ACDLA SUMMER SEMINAR Joseph M. Saloom FIREARMS/TOOLMARKS ACDLA SUMMER SEMINAR Joseph M. Saloom J.M. Saloom

Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences Brief History

J.M. Saloom

Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences Firearms / Toolmarks Laboratories: Huntsville Birmingham Montgomery Mobile J.M. Saloom

FIREARMS/TOOLMARKS The firearms / toolmarks examiner is responsible for comparing bullets and cartridge cases to a particular weapon or to each other. Examination of clothing for gunpowder residue, and comparing pry marks, cuts, impressions and saw marks back to a particular tool. J.M. Saloom

The scientific theory/basis that we operate under, is that no two items in nature are microscopically identical. Therefore, it follows that no two man-made items are microscopically identical, and we may make determinations based on microscopic comparisons. J.M. Saloom

Routine firearm examinations and results: Caliber Make of weapon Weapon type and model Safety features and whether they work Capacity Trigger pull Proper function J.M. Saloom

Cartridge

CARTRIDGE CASE PRIMER CUP BULLET POWDER ANVIL FLASH HOLE J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

Rimfire Cartridge

BLANK DRILLED BARREL RIFLED BARREL Cross Section of unrifled gun barrel BLANK DRILLED BARREL RIFLED BARREL J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

BROACH RIFLING METHOD CUTTING BLADES (note imperfections) J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

Button Rifling The button is made of Side view The button is made of solid carbide and is larger than the reamed bore of the gun barrel. Front view J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

Rifling

- J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

- J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

Important information for the “no gun” case... Winchester 38 special caliber lead bullet Q-load 134 grains six lands and grooves right twist (possible revolvers: Rossi, Taurus, Spesco) (possible derringers: Excam, Hy-Hunter F.I.E., E.I.G.) bullet land bullet groove MEASURED WIDTH OF BULLET GROOVE J.M. Saloom MEASURED WIDTH OF BULLET LAND Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

Comparison Microscope

BULLET COMPARISON

How marks get on the fired cartridge cases. J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

- The firing pin is recessed The firing pin strikes the primer, sending the bullet down the barrel. The back of the primer is slammed back onto the breech. J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

Firing Pin Striking Primer J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

Firing Pin Breech J.M. Saloom

Breech Extractor Firing Pin J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

Rearward movement of Slide after cartridge has been fired Ejection port Breech Slide Extractor Ejection of Fired Cartridge Case J.M. Saloom

- R P 3 L 8 P S FIRED CARTRIDGE CASE BREECH MARKS FIRING PIN IMPRESSION 3 L 8 P S J.M. Saloom Louise Walzer, JPSO Crime Lab

CARTRIDGE CASE COMPARISON

Cartridge Case Comparison

Shotshell

Shotshell components J.M. Saloom

J.M. Saloom

Additional firearm related examinations Clothing examination for gunpowder Location of holes and other defects in clothing Serial number restoration Ballistic determinations Fingerprints J.M. Saloom

Gunshot Residue

Gunshot hole in shirt

Gunpowder Particles

J.M. Saloom

J.M. Saloom

J.M. Saloom

J.M. Saloom

J.M. Saloom

Toolmarks examinations and results What type of tool was involved Could the tool submitted make the mark in question Comparison and determination of toolmark match J.M. Saloom

Toolmark

J.M. Saloom

Additional toolmark related examinations Wire striation matches Fracture matches J.M. Saloom

Wire cover extrusion marks