PRELIM:

History, origin, meaning of

Ballistics and its branches.

1
History, origin, meaning of Ballistics
and its branches.

1 Solayao, ‖ Forensic Ballistics

OUTCOMES
LO1 – Examine the history of Forensic Ballistics and classify its branches as well.

OBJECTIVES

1. Discuss comprehensively the history of Forensic Ballistics;

2. Compare and contrast the branches of Ballistics and classify its individual
attribute.

Introduction
The making of firearms has evolved from simple hand cannon to highly automatic
and powerful fighting jets. In the beginning of human civilization, man studied the
making of firearms for purposes of protecting their tribes from possible invaders of
colonizers. The study of the motion of the projectile and all other conditions that
could influence its mobility has become the interest of gunsmith. Although cartridge
has been in existence during the 14 th century, it was only in the mid of the 19 th
century that it has begun to show some advance.
There is a common saying among gunsmiths and artillerymen stating that “A
firearm is not a gun, it’s the ammunition”. This is quite true in as much as a firearm
is not the one that gives power to itself. A firearm without ammunition that we load
in the firearm that makes the gun powerful. For example, when we load a .38
cartridge in a .357 magnum revolver and fire it; we did not actually fire a
magnum .357 revolver but merely a .38 revolver.
Originally, the study of ballistics was divided into three divisions namely
Interior, Exterior and Terminal Ballistics. It was only in the 20 th century when
firearms evidence became a subject of investigational interest in the form of fired
bullets, cartridge cases, and gunshot wounds. As a result, its study evolved into four
(4) branches which now includes Forensic Ballistics or the Science of Firearms
Identification in addition to the three previously mentioned. Firearms Identification
is one of the early forensic sciences that were given recognition and acceptance by
the courts as evidence that would aid the administration of justice most especially
in cases of shoot-out, suicides, murder, and rob-out among others.
Among the forensic science (criminalistics) subjects, it is the Forensic
Ballistics, which gains the highest interest among students. To the law enforcement
agents, gun collector, fiscals, and judges; the identification of firearms is their
concern in bringing justice to the victims of shooting incidents.
Most of the highly sensational cases committed here and in abroad involve
the use of firearms. A number of deaths and great loss of property involves the use

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of firearms and explosives. Hence, future law enforcers need to be properly guided
in dealing with cases involving the use of firearms. This module was prepared so as
to give basic knowledge of principles and applications of the science of firearms
identification.

Course Direct Instruction

Origin of Ballistics
According to the book of Manuel & Ibutnande (2016), the term “ballistics”
itself was derived from the Greek word “ballo” or “ballein” which literally means “to
throw”. Its root derived from the roman war machine called “ballista” –a gigantic
bow or catapult which was used to hurl missiles or large objects propelled such as
stones, cadavers, dead animals at a particular distance to deter enemy forces or
wild animals.
Definition of Ballistics
Ballistics is defined as the science of motion of projectile.
It is a science in itself for it is an orderly arranged or systematized body of
knowledge, which is a product of series of experimentation, observation, and
testing. It is not an exact science rather an applied physics. As such, it is subject to
changes and improvement depending upon the demands of the modern civilization.
It is apt to describe ballistics as an applied physics for it studies the motion of
projectile such as its velocity, trajectory, approximate range, power, resistance to
air and other that affects its travel.
Motion it refers to the mobility or movement of the projectile from the time it
leaves the empty shell; it leaves the gun muzzle and until it reaches its target or
falls on the ground.
Projectile is generic term which refers to any metallic or non-metallic ball that is
propelled from a firearm. Technically, all projectile propels from a small arm is
called bullets with exemption of shotgun projectile which is referred to as shots or
pellets. In artillery firearms, projectiles that are too big and even designed for
explosions are aptly called missiles. There are three types of projectile motion
that are categorized as follows:

1. Direct motion – it is the forward motion of the bullet or shots out of the shell
by the action of the expansive gases from a burning gun powder.
2. Rotary motion – it is the action of the bullets passing through a rifled bore
barrel firearm which is either twisted to the left or the right.
3. Translational motion – is the action of bullet once it hits an object or the
target and subsequently ricocheted (changes in motion).
Branches of Ballistics

