Firearms

Question 1

Firearm accuracy

Answer 1

Generally the accuracy of a firearm can be improved by lengthening it’s barrel

Question 2

Rifling

Answer 2

1. Spiral grooves can cause the bullet to spin (improves accuracy)
2. Can be used to identify the weapons manufacturer
3. Imprints different scratch patterns on bullets (striations)

Question 3

Firearm accuracy

Answer 3

Grooves- cut out areas in barrel

Lands- the area between the grooves

Gun manufactures have certain characteristics in rifling (number of lands/grooves, direction of twist, degree of twist

Question 4

Rifling pt 2

Answer 4

• barrel drilling and reaming: a barrel blank is drilled and then smoothed forming the final barrel land surfaces
• broach cutter: a solid rid of steel that is pushed through the barrel of the gun
• drill cuts the grooves and leaves unique marks (striations) from imperfections
• even barrels made in succession won’t have identical striations

Question 5

Two main categories of firearms

Answer 5

1. Handguns
     •revolver 
     •pistol 
2. Long guns
     •rifles
     • shotguns

Question 6

Handguns

Answer 6

• compact weapons that can be fired with one hand
• delivers multiple shots without reloading
• shorter barrels to be easily concealed
• barrels have rifling

Question 7

Revolvers

Answer 7

• cartridge cases remain in the cylinder after firing

* fired cartridge cases will be found at a crime scene only if perp reloaded

Question 8

Advantages of Revolvers

Answer 8

1. Cost dependent on brand
2. Simpler
3. More reliable
4. Easier to use
5. Accuracy depends on manufacturing and materials

Question 9

Disadvantages of Revolvers

Answer 9

1. Generally limited to six shots
2. Takes more time to reload
3. Require a more forceful trigger pull
4. Single-action models: hammer must be cocked before each shot