is of a smaller caliber than the rifle it
Over-powder and filler wad - serve to seal the gun bore to
is fired in. This smaller bullet is surrounded by hard
prevent the gas pressure from leaking around the shot
plastic sleeve or adaptor that allows it to be fired in a
charge. The wads are very important because they serve to
larger caliber firearm.
identify the gauge and type of mmunition used. Among the
wads, the closing wad has printed on its outside face, 17. Glaser Safety Slug is the specific bullet which is
letters and figures which give all or part of the following designed to break apart scattering numerous small lead
information:(.Name of anufacturer, Brand name of shell, pellets throughout the target. Each
Amount of powder, Amount of shot, and Size of shot) 18. of the small pellets will create its own wound track and
4. Shots charge or pellets – term in shotgun projectile. cause an enormous amount of bleeding.
19. Gas Check Bullet is use to prevent the melting of detonating compound for igniting powder charges in a small
the base of the lead bullet intended to be fired at a arms by “percussion” and in 1807 he obtained a patent for
higher velocity and have their gases protected with a this idea.
small copper cups.
20. Hydra-Shock is a type of expanding bullet used in PRIMER (also called CAP) may either be Berdan or Boxer
commercial ammunition made by Federal type.
Cartridge.They are meant to provide more reliable A. The Berdan is a type of primer construction, which was
expansion and deeper penetration. designed in 1860s by Colonel Hiram S. Berdan of the
21. Spitzer Bullet is a European conical bullet that has no U.S Army Ordinance Department. Berdan primer cup
meplat. Meaning, this bullet has a tip which is purely contains only the priming mixture, with two vents or flash
pointed and designed for military rifle. hole and placed upon at the top of both sides of the
primer cup.
CARTRIDGE CASE B. The Boxer on the other hand, was developed by Col.
Cartridge Case - is the metallic or non-metallic Edward M. Boxer of the Royal Laboratory at Woolwich
tabular container usually of brass (70% copper and 30% Arsenal in the year 1866. It contains only one vent or
zinc) designed to unite the bullet, primer and the flash hole and centered on the top of the primer cup.
gunpowder into one unit. It is also known as shell or C. Battery Cup Type – usually used for shotgun shell,
casing. which is simply a variation of the Boxer type.
Functions of the Cartridge Case
1) It locates the bullet properly relative to the bore of the Parts of the Primer
firearm. a) Primer Cup - Is the brass gilding metal cup which
2) It is used to carry the means of ignition. contains the priming mixture, the disc and the anvil.
3) It provides gas seals at the breech against an unwanted b) Priming Mixture - Is the highly sensitive chemical
escape of propellant gas upon firing. compound that ignites by the mechanical blow of the
4) Serves as waterproof container for the propellant or firing pin. Also called percussion powder.
powder charge. c) Anvil - Is that portion of the primer which provides
5) Acts as the insulator between the propellant and the hot solid support and absorbs the blow of the firing pin
walls of the chamber in a rapid firing of firearms. causing friction that would initiate ignition.
d) Disc - Is a thin paper or foil which is pressed over the
Parts of the Cartridge Case priming mixture in order to protect it from moisture
a. Base - the bottom portion of the cartridge case which attack.
contains the head stamp marking on the base of the
shell Composition of Priming Mixture
b. Rim - is the part of the cartridge designed to limit the 1. Corrosive Primer – contains potassium chlorate which
forward movement of the cartridge to chamber. when ignited, produces potassium chloride. Potassium
c. Extracting grooves- is the circular groove near the rim chloride draws moisture from the air and this moisture
of the shell designed for automatic withdrawal of the speeds the rusting and corrosion in gun barrel.
case from the chamber. 2. Non-corrosive Primer – because of the advances in
d. Primer Pocket - is that part of the shell which provides “primer” chemistry over the years have produced new
the means for the primer to be put in the central position. composition in which the potassium chlorate has been
Its function is extended to: (a) hold the primer in place; eliminated by the substitution of other chemicals. These
(b) to provide means to prevent the escape of gas; (c) to newest primers are of the non-corrosive type and have
provide solid support for primer anvil. practically replaced the corrosive type.
e. Body- is the cylindrical part of the shell which house the
gunpowder. Typical Mercuric Primers
f. Shoulder- that part of the cartridge case which support  Potassium Chlorate (45%) – acts both as an initiator and
the neck of the cartridge which is evident in a bottleneck fuel
type.  Antimony Sulfide (23%) – is the frictional element and
g. Cannelure- is the cylindrical groove in the outer fuel
surface of the cartridge case designed to secure the  Fulminate of Mercury ( 3 2 % ) – act as a initiator
shell to the chamber as well as prevent bullet from
being push down to the powder charge. In some GUNPOWDER
instance it is even being utilized for identification.
Gunpowder (also called as propellant or Power Charge)
h. Neck - is that part of the shell which is actually is that mixture of chemicals of various compositions
occupied by the bullet. This is obvious in a designed to propel the projectile by means of its
bottleneck type of shell but not with the straight type. expansive force of gas when burned. Deflagration is the
i. Crimp - is the cylindrical groove on the mouth of the process of rapid and confined burning of the propellant.
shell designed for two purposes: One (1) is to hold the
bullet and prevent it from being pull out from the shell Roger Bacon – an English monk and scientist, credited for
and Two (2) to offers resistance to the bullet out of the the invention of gunpowder in 1248.
neck to ensure burning of the gun powder.
Berthold Schwartz (real name CONSTANTINE
j. Mouth – that part responsible for holding the bullet. ANKLITZEN) – A German monk, recognized for the
k. Vent or Flash hole - is the hole at the bottom of the application of gunpowder to the propelling of a bullet in the
primer pocket as the passage way for the priming early 1300.
mixture to impart an ignition to the propellant charge.
Classification of Gunpowder
PRIMER (also called CAP) A. Black powder – first gunpowder to be discovered by
Primer – is that portion of the cartridge which consists of a Roger Bacon and Berthold Schwartz, the English and the
brass or gilding metal cup. German monks respectively, is the oldest among the
Priming Cup – that part that contains a highly sensitive propellant with the following characteristics.
priming compound or highly sensitive mixture of chemical
compound, That when struck by the firing pin would Characteristics of a Black powder