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The study of Ballistics was initially divided in three (3) divisions: Internal
Ballistics, Exterior Ballistics, Terminal Ballistics. These encompass the time
from which the bullet is fired from the gun until it reaches the target and has its
maximum effect, but due to the current application of ballistics in solving cases
involving the use of firearms and ammunitions, a fourth branch has emerged,
namely, Forensic Ballistics. At present, these branches are divided as follows:
1. Interior/Internal Ballistics – is that branch of ballistics which treats of the
motion of the projectile while it is still inside the firearm (chamber/barrel)
which extends from the breech to the muzzle. The conditions attributed to
internal ballistics are as follows:
a. Firing pin hitting the primer – upon the squeeze of the trigger, the
hammer will be released which causes the firing pin to be pushed and
hit the base portion of the cartridge where the primer is located.
b. Ignition of the priming mixture (percussion action) – the priming
mixture (composing of the KCLO3, sulfur and carbon) located either at
the cavity rim or at the center of the primer upon striking effect of the
firing pin will ignite and such is known as “percussion action”.
c. Combustion of the gun powder/powder charge or propellant –
after the ignition is imparted to the gunpowder by passing through the
vent or flash hole, thus burning the gun powder and converts it into
and expanded hot gas.
d. Expansion of heated gas – once burned, the charged powder is
converted into a heated gas, and due to more elastic property of
gases, its particles will spread and fill the entire container (cartridge
case/shell).
e. Pressure/Force developed – the outward push of the gases to the
burned powder pressure is developed due to the great amount of the
gas that is expanding within the shell causing the withdrawal of the
bullet from the shell.
f. Recoil of the gun – this is the equal and opposite reaction of the g un
against the forward movement of the bullet upon explosion.
g. Rotation of the bullet inside the barrel – it refers to the twist of
the bullet caused by the cylindrical grooved portion of the barrel of
most firearms, in some instance, this condition may not be possible
especially when the bullet passes through a smooth bore barrel.
Note: From the release of the firing pin to the moment the sound of the shot
can be heard as it leaves the muzzle occupies only about 0.01 seconds, in a
modern rifle.
Related Terminologies in Interior Ballistics:
a. Action – loading and firing mechanism of the firearm.
b. Detonation – chemical rearrangement of molecules into gas instead of
solids to cause the high explosives to exert full power of shocks. The
speed of the detonation varies in the different explosives but in some it is
high as 7000 yards in a second.

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 c. Foot second – velocity expressed in foot per second
d. Hang fire – occurs when a cartridge fails to explode on time or delayed in
firing.
e. Knockdown (knocking) power – power of the bullet which delivers a
very heavy paralyzing blow that put the victim down and may then
recover if the wound inflicted upon is not fatal.
f. Misfire – total failure of a cartridge to discharge.
g. Pressure – outward push of gases from powder combustion against
cartridge case, chamber and bore.
h. Recoil – the equal and opposite reaction of the gun against the forward
movement of the bullet during the explosion.
i. Residual pressure – the pressure remaining in the chamber after the
bullet has left the barrel.
2. Exterior (external) Ballistics – treats of the attributes or movement of the
projectile after leaving the gun muzzle point of the gun muzzle. It is
extended from the muzzle end of the gun to the target or any attributes to
the motion of the projectile while it is in its flight and before reaching the
target. The condition attributed to external ballistics are as follows:
a. Muzzle Blast – it refers to the noise created at the muzzle point of the
gun brought by chemical reaction between the expanded gases and the
air outside. Given that most propellant is composed of compounds of
nitrates, it produces the accompanying loud once these are burned and
mixed with the air where oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and other gaseous
maters are present.
b. Muzzle Energy – it is the energy generated at the muzzle point
measured in foot-pound. This is attributed to the hot gas liberating at the
muzzle point.
c. Trajectory – this refers to the actual curved path parabola-like flight
of the projectile from the time it leaves the muzzle until it hits the target.
A trajectory has three (3) stages when bullet is fired to its maximum
range. These are: The straight travel or the stage at which the bullet
travel straight or maintain its accurate travel (gyroscopic action), the
curving of the bullet in flight due to the gradual loss of its energy, and
the drop of the bullet to the ground due its weight and upon reaching
the maximum distance of its travel and hits nothing. The trajectory plays
an important role in the investigation of shooting incidents for its gives
reference to the possible position of the shooter on relation to the target.
This is associated to the point of entry and exit of the bullet.
d. Range – the range refers to the imaginary straight distance from the
muzzle of the gun to the target.
d.a Accurate Range – the distance within which the shooter or
gunner has control of his shots.
d.b Effective Range – the distance within which a bullet is still
capable of inflicting injury after it has been fired.
d.c Maximum Range – the distance that a projectile can be propelled
from a firearm or the farthest distance the bullet could travel.

