Forensic Firearm Examination

Forensic Firearm Examination provides the reader with a thorough understanding of theory, application, and process of firearm comparison. It is essential in the field of forensic firearm examination to not only understand the marks that examiners are observing, but more importantly learn where these marks come from during the manufacturing process. This book explores the various machining techniques utilized in the manufacturing process and the resulting marks left by those tools. This information will equip the examiner with the knowledge to answer questions posed by the legal system regarding the uniqueness or potential similarity of marks on firearms imparted to fired bullets and cartridge cases. Intended primarily for firearm and tool mark examiners, this valuable resource serves as a primary requirement for the training of firearm and tool mark examiners. Other forensic science disciplines who rely on pattern matching as a primary determining factor whether or not two objects may share a common source would also find utility in this work. Finally, it will be a valuable resource for attorneys who are seeking to understand better the scientific aspects of firearm identification. Written by a foremost expert in the field, Forensic Firearm Examination explores specific firearm manufacturing techniques and the resulting marks, which has not been covered in any book publication. Chris Monturo has over 23 years of experience as forensic firearm and tool mark examiner. Additionally, he is a distinguished member of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), a past member of the Scientific Working Group for Firearm and Tool Marks (SWGGUN), past member of the Organization of Scientific Area Subcommittees (OSAC) for firearm and tool marks and has instructed courses in machining for the firearm examiner in the United States and Internationally.

Author Biography: Mr. Monturo has been a firearm and toolmark examiner for 23+ years. He is a Distinguished Member of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), has made numerous contributions as an author and researcher to the AFTE Journal, and is a past recipient of AFTE's Key Person of the Year award. His past work with the Scientific Working Group for Firearms and Toolmarks (SWGGUN) and current participation with the OSAC Firearms and Toolmarks Subcommittee has ensured that he remains on the forefront of industry standards, academic and practitioner research, and emerging technologies. Mr. Monturo regularly testifies as an expert witness in court cases involving firearms and toolmarks. He is the owner of Precision Forensic Testing, a company that provides laboratory supplies, educational resources, and forensic training to federal, state and college level personnel.

1. History of forensic firearm examination 2. Firearm nomenclature 3. Ammunition 4. Fundamentals of forensic firearm examination 5. Firearm manufacturing techniques 6. Barrel manufacturing and rifling 7. Equipment used for forensic firearm examination 8. Comparison of cartridge cases 9. Comparison of bullets 10. Documentation, notes, and reports 11. The expert witness 12. Subclass characteristics 13. Pitfalls and challenging comparisons 14. Legal challenges to the science of forensic firearm examination 15. Emerging technology in comparisons