“Detonate or Ignite” . It is also known as the percussion cup.
1. It consists of irregular grains, which depending on the
manufacturing process.
Alexander John Forsyth – a Scotch Presbyterian minister, 2. Have either dull or shiny black surface.
chemist and a hunter and a well-authority to firearm who is
3. When fired, it produces large volume of grayish or
credited for being the first to conceive the idea of using
white smoke and considerable residue left in the
 barrel. In burning, it gives off a large amount of 3) Triple-Based Propellant – combination of nitroglycerin,
gas. nitro-guanidine and nitroglycerine as ingredients.
4. Quick flash Commonly used in artillery guns.
4) High Ignition Temperature Propellant – is a type of
Composition of Black Powder: propellant in which the main constituent is from
RDX(Royal Demolition eXplosive) group of high
 Potassium Nitrate/ Saltpeter… … … . 75% explosives. This is a caseless cartridge.
 Charcoal … … … … … … … … … … .. 15%
 Sulphur … … … … … … … … … … … . 10% Other Related Terms:
a. Oxidation - the combination of oxygen with other
B. Semi-Smokeless Powder – in the late 1890’s and substances to produce new substance.
early 1900’s semi-smokeless powder began to be used as b. Combustion - the rapid combination of oxygen with
a substitute for black powder. It is essentially a powder another substance accompanied by the production of
having some of the ingredients of black powder and some noticeable heat and light.
of smokeless powder.
c. Explosion - a chemical or mechanical action resulting in
the rapid expansion of gases.
Characteristics of Semi-Smokeless Powder
d. Detonation - the creation of a supersonic shock
1. Medium rate flash with less smoke than the black wave within the explosive charge. An extremely rapid
powder. oxidation reaction accompanied by a violent
2. The residue does not harden and cake in the barrel to disruptive effect and an intense, high speed shock
some undesirable extent as with black powder. wave.
3. Composed of black irregular grains, usually duller in
appearance than black powder grains. Classification of Explosive
Composition of Semi-Smokeless Powder a) Low Explosive - an explosive with a velocity of
a. Sulphur detonation less than 1,000 meters per second e.g. black
b. Potassium nitrate powder and smokeless powder.
c. Charcoal b) High Explosive - an explosive with a velocity of
d. Nitrocellulose detonation more than 1,000 meters per second e.g.
dynamite and RDX
C. Smokeless Powder – the most powerful among the c) Primary high explosive - a high explosive that is easily
propellant. This type of powder commonly use now in modern detonated by heat or shock or friction e.g. primers. (lead
small arms ammunition. azide, lead Styphnate)
Nitrocellulose and Nitroglycerine as the major ingredients, d) Secondary High explosive - relatively insensitive to
mixed with one or more minor ingredients such as heat, shock or friction. It has to be detonated by a
centralite, Vaseline esters, inorganic salts and etc. primary explosive e.g. Dynamite, TNT (trinitrotoluene)
PETN (pentaerythritol) and RDX
(cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine) and tetryl.
Characteristics of Smokeless Powder
1. Relatively slow burning with little smoke with minute
ARMS MANUFACTURING PROCESS RELATED TO
residue in the barrel.
FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION
2. It is a true chemical compound
How the Barrel is Made
3. Smokeless powder grains have perfectly definite
All barrels, regardless of the type of weapon for
shape such as; small squares, flakes, sticks,
which they are made for, are being manufactured from a
spheres, pellets or perforated cylindrical grains.
solid piece of metal. The metal is carefully selected, for
4. Manufactured principally from nitrated cotton which its chemical and metallurgical structure, thus assuring a
is called “NITROCELLULOSE” high quality product after the various machine operations
Composition of Smokeless Powder and heat treatment are completed.
a. Nitrocellulose … … … … … … … . 60 parts
b. Nitroglycerine … … … … … … … 35 parts Characteristics of a Barrel Steel
c. Vaseline … … … … … … … … … . 5 parts 1. Machinability – the ability of the steel to be easily cut
and shaped.
Personalities Contributed for Gunpowder 2. Durability – ability of the steel to last a long time.
Christian Friedrich Schonbein – first introduced the 3. Strength – the quality or state of being strong.
GUNCOTTON or NITRATED COTTON, a nitrocellulose-
based material and principal ingredient of smokeless powder Steps in Making Gun Barrel
in 1846. He also promoted its use as a blasting explosive.
a. Drilling – is the first step and the most difficult among
Paul Vieille – a French engineer working on behalf of the the process. A Special Deep-Hole Drill is used through
French government, invented a good smokeless powder for the center of which the lubricating oil is forced under
rifles in 1884 which is called POUDRE B, made from pressure. The interior surface at this stage bears
gelatinized guncotton mixed with ether and alcohol. numerous scars and scratches resulting from the
Alfred Nobel – developed a smokeless gunpowder called irregular cutting of the drill and the metal chips which
BALLISTITE in GREAT BRITAIN in 1887. mark the finish.
Sir Frederick Abel and James Dewar – b. Reaming – this is the next step to remove the scars and
responsible for the modification of ballistite scratches left by the drilling operations in the entire
which eventually became known as CORDITE. length. The reamer removes the metal from the entire
Hudson Maxim – obtained a patent for surface due to its size which is slightly larger in diameter
smokeless powder in USA in 1890. than that of the drill. In shotgun barrels which should
have some degree of choke, choke cutter or reamer is
Main Classes of Smokeless Powder used to finish the muzzle end. This completes the bore
operations on a shotgun. If the barrel is to be rifled, it is
1) Single-Based Propellant contains only pure
done by means of several rifling methods.
nitrocellulose.
c. Rifling Process
2) Double-Based Propellant– are those having
nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine as their major i. Broach Gang – a tool having a series of cutting
ingredients, mixed with minor ingredients such as; edges of slightly increasing height used to cut the
centralite, Vaseline phthalate esters and inorganic spiral grooves in a barrel. All grooves are cut with
salts. This is commonly used in handgun and rifle a single pass of the broach.
cartridges. ii. Broach Single – A non-adjustable rifling cutter
which cuts all the grooves simultaneously, and
 is in a series of increasing dimensions until the e) Direction of Twist - rifling inside the barrel of the
desired grooved depth is achieved. gun is either twisted to the left or to the right which
iii. Button - a hardened metal plug called a “button” cause bullet to rotate as it passes through the bore,
affixed to a long rod with a rifled cross section in order to ensure gyroscopic stability in its flight.