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 e. Velocity – this refers to the rate of speed of the bullet (during its flight)
per unit of time, and usually expressed in feet per second (ft/sec.) and
measured through the use of chronograph machine (an instrument used
in determining the velocity of a projectile). The velocity of a bullet fired
upward has an equal velocity downward due to the principle of the
gravitational pull. They only differ in direction and transformation. A bullet
fired upward ha its maximum velocity upon leaving the muzzle and little
by little loses its power and velocity as its moves upward. While the bullet
that falls downward reaching its maximum heights has an increasing
velocity as it goes downward.
f. Pull of Gravity – this is the downward reaction of the bullet towards the
earth surface due to its weight. This is based on the principle that
anything goes up must goes down.
g. Air Resistance – it is the force of the air encountered by the bullet in its
flight. A slow-moving object occupies smaller space at a given time while
a fast-moving object occupies larger space in a short time. Thus, since the
bullet travels fast it encounter more air than a running man.
3. Terminal Ballistics – is that branch of the Ballistics that deals with the
effects of the projectile’s impact on the target. The condition attributed to
terminal ballistics are as follows:
a. Terminal Accuracy – it refers to the size of the bullet grouping on the
target. A bullet grouping that is bigger has a lesser chance to produce
substantial damage, hence lowering its chance to be lethal. On the other
hand, the smaller the size of the bullet grouping on the target, the more
accurate and effective the shot become.
b. Terminal Energy – it is the energy or force of the projectile when it
strikes the target. A smaller caliber has lesser energy though it penetrates
greatly into the target.
c. Terminal Velocity – it is the speed of the bullet once it strikes the target
and penetrates it.
d. Terminal Penetration – it is the depth of the bullet’s entry into the
target.

Note: The flight of most bullet or projectile does not exceed 30 seconds at a
maximum range, which for almost any firearms is obtained at an elevation of about
33 degrees.

Bullet exits
Bullet from the
Cartridge case muzzle

Firing pin Bullet hitting

hitting the the Target
percussion cap
Internal
6 Solayao, ‖ Forensic Ballistics
Ballistics
External
Ballistics Termin
al
 4. Forensic Ballistics – this branch of ballistics is the product of the
application of the ballistics into law. When used in connection with the word
ballistics or other natural science, its suggests a relationship to the courts of
justice or legal proceedings. Forensic Ballistics is defined as the study of the
motion of the projectile as applied to law or simply the science of firearm by
means of the ammunition fired through them.
The “Forensic” as applied to ballistics, or any other subject, suggest a
relationship to courts of justice and legal proceedings and the term was the
Latin word “forum” meaning a marketplace where people gather for “public
disputation” or “public discussion”. Thus, the title “Forensic Ballistics” and
“Firearm Identification”, have come to mean one and the same things in the
minds of public, and they can be used interchangeably.
Importance of Forensic Ballistics
1. It can be used to control gun ownership;
2. It aids the investigator in identifying the shooter in a shooting incident;
3. It is indispensable if firearm identification.
Scope of Forensic Ballistics
1. Field Investigation – this the work of the first officer on the case on the
field. It is primarily a routine job of an investigating officer. Such work
includes recognition, collection, markings, preservation, packing and
transmittal of ballistics exhibits. At present, in cases of highly sensational
offense like shooting incidents, the investigator on case seeks the
assistance of Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO). It will the SOCO
members who will facilitate the processing of the crime scene although
everything transpires and all that is undertaken by the SOCO shall
properly be coordinated with the investigator on case who makes the
necessary note taking.
2. Ballistics Technical Examination of the Exhibits – this phase involves
the participation of firearms identification examiner. Its scope covers the
marking of evidence, test-firing (to obtain test bullet and test shell in case
a suspected firearm is recovered), examination of ballistics exhibits using
caliper, bullet comparison microscope and other scientific instruments,
preparation of comparative chart and reports on the findings and
conclusions as regards to the examination undertaken.
3. Legal Proceedings – this is the last and yet one of the most critical part
in the field of firearm identification. Here the examiner has to go to court
and testify as an expert witness regarding the ballistics examination and
report that she/he has prepared. It is also in this stage that the
qualification and competence and expertise of the examiner is determined
and tested.
What is the difference between Ballistics and Forensic Ballistics?
Basically, is science deals with the motion, behavior and effects of projectiles
and the condition affecting the motion that involves direct, rotary and transitional

