Handbook of firearms and ballistics : examining and interpreting forensic evidence / Brian J. Heard.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Heard, Brian J.

Contributor:

Wiley InterScience (Online service).

Christine Hikawa Fund.

Series:

Developments in fullerene science

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Forensic ballistics.

Firearms.

Firearms--Identification.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xiv, 402 pages) : illustrations.

polychrome

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; Hoboken, NJ : Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.

System Details:

text file

Summary:

Does the gunshot residue reveal how far from the target a weapon was fired? Is there any trace evidence to prove the accused handled a specific firearm? What is the likely behaviour of a ricocheting bullet? Do the marks on a bullet prove categorically that it was fired from a particular weapon? These are all issues (amongst others) that the fully revised and updated Second Edition of Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics: Examining and Interpreting Forensic Evidence covers in a clear and accessible manner. The book will be essential reading for all forensic scientists specializing in this subject, firearms examiners, defence and prosecution practitioners, the judiciary, police forces and all those involved in this field.

The Second Edition takes into account the most important new analytical techniques and methodologies that have now been implemented in the field. Fully revised and updated throughout, the book now includes a more comprehensive glossary, new case study material - including the Jill Dando murder enquiry - and a new chapter on the determination of bullet calibre via X-ray photography.

Contents:

Developments in Forensic Science ix

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 Identification 145

4.2 Rifling Types and Their Identification 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 Identification 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

5.2 The Use of X-ray Photography 212

5.3 Range of Firing Estimations for Pistols and Rifles 219

5.4 Chemical Tests for Range of Firing Estimations and Bullet Entry/Exit Hole Identification 227

5.5 Range of Firing Estimations for Shotguns 233

6 Gunshot Residue Examination 241

6.2 Formation of Discharge Residue 241

6.3 Distribution of GSR Particles 242

6.4 Identification 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 Identification 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

7.2 Methodology for Ferrozine Use 274

7.3 Case Notes 275

8 Restoration of Erased Numbers 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

9.2 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 Classification of Firearm-Related Death 305

10.1 Multiple-Shot Suicides 307

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 Configurations 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.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Electronic reproduction. Hoboken, N.J. Available via World Wide Web.

Description based on print version record.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Christine Hikawa Fund.

Other Format:

Print version: Heard, Brian J. Handbook of firearms and ballistics.

ISBN:

9786611939380

6611939385

0470694599

9780470694596

Publisher Number:

99955034002

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.