NCJ Number
195920
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 47 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 483-493
Date Published
2002
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article tests whether x-ray microanalysis of Firearm Discharge Residue is useful in providing a description of the gun and ammunition used during the shooting.
Abstract
The authors explain that typically, x-ray microanalysis of Firearm Discharge Residue (FDR) is used to indicate the presence of characteristic gunshot residue (GSR). In this article, the authors hypothesize that GSR analysis may be useful in describing the characteristics of the gun and the ammunition used. In order to show how this is possible, the authors conducted an experiment in which more than 60 different types of ammunition were fired under controlled conditions from 9 clean handguns, ranging in caliber from .22LR to .44Mag. After their discharge, the particles were collected from the shooter’s hand, resulting in over 200 samples that were collected and analyzed. A database of these samples was formed and a pattern of ammunition and gun descriptors emerged from the data. The authors explain that these descriptors are based on elemental or compound concentrations of non-GSR particles, which can also be found on a non-shooter’s hand. Thus, caution must be taken that the FDR is interpreted as descriptive of ammunition and gun characteristics only in the presence of GSR particles. The authors conclude that this study shows that it is possible to distinguish between different types of guns and ammunition, including whether the gun was made of stainless steal, carbon steel, or aluminum, as well as the caliber of gun used in the shooting. 8 Figures, appendix, 12 references