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movement. While Forensic Ballistics is the science of firearms identification by
means of the ammunition fired through them. This is the real branch of science
otherwise known as Firearm Identification.
Learning Activity

Activity 1: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the Letter of the best and nearest answer

1. It is the application of science in Firearms Identification

a. Ballistics c. Forensic Science
b. Applied Science d. Forensic Ballistics
2. Is that branch of ballistics which treats the motion of the projectile from the
muzzle end to the target?
a. Internal Ballistics c. Terminal Ballistics
b. External Ballistics d. all of the above
3. A roman war machine designed to throw an object at a distance
a. Ballista c. Ballien or Ballo
b. Catapult d. Ballistics
4. It refers to the direction of the bullet after leaving the gun muzzle to the
target
a. Exterior Ballistic c. Terminal Ballistics
b. Trajectory d. Terminal Accuracy
5. It the mobility or movement of the projectile from the time it leaves the
empty shell
a. Internal Ballistics c. Exterior Ballistic
b. Motion d. Any of the choices
6. It is the sound generated at the muzzle point due to the sudden escape of
burned gun powder and its contact with air:
a. Muzzle energy c. Muzzle blast
b. Muzzle noise d. Muzzle velocity
7. The farthest distance in which a bullet when fired can still be considered
lethal
a. Maximum range c. Maximum effective range
b. Accurate range d. Effective range
8. The last and yet one of the most critical part in the field of firearm
identification.
a. Ballistic exhibits c. Legal proceedings
b. Field of investigation d. None of the above
9. Is a Latin word from which the word ballistics was derived?
a. Ballista c. Ballien or Ballo
b. Catapult d. Ballistics
10.It refers to the motion of the projectile once it enters a rifled barrel gun
a. Direct c. Translational
b. Rotary d. Twist

Activity 1: Essay type

1. Write a reflection on the Branches of Ballistics.

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 2
Evolution, Types and Classification of
Firearms.

OUTCOMES
LO1 – Classify and distinguish firearm and its parts.

OBJECTIVES

3. Appraise and differentiate various types of Firearms;

4. Discuss the classification of firearms and identify its parts.

The Evolution of Firearms

Man behind Firearms

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 1. Col. Calvin H. Goddard M.D – Father of Modern Ballistics. He is the man
who first utilized the bullet comparison microscope to prove the identify of a
fired bullet through comparison with test bullets. (see figure 1.1)
2. Horace Smith – founded the Smith and Wesson and pioneered the making
of the breech-loading rifles.
3. John M. Browning – wizard of the modern firearms and pioneered the
breech loading single shot rifle that was adopted by Winchester. (see figure
1.2)
4. Samuel Colt – patented the first practical revolver and maker of the Colt
Peace Maker, one of the most famous revolvers in history. (see figure 1.3)
5. Alexander John Forsyth – father of the percussion powder. He successfully
invented the priming mixture and caused the integration of the primer, bullet,
gunpowder and shell into one unit.
6. Major Uziel Gal – an Israeli army who designed the UZI (Israel) in the year
1950. (see figure 1.5)
7. John C. Garand – designed and invented the semi-automatic U.S. Rifle Cal.
30.M1 Garand. (see figure 1.4)
8. George Hyde – a well-known expert in the field of SMG, also known as
grease gun developed in 1941. M3A1 USA
9. Michael Kalashnikov – designed the AK (Automat Kalashnikova) 47 (Soviet
Union) adopted by the Russian army in the year 1951. (see figure 1.6)
10. David “Carbine” Williams – maker of the first carbine
11. Elisha King Root – Designed the machinery for making Colt firearms.
12. Eliphalet Remington – one of the first rifle makers
13. John T. Thompson – pioneered the making of Thompson Sub-machine gun.
(see figure 1.7)
14. Eugene Stoner – Designed the U.S. M16 Armalite under licensed by Colt
Company from July 1959 onwards.
15. L.C. Smith – developed the shotgun bearing his name and is now known as
the Ithaca gun Company.
Illustrations:

