Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics: Examining and Interpreting Forensic Evidence(Developments in Forensic Science)

The updated second edition of Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics includes recent developed analytical techniques and methodologies with a more comprehensive glossary, additional material, and new case studies. With a new chapter on the determination of bullet caliber via x-ray photography, this edition includes revised material on muzzle attachments, proof marks, non-toxic bullets, and gunshot residues. Essential reading for forensic scientists, firearms examiners, defense and prosecution practitioners, the judiciary, and police force, this book is also a helpful reference guide for undergraduate and graduate forensic science students.

Table of Contents:
Developments in Forensic Science ix Acknowledgements xi Foreword xiii 1 Firearms 1 1.1 A Brief History of Firearms 1 1.2 Weapon Types and Their Operation 19 1.3 Proof Marks 32 2 Ammunition 43 2.1 A Brief History of Ammunition 43 2.2 Ammunition Components 48 2.3 Non-toxic Shot 77 2.4 A Brief History of Propellants 80 2.5 Priming Compounds and Primers 86 2.6 Headstamp Markings on Ammunition 94 3 Ballistics 101 3.1 Internal, External and Terminal Ballistics 101 3.2 Internal Ballistics 102 3.3 External Ballistics 109 3.4 Terminal Ballistics 124 4 Forensic Firearms Examination 145 4.1 A Brief History of Forensic Firearms Identifi cation 145 4.2 Rifl ing Types and Their Identifi cation 154 4.3 Fluted, Annular Ringed, Helical, Perforated and Oversized Chambers 166 4.4 Basic Concepts of Striation Matching 170 4.5 Basic Methodology Used in Comparison Microscopy 182 4.6 Mathematical Proof of Striation Matches 186 4.7 Accidental Discharge 191 4.8 Identifi cation of Calibre from the Bullet Entry Hole 197 4.9 Ricochet Analysis 200 4.10 Bullet Penetration and Trajectory through Glass 204 5 Range of Firing Estimations and Bullet Hole Examinations 211 5.1 Introduction 211 5.2 The Use of X-ray Photography 212 5.3 Range of Firing Estimations for Pistols and Rifl es 219 5.4 Chemical Tests for Range of Firing Estimations and Bullet Entry/Exit Hole Identifi cation 227 5.5 Range of Firing Estimations for Shotguns 233 6 Gunshot Residue Examination 241 6.1 Introduction 241 6.2 Formation of Discharge Residue 241 6.3 Distribution of GSR Particles 242 6.4 Identifi cation of GSR Particles 243 6.5 The Use of the SEM for GSR Detection 247 6.6 Sample Collection 248 6.7 GSR Retention 251 6.8 Conservation of GSR Particles on the Hands 251 6.9 GSR Distribution on the Hands 252 6.10 Identifi cation of Type of Ammunition, Country of Origin from GSR Analysis 255 6.11 Environmental Contaminants 256 6.12 Sources of Elements Commonly Found in Lead-Based GSRs 257 6.13 Extending the Recovery Period for GSR 259 7 Gun-Handling Tests 271 7.1 Introduction 271 7.2 Methodology for Ferrozine Use 274 7.3 Case Notes 275 8 Restoration of Erased Numbers 277 8.1 Introduction 277 8.2 Methods Used for Removal of Serial Numbers 277 8.3 Theory behind Number Restoration 278 8.4 Non-recoverable Methods of Number Removal 279 8.5 Practice of Number Restoration 280 8.6 Chemical Methods of Restoration 280 8.7 Reagents Used for Various Metals 281 8.8 Electrolytic Methods of Restoration 283 8.9 Reagents Used 283 8.10 Ultrasonic Cavitation for Restoration 284 8.11 Magnetic Particle Method for Restoration 284 8.12 Other Methods of Restoration 285 8.13 Laser-Etched Serial Numbers and Bar Codes and Their Restoration 286 9 Qualifying the Expert and Cross-Examination Questions 291 9.1 Introduction 291 9.2 General Background Questions 293 9.3 Comparison Microscopy 294 9.4 GSRs 297 9.5 Ferrozine Test 300 9.6 Standard of Review: ‘Daubert Trilogy’ 300 10 Classifi cation of Firearm-Related Death 305 10.1 Multiple-Shot Suicides 307 References 309 11 Glossary 311 Appendix 1 Important dates in the History of Firearms from 1247 333 Appendix 2 GSR results for Chinese and USSR ammunition 341 Appendix 3 Primer content of some cartridge-operated nail guns 345 Appendix 4 Commercial and General Abbreviations for Bullet Confi gurations 347 Appendix 5 Trade Names 353 Appendix 6 Gun Marks 373 Appendix 7 Powder Burn Rate 377 Appendix 8 Hearing Loss 381 Appendix 9 General Firearms Values Conversion Table 389 Index 393

About the Author :
Brian Heard began his career as an examiner in firearms and ballistics with the Metropolitan Police Forensics Firearms Laboratory at New Scotland Yard, London, UK. He rose to the level of Deputy Head of the Laboratory before joining the Royal Hong Kong Police as a ballistics officer. He is currently the officer in charge of the Ballistics and Firearms Identification Bureau for the Royal Hong Kong Police. He appears regularly in court as an expert witness in cases involving firearms, ammunition, tools and toolmarks, and has undertaken the research, development and implementation of improved techniques for the collection, examination and interpretation of gunshot residue particles via a scanning electron microscope. He also lectures to police training establishments and related organisations on all aspects of forensic ballistics, forensic firearms and toolmark examinations, gunshot residue analysis and the use of these techniques in criminal investigations.

Review :
"I would strongly recommend that this book be made available to practicing firearms examiners, laboratory directors, others interested in this field of science and attorneys." (AFTE Journals, 2011) "Brian Heard provides readers with a sophisticated forensic interest in firearms with a hugely detailed and authoritative ‘state of the art' manual of all aspects of firearms and ballistics . . . Neil Davison also provides us with a detailed, thorough, and an authoritative manual on the huge variety of ‘non-lethal' weapons that are available, in development, or whose development has been terminated or fallen into abeyance." (A Journal of Policy and Practice, 16 February 2011) "This second edition of the Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics is welcomed, particularly given the lack of collected research elsewhere." (The Howard Journal, February 2010)