configuration. Similarly to the broaching system the f) Pitch of Rifling - it is the measure of the twisting of
“button” is pulled or pushed through the barrel and the lands and grooves. It refers to the measure of the
twisted only once forming all spiral grooves to the distance advance by the rifling in order to make a
desired depth and twist in a single pass. complete turn inside the barrel.
iv. Hook Cutter – A cutting tool which has a hook g) Rate of Twist- Is the expression for one complete
shape and only cuts one groove at a time. A turn of the rifling on a certain length of the barrel. We
number of passes are made through a groove, say the twist rate is 1:12 when there is one complete
removing only a little metal each time, until the spiral groove in 12 inch of the barrel.
desired groove depth is attained. Fast Twist - When the number of inches of the barrel required
v. Scrape - A cutting tool which cuts two opposing for a complete turn is small, like 1:7;
grooves at a time. This method is practically the Slow Twist – When a greater number of inches in the barrel
same as the hook-cutter type, but it uses a different is necessary to have one complete turn, like 1:14;
form of cutting edge.
vi. Swage (hammer forging) – An internal h) Depth of the Grooves - the groove’s depth if measured
mandrel with rifling configuration which on a radius of the bore. Grooves are usually few
forms rifling in the barrel by means of thousandths of an inch deep, which equal to the height
external hammering. of the lands.
vii. Electro Chemical Rifling – is formed by wet-
etching the interior part of barrel under an Types of Rifling
electric current which dissolve the metal to 1) Steyer Type - is the type of rifling having four (4) lands
create grooves in the barrel. and grooves, right twist and the width of the lands
grooves. (4 RG=L)
d. Lapping – This is the polishing operation in which 2) Carbine Type - rifling having (4) lands and grooves,
lead plug closely fitting the inside of the barrel is right twist, the width of the grooves is two (2) times
drawn back and forth on a rod carrying with it a the width of the lands (4RG2X).
polishing compound. This operation polishes both the 3) Smith and Wesson - rifling having (5) lands and
land and groove areas of the barrel and remove many grooves, right hand twist , the width of the land and
of the larger imperfections resulting from the cutting grooves are equal. (5RG=L)
operations. 4) Colt - type of rifling having six (6) lands and grooves,
e. Chambering Process – This is the final step in left twist, the width of the grooves is twice (2) the width
making gun barrel. Chambering or cutting away of of the lands. (6LG2X)
the breech end of the barrel where the cartridge or 5) Browning - type of rifling having (6) lands and grooves,
shotgun shell is to fit. right hand twist, the width of the grooves is twice the
width of the lands. (6RG2X)
Breechface Manufacture 6) Webley - Rifling having seven (7) lands and grooves,
Another stage of firearm manufacturing which is very right hand twist, the width of the groove is three time
important in identifying the firearm is the finishing larger than the boarder of the lands. (7RG3X)
operations on the breechface of the weapon. This is that 7) Winchester - Rifling having six (6) lands and grooves,
portion of the firearm from which the cartridge case and the right hand twist, the width of the grooves is three time
primer are forced backwards when a cartridge is fired in the larger the width of the lands.
chamber. As this occurs, the base of the cartridge case will
be imprinted with the tool markings on the breechface of the Individual Characteristics - are meant for those
firearm. This happens characteristics which are being determined only after the
because the base of the cartridge case is softer than the firearm was already been manufactured. They are the
breechface of the firearm. “Therefore, when the soft product of machine imperfections and some later due to the
surface comes in contact with a hard surface under used of the firearms.
tremendous pressure, it is the soft surface that is left or
engraved with the toolmark from the hard surface.
Two Types of Markings (Individual)
Types of Characteristics in Firearms 1. Impression type – those markings caused by direct
pressure contact. (ex. Breechface mark)
Class Characteristics - are those properties or attributes of
a firearms which can be determined even before the 2. Striated mark – those markings caused by sliding
manufacture of the gun. This is true for such characteristics contact. (ex. Minute striations on the cylindrical surface
are considered to be a manufacture’s designs or of the bullet)
specifications and security.
The following are the Class Characteristics of Firearms: Marks Found on Fired Bullets
a) Bore diameter (caliber or gauge) it is diameter to which a) Land Marks - marks left on a fired bullet caused by
the bore was reamed. The distance measured between its contact to the elevated portion (lands) of the bore
two opposite lands inside the bore in a hundredths or of the firearm. It appears as slight depressions or
thousandths of an inch. In most express in either caliber scratches the cylindrical surface of the fired bullet.
in inch or in millimeters. b) Groove Marks - marks found on a fired bullet caused by
b) Number of lands and grooves - the number of lands the grooves of the barrel which is the same number as
and grooves inside the barrel of a given firearm are that of the landmarks.
always the same or equal. It may run from 3 to 8, but the c) Skid Marks - Marks that are generally found on fired
most in the modern firearm are five and six. bullet from a revolver. It is more or less located at the
 Lands - are the elevated portion of the bore of the anterior portion of the fired bullet due to its forward
firearm. movement from the chamber to the barrel of the gun
before it initially rotates.
 Grooves - are the depressed portion of the bore
between the lands. d) Stripping Marks - marks found on those bullet fired
from a “loose-fit” barrel wherein the rifling are already
c) Width of the lands - is dependent upon the bore
been badly worn-out.
diameter of the gun, grooves, width and number.
The lands are the remainders of the circumference e) Worn-out - can be cause by either chemical reaction
after subtracting all the grooves width. brought about by rust (corrosion) or through excessive
use (erosion)
d) Width of the Grooves - is measured as the shortest
distance between the two dies or edge of a grooves.
f) Shaving Marks - marks commonly found on bullet of the crime scene is recorded before any occurrence that
fired from a revolver cause by its forward movement to disturbs the scene. As a rule, do not touch, alter or remove
the barrel that is poorly aligned to the cylinder. anything at the crime scene until the evidence has been
g) Slippage Marks - marks found on fired bullets passing processed through notes, sketches and photograph, with
through either on oily or oversize barrel. proper measurements.