Figure 1.1
Figure 1.2 Figure 1.3

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 Figure 1.4 Figure 1.5 Figure 1.6

Figure 1.7

Important Dates in Firearm History

1313 - gunpowder as a propellant. The age of gunpowder began with first use as a
propellant for a projectile.
1350 – small arms. Gunpowder was first used only in cannons. It was until the
middle of the 14th Century that portable hand firearms were introduced. These guns
were ignited by handled hotwire or lighted match.
1948 – Rifling’s. the first reference to rifled barrels happened around this year.
Although its importance as an aid to accuracy was recognized by some, it took
many years before rifling was generally used.
1575 – Cartridge. Paper cartridges were developed. This combined both powder
and ball about 1575. This greatly speeded loading and reduced the hazards of
carrying loose powder.

1807 – Percussion system. Forsyth discovered that certain compounds detonated

by a blow could be used to ignite the charge in a firearm, forming the basis for all
later percussion and cartridge developments.

1835 – Samuel Colt patented the first practical revolver in which the cylinder
rotated by cocking the hammer

1836 – Pin fire Cartridge. The pin fire cartridge developed by Le Faucheux was
probably the first self-expanding cartridge to come into general use.

1845 – Rim fire Cartridge. In France, Flobert developed “bullet breech cap” which
was in reality the first rim fire cartridge.

1858 – Automatic Machine Gun. Hiram Maxim built the first fully automatic gun,
utilizing the recoil of the piece to load and fire the next charge.

1885 – Smokeless Powder. In France, Vieille developed the first satisfactory

smokeless powder, a new propellant which lacked the smoke characteristic of black
powder but was more powerful.

Firearms: Its Nature and Classification

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Legal Definition
Firearms or Arms as herein used, includes rifles, muskets, carbines,
shotgun, pistol, revolvers, and all others deadly weapons, to which a bullet or ball,
shot, shell, or other missiles may be discharged by means of gun powder or other
explosives. This term also includes air rifle, except those of small calibers and
limited ranged used as toys. The barrel of any firearm shall be considered a
complete firearm for all purposes hereof. (Sec. 877 Administrative Code/ Sec.290
National Internal Revenue Code).
Technical Definition
Firearm is an instrument used for the propulsion of projectile by means of
the expansive force of gases coming from the burning gunpowder. (FBI manual of
Firearms Identification).
Classification of Firearms
There are many ways of classifying firearms as adopted by different arms
manufacturers. The Americans, Russians, British, Chinese, Japanese, Italians,
Czechs, and others, have their own individual methods of classifying firearms. Even
military authorities have their own systems of classifying firearms, much different
from the police methods. This is because the military views firearms as used in
combat or warfare, whereas the police know firearms from the standpoint of their
use in crimes. Most arms used in the military are so-called big guns or long arms
such as artillery, machine guns, rifles and launchers. While the police use mostly
the so-called hand arms like pistols and revolvers.
And so, from the stand point of police works or we know it commonly in
ballistics or firearms identification, we will confine ourselves into the classification of
firearms as used in violent crimes within our jurisdiction. Let us not forget that
nowadays the most commonly used type of firearms in crimes are the hand arms-
pistol and revolvers.
According to its power pursuant to R.A. 8294
1. Low powered firearms such as rimfire handgun, .380. .32 and other
firearm of similar firepower.
2. High powered firearms which include those with bore bigger in diameter
than caliber .38 and 9mm such as caliber .40, .44, .45 and also lesser caliber
firearms but considered powerful such as caliber .357 and caliber .22 center
fire magnum and other firearms with firing capability of full automatic and by
burst of two (2) or three (3).
Two General Classification of Firearms

According to Interior Barrel Construction

1. Smooth Bore Firearms – firearms that Rifled Bore
have no rifling (lands and grooves) inside
the barrel. Examples: shotgun and
muskets.

