After studying this chapter you should be able to:
- Describe techniques for rifling a barrel
- Recognize the class and individual characteristics of bullets and cartridge cases
- Understand the use of the comparison microscope to compare bullets and cartridge cases
- Explain the concept of the NIBIN database
- Explain the procedure for determining how far a weapon was fired from a target
- Identify the laboratory tests for determining whether an individual has fired a weapon
- Explain the forensic significance of class and individual characteristics to the comparison of toolmark, footwear, and tire impressions
- List some common field reagents used to enhance bloody footprints