Marks Found on Fired Shells 2. Searching for evidence

1) Firing Pin Mark - mark generally found at the base Each crime is different, according to the physical nature
portion of the cartridge case more specifically near of the scene and the crime or offense involved. Consequently,
center of the primer cup in a center fire cartridge or at the scene is processed in accordance with the prevailing
the rim cavity of a rim-fire cartridge. Considered as one physical characteristics of the scene and with the need to
of the most important marks for identification of firearms develop essential evidentiary facts peculiar to the offense. A
using fired shell. general survey of the scene is always made, however, to
2) Breech Face Mark - mark found at the base portion note the locations of obvious traces of action, the probable
of the shell cause by backward movement to the entry and exit points used by the offender(s) and the size
breech face of the block of the firearm. This is also and shape of the area involved.
one of the important marks in shell identification. In rooms, buildings, and small outdoor areas, a
3) Extractor Marks - usually found in a striated form, are systematic search of evidence is initiated (In the interest of
those created by the extractor of most auto-loading or uniformity, it is recommended that the clockwise movement
repeating firearms. The extractor is a small part be used.) The investigator examines each item encountered
sometimes resembling a hook that is used to remove a on the floor, walls, and ceiling to locate anything that may be
cartridge or cartridge case from the chamber of a of evidentiary value.
firearm.
4) Ejector mark - mark generally found on cartridge The following are the methods of Crime Scene Search:
case fired from an automatic firearms. It is located a. Strip Search Method - Applicable when the shooting
near the rim of the case cause by the throwing of incident took place in a small closed area. In this
shell from the firearm to the area of shooting. method, the area is blocked out in the form of a
5) Shearing Mark - sometimes called “Secondary Firing rectangle.
Pin mark” found in the primer near the firing pin mark. b. Double Strip Method - Applicable when shooting
6) Magazine Lip Mark - marking found at the two incident took place in a bigger area. The double
sides of the rim cause by the magazine lips strip or grid method of search is a modification of
during the loading of the cartridge into the the Strip Search Method. Here, the rectangle is
magazine for firing. traversed first parallel to the base then parallel to a
7) Chamber Mark - mark mostly found around the side.
body of the fired cartridge case cause by the c. Wheel Method - In this method of search, the
irregularities of nips inside the walls of the area is considered to be approximately circular.
chamber. The searchers gather at the center and proceed
outward along radii or spokes.
PRELIMINARY FIREARMS INVESTIGATION (C.S. d. Spiral Method - In this method, the three searchers
SEARCH) PROCEDURE AT THE CRIME SCENE follow each other along the path of a spiral, beginning
The following procedures are mandated by no less than the on the outside and spiraling in toward the center.
PNP Investigative Manual with some modification: e. Zone Method - In this method, one searcher is
assigned to each subdivision of a quadrant, and then
Steps to be followed upon arrival at the crime scene: each quadrant is cut into another set of quadrants.
It must be noted that the first priority upon arrival at the
crime scene is to save life if possible. At present, when a 3. Collection of Evidences
crime is committed, it becomes a practice for the officer in Great care should be exercised when collecting physical
charge to call for SOCO assistance to ensure a more evidences. Be sure that you “don’t MAC” the evidence.
systematic approach in locating, recognizing, packing, M – mutilate the evidence
preserving and transmittal of physical evidence. A – alter the very nature of the evidence
C – contaminate the evidence
The following steps must be observed upon arrival at the HOW TO COLLECT FIREARM(S)AT THE SCENE OF THE
crime scene: CRIME
a. Record the date and time of arrival including the weather At the scene, the firearm should be picked up by the
condition (if information was obtained through telephone investigator using a handkerchief or small string or
call, note accurately the time the call was received small wire inserted through the “trigger guard” of the
before leaving). firearm.
b. Look for living person immediately at the place (witness, 1. Be sure that in picking up the suspected firearm, the
victim, suspect if possible) muzzle point of the barrel is not pointed towards the
c. If an injured person is at the scene, arrange for medical person picking it up, nor it is pointed to any one in the
attention, identification or removal. The scene should be vicinity.
disturbed only to the extent necessary to have medical 2. If it is a revolver and is in full cocked position, there’s
aid rendered to the injured or have a doctor examine a always the danger of a little amount of” jarring” when
deceased victim. Each alteration should be accurately picking up as the gun might fire, causing additional
recorded. It’s but proper to take photographs for shooting or accident. A piece of crumpled paper or
recording purposes. carton may be placed just in front of the hammer after
which the trigger should be checked. This is done to
PROCEDURE AT THE CRIME SCENE prevent accidental or unnecessary firing.
1. Recording
The investigator begins the process of recording 4. Marking of Physical Evidences
pertinent facts and details of the investigation the moment Marking of physical evidences – like fired bullets, fired
he arrives at the crime scene. (He should record the time shell, firearms or other objects or items is very significant
when he was initially notified prior to his arrival). He also on the part of the investigator that he can readily identify
writes down the identification of persons involved and what these evidences during the trial of the case in court at the
he witness stand. If these physical evidences cannot be
initially saw. He also draws a basic sketch of the crime readily identified during the trial, they become “inutile”
scene and takes the initial photograph (if a photographer is thus serve no evidentiary value at all.
available, avail his services). This is to ensure that an image
1. Physical evidences like fired bullets, fired shells, firearms 7. Name of suspect (if known)
and allied items should be properly marked or labeled for 8. Other features of value
future identification as they are collected. This procedure is
very important because:
5. Preservation of Physical Evidences
a) The officer may be called to the witness stand
several weeks, months or years after the Physical evidences like firearms, fired
commission of the crime to identify objects bullets, fired shells and the like, should be
collected at the scene. properly preserved for future identification and
presentation during the litigation of the case.
b) The officer cannot completely rely on his memory
because of several other cases in between. Fired bullets and fired shells, should be
wrapped in tissue paper and sealed in pillbox, match
c) Defense may require that the complete chain of box, vial or any similar container. The container
possession or custody of the ballistics exhibits be should also be properly labeled. Each article of
established. evidence should be placed in a separate container,
2. Identification is easily determined by means of a “mark” or and each container should be accordingly marked
label which has been placed on the physical evidence The or labeled for future reference. Use a container
following steps are used when marking physical evidence or which will not easily break, or one which is large
ballistics exhibits: enough for the
evidence to be removed and replaced easily. Do not use
a) Use a distinctive mark such as initials of the recovering a container that is too much large for the specimen.
officer. Wrapping or Packaging Materials
b) Do not use “ X ” for marking because “ X ” is a universal The investigating officer should exercise
mark and that is hard or difficult to distinguish one “ X ” care and resourcefulness in securing wrapping or
from other “ X ” . packaging materials that he can use to preserve
c) Record the mark used and the position of the marks his physical evidences. He should always bear in
present on the object. mind the value of preserving the evidentiary value
d) Record the serial number or other distinctive marks of his ballistics exhibits.
present on the object. Materials Ideal for Packaging Physical Evidences:
e) Mark the object itself, taking care not to damage or alter 1) Typewritter ribbon tin can
it. 2) Matchbox
f) Always mark the container in which the object is placed 3) Cotton
even the object itself is already marked. 4) Cleansing tissue or box
g) When tags are used, mark corresponding entry in the 5) Envelopes
tag and attach it securely to the object. 6) Plastic container
7) Plastic wrapper
HOW AND WHERE TO MARK FIRED BULLETS
Fired bullets should be marked with the following: (Initials of 6. Transmittal of the Physical Evidences
the Recovering Officer, Date of Recovery, and Order or
Once the officer has collected and marked all
Manner of Recovery) (I-D-O) Fired Bullets should be marked
the physical evidences, he has to transmit these
on the following parts: (Nose, Anterior, and Base)
ballistics exhibits to their respective departments
and submit the same to the DUTY DESK OFFICER
The field investigator can do this by the use of STYLUS, or to the duly designated receiving officer in their
SCRIBER, SHARP KNIFE, or any pointed instrument. In office. The officer on the case must be duly aware
cases wherein the nose or anterior or anterior portion of of this CHAIN OF POSSESSION OF PHYSICAL
the fired bullet is badly damaged or deformed, the EVIDENCE. He must be able to state the following:
markings should be placed at the base portion of the
1. Who recovered the evidences
bullet.
2. Who received the exhibits from him
HOW AND WHERE TO MARK FIRED CARTRIDGE CASES 3. When where the exhibits submitted
Similarly with the fired bullets, the fired cartridge case 4. Date and time received
REVOLVER PISTOL RIFLE SHOTGUN 5. Was a receipt issued and by whom
6. It is important to establish where the evidences were at
Frame Frame or Frame Frame
all times
receiver
7. There must be no unknown gap as to the whereabouts
Cylinder Slide Barrel Barrel of the exhibits
Barrel Barrel Bolt Stock/Bolt
8. The officer must be able to impress to the judge or
should be marked with the following: (Initials of the court that all the evidences have been properly
Recovering Officer, Date of Recovery, and Order or Manner protected and preserved until their presentation
of Recovery) ( I-D - O) before the court.
Fired cartridge case should be marked on the following parts:
(Inside, near the open mouth or Outside, near the open FORENSIC FIREARM IDENTIFICATION
mouth) Forensic Firearms Examination is a highly
technical task which need thorough examinations.
WHERE AND HOW TO MARK SUSPECTED FIREARM For the experts to be able to give his opinion to a
The suspected firearm, besides noting down its pertinent certain area, like in forensic ballistics he should
features in connection with the collection of the physical conduct examination in such a manner that the result
evidences, should be marked with the following:(Initials of the will give justice for all, and a person to be called an
Recovering Officer, Date of Recovery, and Order or Manner expert aside from their qualifications, he should have
of Recovery) (I-D-O) undergone research, training/schooling and lastly
good experience in his field.
Besides markings these main parts of the firearm, a “tag” may
be made and filled up with the following entries: PRINCIPLE OF FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION
Studies have shown that no two firearms, even
1. Type of firearm – revolver, pistol, rifle, shotgun etc. those of the same make and model, will produce the
2. Make or model of the firearm same unique marks on fired
3. Caliber of the firearm bullets and cartridge cases. Manufacturing
4. Serial number (most important) processes, use, and abuse leave surface
5. Date of recovery characteristics within the firearm that cannot be
6. Name of victim (if known) exactly reproduced in other firearms.
 BASIC PRINCIPLE: *Is the most and widely and reliable instrument in Firearms
1) Firearms identification is actually a refined tool mark Identification is the Bullet Comparison Microscope. With
identification. this instrument, the firearm examiner can make a complete
2) The natural wear and tear of the tools is involved. examination and comparison of the so called CLASS and
INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS that appears on the fired
3) When a soft surface comes in contact with the hard
bullets and fired cartridge cases.
surface, the soft surface is left with impressions or
scratches from any irregularities on the hard
surface. Under the microscope the two fired bullets or fired
cartridge cases can be examined in a juxtaposition and
4) The fact that no two things are absolutely identical.
whatever the observation and findings obtained during the
5) Principles of firearm identification states that examination can be photograph for court presentation and
“no two barrels of firearms are microscopically also to give the court a better understanding and
identical as the surface of their bore possesses
good appreciation of how he came to that conclusion.
individual characteristics.
6) These scratches or striations vary from gun to gun
Every examiner, no matter how experienced or expert he
and it can be said that “no two guns will leave the
may be, has had the experience of spending many hours in
same scratches or impressions on a fired bullets
the attempt to get the satisfactory and convincing
and shells.
matching in cases where there was every reason to believe
that it was the gun that fired the evidence bullet or shell.
TYPES OF PROBLEMS: There are seven (7) types of Obtain matching as many as possible, because convincing
problem in Firearms Identification, namely: one’s self
Type 1 – Given a fired bullet: to determine the caliber
and type of firearm from which it was fired.
FINDINGS/CONCLUSION
Type 2 – Given a fired cartridge case: to determine the
Findings are the bases of conclusion. A conclusion
caliber and type of firearm from which it was fired.
cannot be made without the findings. A good conclusion is
Type 3 – Given a fired bullet and a suspected firearm: to always based on goodfindings. In comparative examination of
determine whether or not the bullet was fired from a the evidence bullet that are found on the periphery running
suspected firearm. from the forward shoulder to the base portion (these are
Type 4 – Given a fired cartridge case and a suspected surface of the barrel), are discernible with the test bullet or if
firearm: to determine whether or not the cartridge case they have the congruency, correspondence or intermarriage,
was fired from a suspected then the evidence bullet and the test bullet were fired from
firearm. one and the same firearm.
Type 5 – Given two or more fired bullets: to determine Clip or magazine markings may also give visible
whether or not they were fired from one and the same markings. Like the ejector or extractor markings if considered
firearm. single may not be abasis for conclusion. This only serves as
Type 6 – Given two or more fired cartridge cases: to corroborative characteristics but certainly lacks legal
determine whether or not they were fired from one and significance. This is so because the case may have these
the same firearm. markings even if they were unloaded from the firearm without
firing. As a rule, the point of the examination and comparison
Type 7 – Given a suspected firearm: To determine if the
is at the area of the primer proper where breechface
suspected firearm is serviceable.
markings together with the firing pin impression are located.
Primers are softer metals and receive more prominent
TECHNIQUES OF EXAMINATION striation than any other portion of the base.
1. Physical – Evidence bullets, cartridge cases and
suspected firearm once submitted by the requesting party Conclusion is the opinion gathered from the finding. This is
will be physically examined to determine its markings or the end result of the examination and should be taken
initials made by the investigator for identification purposes. seriously as it involves the life and liberty of the suspect.
If no identifying marks were found thefirearms examiner
A. When the evidence and the test bullets or
will, before anything, affix his own identifying markings or
cartridge cases have the same individual
initials derived form the names of the requesting party,
characteristics, the competent examiner will
victim or suspect in that order of priority.
conclude that they were fired from one and the
Bullets of different class characteristics will be same suspected firearm.
segregated from one another especially the determination of
caliber, number of lands and grooves, twist of rifling, etc. to B. If they have different individual characteristics, certainly,
facilitate its easy final microscopic examination. the evidence bullets or cases were not fired from the
suspected firearm.
Cartridge cases will also be segregated to determine
the caliber, type and make of firearm from which they were C. Where the evidence has no prominent or minor
fired. Misfired or dud cartridges will also be taken into striations that the three tests, it calls for uncertainty and
consideration. Although they may not have any ballistics doubt for a positive or negative conclusion. Only those
probative value, yet, they may give a clue to the solution of a evidence bullets or cases that have the same individual
crime. characteristics may be taken of photomicrograph for
Court presentation.
2. Test Firing – The firearm is test fired before a bullet
recovery box in order to obtain test bullets and test cartridge In the comparative microscopic examination of the
cases for comparison with the evidence bullets and evidence bullet/shell with the test fired bullet/shell a
cartridge cases, respectively,. But before firing, the cartridge firearms examiner will arrive at one of three the
will be marked at the side of the case and on the nose conclusions:
portion of the bullet with letter “T” (to represent test) 1. Identification signifies a match between two
followed by the last two digits of the serial number of the ammunition components (bullet, shell) or a match
firearm of the test to be made (eg) T-77- 1, T-77-2, and T- between an ammunition components and firearm with
77-3 in their order of firing to distinguish the number 1 test respect to its class and individual characteristics.
from the number 2 or 3 as the case may be. 2. Exclusion represents a non-match between the
examined items of evidence either class or individual
3. Microscope Examination – After the recovery of the test characteristics. The possibility of an association between
bullets and cartridge case, they will be compared with the the items is excluded.
evidence cartridge cases under the Bullet Comparison 3. No Conclusion indicates that the ammunition
Microscope to determine whether or not the have the components could neither be identified nor eliminated
congruency of striations or the same as having been fired by a particular weapon based on
individual characteristics. the quantity and quality of microscopic markings.

BULLET COMPARISON MICROSCOPE Requirements for a Positive Identification

 In order to derive a concrete and reliable conclusion of 5. Fore – refers to the front part of the report; is achieved
positive identification, there should be a prominency, by arranging the contents of the report in such a way that
consistency, and or significance of the impressions on it is easy to identify any section, part or items of the
both questioned and standard specimen being compared. materials presented and their visual arrangements.
1) Prominent is standing out or projecting beyond a
surface or line, readily noticeable. SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT GENERALLY USED IN
2) Consistent means possessing firmness. The FIREARMS INVESTIGATION AND IDENTIFICATION
impression or striation found on the evidence bullet or The following are the list of equipment that are generally
cartridge case appearing in every test bullets and used in a typical Ballistics Laboratory:
cartridge cases.
3) Significant is when the markings have meaning or A. Bullet Comparison Microscope. The Bullet
capable of being interpreted by the Firearms Examiner Comparison Microscope is the most important scientific
or Ballistician. equipment in a typical Ballistics Laboratory. It is used for
comparing evidence bullets or shells and test bullets or
BALLISTICS REPORT WRITING shells to determine whether or not they were fired from a
Ballistics report writing involves six points of investigation, suspected firearm. It is designed to permit the firearm
one of which is to ascertain whether a particular firearm examiner to differentiate two fired bullet or shell, by
submitted for ballistics examination is in working condition or simultaneously observing their magnified image in a
not. This constitutes the examination of the said firearm, single microscopic field. Fired bullet and shell are
whether it was recently fired or not is subject to the examined and compared in either INTERMARRIAGE
examination of the Chemistry section. (half of the same image of the evidence bullet/shell and
half of the same image of the test bullet/shell of the same
direction, the same magnification, and the same level or
*When a firearm is submitted for examination, plane are merge into one image to look for the
It is important to note whether the condition of the firearm is congruency of stations or the same markings) and in
serviceable or not. JUXTAPOSITION (critical side by side comparison at
*The examination of pellets is the hardest examination the same time, direction, magnification, image and level
because of the absence of the land and groove marks. The or plane to find the same feature, structure of striations
usual findings include: to the specimens under observation). During the 1920’s
1) The gauge of the shotgun as determined by the forensic science began to play a role in many major
presence of the wad which shows the gauge; cases. Calvin Goddard became known as a major
2) Kind of shot shells. forensic scientist during this time. His passion for
*If a hole is caused by a bullet, the findings should be: ballistics and justice led to his most famous invention,
the hole could have been caused by the bullet. This the comparison microscope. As he made a name for
is the Chemist’s job. If the finding is insufficient, himself in this field, he is known as the “FATHER OF
nothing is accomplished. THE MODERN BALLISTICS” . He was called upon to
solve many challenging cases including the Sacco and
Purposes of Writing an Investigation Report Vanzetti Case and The St. Valentines Day Massacre.
1. To provide a permanent record of information obtained in
the course of an investigation. B. Sterioscopic Microscope. It is generally used in the
primary examinations of fired bullet and shells to
2. To communicate the information obtained in an determine the relative distribution of the class
investigation.
characteristics or for orientation purposes. It does not
3. To provide other investigators with a basis for have any other camera attachment and no
continuation of an investigation. photomicrograph can be taken for court presentation. It
4. To enable the supervisor-officer reviewing the can also be used in the closed-up examination of
work of the investigator in determining whether tampered serial numbers of firearms. • In the middle of
the investigation is properly developed or not; 19th century,Francis Herbert Wenham of London
5. To provide the proper authorities with a permanent designed the first successful stereomicroscope. The first
record of facts of the crime: the perpetrator; names and modern stereoscopic microscope was introduced in the
addresses of witnesses; the nature and location of United States by Cycloptic.
physical evidences; and other matters pertaining to the
crime. C. Shadowgraph. It contains a series of microscopic
lenses of different magnifications that can be used in
The Important Principles in Report Writing examining fired bullets or fired shells to determine the
1. Accuracy – is achieved by relating the information, class characteristics and also for orientation purposes.
which was gained through physical senses to an This instrument contains a large circular ground glass,
investigation. An investigator should be able to and a diameter about 14 inches, wherein the
distinguish the following: observation and comparison of class characteristics is
done similarly with the bullet comparison microscope, it
a) Fact from hearsay; can take photomicrographs of the observations and
b) Fact from opinion; comparisons made in the circular ground glass.
c) Fact from conclusion.
2. Completeness – is achieved by narrating the facts D. CP-6 Comparison Projector. Similar to bullet
discovered during the course of the investigation. When in comparison microscope in which two fired bullets of shell
doubt, the investigator must report the following: can be compared simultaneously by projecting the image
a) What information is lacking? on a large screen and is observed at a vertical and
b) What efforts should be made to obtain the information? comfortable viewing. With the use of this equipment
there is absolutely no strain of any kind. No eyestrain is
c) Why was the information not obtained? experienced by the examiner because the magnified
d) What must be done to obtain the lacking information? image appears on a large screen and is observed at a
3. Brevity – is achieved by excluding from the report the vertical and comfortable viewing distance as well as no
unnecessary details, but at the same time achieving backstrain from stooping over the microscope several
completeness by including all relevant, pertinent and essential hours a day. With this method, what can be seen on the
information. A lengthy report does not mean the investigator screen can be photographed by any kind of camera. The
did a good job. instrument was invented by William Howard Livens, an
4. Impartiality – is achieved by, as a rule, reporting engineer and British army.
facts without any addition or deduction. The investigator
should not conceal any information and should remain E. Bullet Recovery Box. It is used to obtain test fired
unbiased in the course of an investigation or bullets or test fired shells for examination and
examination. comparison to the questioned bullets or shell. Several
 designs of bullet recovery box are now adopted, for as signature from an expended cartridge case, similar in
long as it could meet the desired result in test firing and operation to Bulletproof. It has the ability to
retrieved the fired bullet undamaged.This is commonly V. automatically search the database of cartridge cases
filled with cotton but sometimes water tank, sawdust with and rank in descending order the most likely hits.
oil, sand, waste threads, darak (powdered rice husk),
banana trunks or rubber strips can be used and VI. Drugfire – developed by the Federal Bureau of
separated by cardboard.In test firing suspected firearms, Investigations and Mnemonic Systems Inc., is a new
it is a standard procedure to use ammunition that are of computerized technology that will allow the Forensic
the same caliber, make or brand and manufactured in the Firearm Examiner to associate previously unrelated
same year as that of the evidence bullet or shell. The firearms involved in different cases. This is a data-
purpose of this is primarily to subject the suspected based driven multi-media system designed to
firearm to the same conditions under which it was increase the effectiveness of Forensic Firearm
alleged to have been at the time of the commission of Examiner in searching open case expended cartridge
the crime. Water is one means to obtain test bullets and and bullet files. This system also integrates a forensic
shells because the microscopic marks on the cylindrical database, audio, video, digital imaging, and
or peripheral surface of the bullets are preserved for
good use. The same is true with cotton. But in test firing VII. telecommunications to aid the examiner in his quest to
in a water tank, one fires the gun in a vertical position associate unrelated cases.
which sometimes causes water to be splashed into the
face of the one firing the gun. RELEVANT JURISPRUDENCE
Proclamation No. 1081 was the document that contained
F. Helixometer. This is the type of instrument used in a formal proclamation of martial law in the Philippines by
measuring “pitch of riflings” of firearms. This instrument President Ferdinand Marcos, as announced to the public
is generally used in highly advanced ballistics on September 23, 1972. Marcos’s concrete response to
laboratories or commercial agencies.With this these challenges. In its effort to legitimize the military
instrument, it is possible to measure the angle of twist in government and to undermine the use of firearms of both
a rifled pistol or revolver barrel. It is used in inserting the insurgents and secessionist movements, Marcos
telescope and aligning it with the axis of the bore. The promulgated the following state policies under the martial
scope is mounted in a rotatable bearing, with a law regime
graduated disc which permits reading circular General Order No.06 - prohibition to use unlicensed
measurements to three minutes of an arc. • This firearms
instrument was invented by John H. Fisher. General Order No.07 - authorizing uniformed personnel to
carry firearms
G. Caliper.This is an instrument used in making General Order No.07-A - inclusion of other government
measurements such as bullet diameter, bore diameter, agents to the authorization order
barrel length, and other important details.
General Order No.22 - laid down the guideline on the
classification of firearms
H. Micrometer. Similar in use as calipers but it can only
measure the diameter of bullet.
Presidential Decree 1866, Codifying the laws on
illegal/unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in,
I. Analytical or Torsion Balance. This is used for acquisition or disposition, of firearms, ammunition, or
determining weights of bullets or shotgun pellets-for explosives or instruments used in the manufacture of
possible determination of type, caliber, and make of firearms, ammunition or explosives, and imposing stiffer
firearms from which they were fired. penalties for certain violations. Police authorities can go after
manufacturers of illegal firearms, curtail the proliferation and
J. Onoscope. A small instrument sometimes used in sale of illegal firearms of ammunition in the market and
examining the internal surface of the gun barrel. It has a address critical public safety concerns at that time.
tiny lamp at the terminal portion and this is inserted
inside the bore for internal examinations. Ferdinand Marcos signed Presidential Decree 1866 on
June 29, 1983, providing for the general rules on
K. Taper Gauge. Used primarily for determining the bore possession, manufacture, and trade of firearms and
diameter of firearms. ammunition as well as the corresponding penalties for
violations. Similarly, it also provides for the rules that
L. Electric Gun Marker. Used in the laboratory for marking govern men and women in uniform as far as firearms
fired bullets, fired shells, and firearms submitted for possession and use are concerned. The existing law on
examination. firearms, PD 1866, states that a civilian is allowed
ownership of only one long arm and one short arm, this
M. Chronograph. Used primarily for determining the speed ruling was “relaxed” during the time of former President
of the bullet or the muzzle velocity of the bullet. Estrada. Despite the absence of implementing rules and
regulation (IRR), the gun groups still view Executive Order
164 issued by President Estrada in February 2000 as a
NEW WEAPON ON THE WAR ON CRIME general repeal not only of the one-long, one-shot rule but
I. IBIS – a computerized identification system that stores also a repeal of the ban regarding civilian ownership of
ballistics information on bullets and cartridge cases high caliber firearms.
submitted as evidence in connection with a crime. It
also stores test-fired bullets and cartridge cases and can
In the Philippines, gun ownership remains a privilege. Hence,
cross-search and match the known with
the state has within its power the authority to issue stringent
II. the unknown in an attempt to identify a cartridge case measures on civilian possession. The Revised
or bullet. The computer electronically compares and Administrative Code (RAC) of 1917, particularly Section
catalogs bullets and shells located at the crime scene. 877 to 906, provided the first legal definition of a firearm and
III. Bulletproof – is a field-proven automated bullet image granted the Police Constabulary regulatory powers over it.
analysis system. It captures the image of the This law provides that the barrel of any firearm shall be
microscopic features found on the surface of a fired considered a complete firearm. Moreover, Section 878 of
bullet in a highly repeatable manner. The markings or RAC requires the license of firearms, Section 879 justifies
signatures are analyzed by the computer and can be the issuance of service firearms to state security forces and
compared to those of other fired bullets or to an entire deputized officers, Section 883 requires all individuals who
database if fired. wish to start a business of firearms dealing must secure a
license from the government, and Section 887 allows private
IV. Brasscatcher – an automated cartridge case image individuals to possess firearms for self-protection.
analysis system. It incorporates the exacting forensic
science software required to extract the marking of
National Emergency Memorandum Order No. 6, issued in
1990, requiring the re-registration of all civilian firearms, the
inventory of all government-issued firearms. The subsequent
Executive Order 22 (1993) mandated the surrender of the
licensing of all loose firearms and
the establishment of a central records unit.

The RA 7166, an act providing for synchronized national

and local elections and for electoral reforms, authorizing
appropriations therefor, and for other purposes.
Synchronized Election Law, passed in 1991 provided for
the legal basis of a gun ban during the election period.
Executive Order 171 (2003) issued by Former President
Arroyo, however, reversed the EO 164 ruling on the matter
of gun caliber but was silent on the number of guns that
may be owned by civilians. Nevertheless, it was the PN that
issued a cap often firearms per civilian. This law prohibits
paltiks from being licensed. The paltik is effectively a
ghost gun; an unregistered weapon bearing no serial
numbers.

Republic Act 8294. An act amending the provisions of

presidential decree no. 1866, as amended, entitled “codifying
the laws on illegal/unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing
in, acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunition or
explosives or instruments used in the manufacture of firearms,
ammunition or explosives, and imposing stiffer penalties for
certain violations thereof, and for relevant purposes” Republic
Act 8294, amended PD 1866 and was signed into law on
June 6, 1997, and Republic Act 9516 (Illegal possession of
explosives), signed on December 22, 2007. RA 8294
increased the penalties for illegal possession of firearms,
and included in the definition of ünlicensed firearms”
those with an expired license and/or those with a license but
are used without authorization in the commission of a crime.
This law states that “illegal possession of firearms has a
penalty of prision correctional in its maximum period and fine
of not less than fifteen thousand pesos (Php 15,000.00).
Legally, guns cannot be brought outside the home without a
permit to carry (PTC) which issued only by the Chief PNP,
except during the election period when issuance of the PTC
rests with the Commission on Election (COMELEC). The
reality, however, paints a different picture, as penalties seem
to pose little deterrence for illegal gun holders.

Republic Act (RA) No. 10591, otherwise known as “An Act

Providing For A Comprehensive Law on Firearms and
Ammunition and Providing Penalties For Violations Thereof,”
was signed into law by the President of the Philippines on
May 29, 2013. Loose firearm refers to an unregistered
firearm, an obliterated or altered firearm, firearm which has
been lost or stolen, illegally manufactured firearms, registered
firearms in the possession of an individual other than the
licensee and those with revoked licenses in accordance with
the rules and regulations. This law recognizes the right of its
qualified citizens to self-defense when it is the reasonable
means to repel the unlawful aggression under the
circumstances, the use of firearms, and only small arms
may be registered by licensed citizens or licensed
juridical entities for ownership, possession, and
concealed carry.
The following are the unlawful acts punished by:

Unlawful Acquisition, or Possession of Class-B light weapon;

Reclusion Perpetua
Planting of evidence by a public officer or employee
Arms Smuggling. – The penalty of reclusion perpetua
Class-B Light weapons
Refers to weapons designed for use by two (2) or more persons serving as a crew, or rifles and machine guns
exceeding caliber 7.62MM such as heavy machine guns, handheld underbarrel and mounted grenade launchers,
portable anti-aircraft guns, portable anti-tank guns, recoilless rifles, portable launchers of anti-tank missile and rocket
systems, portable launchers of anti-aircraft missile systems, and mortars of a caliber of less than 100MM.

Reclusion Temporal to Unlawful Acquisition, or Possession of three (3) or more small arms or Class-A light
Reclusion Perpetua weapons
(that is, from 12 years and 1 day to
Unlawful Manufacture, Importation, Sale or Disposition of Firearms or Ammunition or
40 years) Parts Thereof, Machinery, Tool or Instrument Used or Intended to be Used in the
Manufacture of Firearms, Ammunition or Parts Thereof.
Class-A Light weapons
Refers to self-loading pistols, rifles and carbines, submachine guns, assault rifles and light machine guns not
exceeding caliber 7.62MM which have fully automatic mode.

Reclusion Temporal Disposition, Sale or Transfer of government-issued firearms, ammunition or major

(that is, from 12 years and 1 day to parts of firearms or light weapons by any law enforcement agent or public
20 years) officer to private individuals.

Prision Mayor in its maximum Unlawful Acquisition, or Possession of Class-A light weapon
period Unlawful Acquisition, or Possession of a major part of a Class-B light weapon
(that is, from 10 years and 1 day Unlawful Acquisition, or Possession of ammunition for a Class-B light weapon;
to Planting Evidence – any person who shall willfully and maliciously insert; place,
12 years) and/or attach, directly or indirectly, through any overt or covert act, any firearm, or
ammunition, or parts thereof in the person, house, effects, or in the immediate
vicinity of an innocent individual for the purpose of implicating or incriminating
the person, or imputing the commission of any violation of the provisions of this Act
to said individual.
Prision Mayor in its medium Unlawful Acquisition, or Possession of a Small Arm
period
Unlawful Acquisition, or Possession of a major part of a Class-A light weapon
(that is, from 8 years and 1 day to
10 Unlawful Acquisition, or Possession of an ammunition for a Class-A light weapon
years)
Prision Mayor in its minimum Acquisition or Possession of a major part of a small arm
period
(from 6 years and 1 day to 8 years Acquisition or Possession of an ammunition for a small arm or Class-A light weapon.

Prision Mayor in its minimum

period Tampering, Obliteration or Alteration of Firearms Identification
(that is, from 6 months and 1 day
to
8 years)
Absence of Permit to Carry Outside of Residence. – The penalty of prision
correccional (From 6 months and 1 day to 6 years) and a fine ofTen thousand pesos
Prision Correccional (P10,000.00) shall be imposed upon any person who is licensed to own a firearm but
(that is, from 6 months and 1 day who shall carry the registered firearm outside his/her residence without any legal
to authority therefor.
6 years) Illegal Transfer/Registration of Firearms
Any public officer or employee or any person who shall facilitate the registration of a
firearm through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or submission of falsified documents
shall suffer the penalty of prision correccional.

Failure to Notify Lost or Stolen Firearm or Light Weapon – A fine ofTen thousand
pesos (P10,000.00) shall be imposed upon any licensed firearm holder who fails to
report to the FEO of the PNP that the subject firearm has been lost or stolen within a
Fine Only period of thirty (30) days from the date of discovery.

A fine of Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) shall be imposed upon any person holding
a valid firearm license who changes residence or ofice address other than that
indicated in the license card and fails within a period of thirty (30) days from said
transfer to notify the FEO of the PNP of such change of address.