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 2. Rifled Bore Firearms – firearms that have rifling inside the gun barrel. Examples:
Pistols, Revolvers, and other modern weapon?
Groovethat inside the barrel?
What is rifling and what is the purpose of having
Land
Smooth
s
Answer: Rifling is the helical groove consisting of depressed portion (grooves) and
s
the elevated portion is (lands) which is responsible for the rotation motion of the
projectile as it leaves the gun muzzle, and it adds more power to the bullet as it is
fired. (see figure 2.0)

According to the Caliber of the Projectile

1. Artillery – refers to those type of firearms that
propels projectile with more than one-inch
diameter. Examples: Cannons, Mortars and
Bazookas. (see figure 2.1)

Figure 2.1
2. Small Arms – these are firearms that propel a projectile with less than
one-inch diameter and it can be handled, moved and operated by one man.
Examples: Machine gun, shoulder arms and handguns.

a. Machine gun – means any weapon which shoots

or is designed to shoot, automatically or semi
automatically, more than one shot, without
manual reloading, by a single pull of the trigger.
(Federal Firearms Act of US). This type of weapon
was developed to provide a large volume of fire
at more than one person at short range. It is also
the principal source of fire power, not only for
ground troops but for aircrafts as well.
Practically, every combat vehicle as well as all
infantry units are equipped with one or more
machine guns. (see figure 2.2)
Figure 2.2

Sub Machine Gun – this is a light, portable form of machine gun, utilizing a
pistol size ammunition, having a shoulder stock that may or not be folded and
designed to be fired with both hands.
b. Shoulder arms – are those types of firearms that were normally fired
from the shoulder e.g. rifles and shotguns.

1. Rifles – a shoulder weapon designed to fire a projectile with more

accuracy through a long fired bore barrel, usually more than 22
inches. Just like any other type of type of gun, rifles appear in
various forms. First, is the Single shot rifle, this is the simplest
and, yet, has many types. Some breech block opened by a lever,
chamber feed type, breech block opened and closed by hand etc.
Second, is the Repeating riffle, a type of rifle loaded with several
cartridges at one time and carries the cartridge into the chamber
when it is ready to be fired, rather than for the shooter to do it by
hand. (see figure 2.3)

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 Figure 2.3

2. Carbine – a short barrel rifle,

with its barrel rifle, measuring
not longer than 22 inches. It
fires a single projectile though
a rifle-bore either semi-
automatic or fully automatic,
for every press of the trigger.
(see figure 2.4)

Figure 2.4
c. Muskets – is an ancient smoothbore and muzzle loading military shoulder
arms designed to fire shots or a single round lead ball. This type of
weapon that usually has a long barrel for stock and arranged to hold a
bayonet at the muzzle at the muzzle end. Strictly speaking, muskets have
smooth bore without choke. (see figure 2.5)

Figure 2.5
d. Shotgun – a smooth bore and breech loading shoulder arm designed to
fire number of lead pellets or shots in one charge. A shotgun operates
almost exactly in the same way as other rifles. It only differs in some
extent such as the interior barrel construction, generally all shotguns are
equipped with a smooth bore barrel designed to fire a number pellets or
shots in a single charge. (see figure 2.6)

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 Figure 2.6

This type of firearms also appears in various mechanism types. They are as
follows:
1. Single Barreled Shotgun – it is similar to single shot rifle. It is
loaded with a single shotgun cartridge, closed, fired and to be
reloaded manually by the shooter.
2. Double Barreled Shotgun – it appears in different variation
depending on the barrel position. There is double barreled shotgun
positioned sided by side, one over the other (over/under shotgun),
with individual trigger pull or with single trigger pull causing two
hammer and firing pin to fire at the same time.
3. Pump Action Type Shotgun – it is also known by the name “slide
action” type. The hammer of this shotgun is completely built inside
the receiver which makes it unexposed, thus, making it known also
as “hammerless shotgun”. Its operation is done by back-and-forth
manipulation of the slide by the shooter.
4. Auto-loading Shotgun – this type of shotgun has mechanism
similar to auto-loading or self-loading rifles that permits reloading
by the action of the recoil without the shooter taking added effort.

The Barrel of shotguns may also be found in deferent bore

construction. These are: (a) the cylinder bore type, a type of
shotgun bore with same diameter throughout the barrel (from breech
to muzzle end); (b) the choke bore type, a type of shotgun bore with
a diminishing or reducing bore diameter towards the muzzle. It is
designed to limit the spread of the shot or making the shots travel
longer before they spread; and (c) the paradox shotgun, a very rare
type of shotgun bore, having a rifling only a few inches from its muzzle
point.

e. Hand guns – these types of firearms are designed or intended to be fired

using one hand e.g. pistols and revolvers.
1. Pistol – in early firearm history, all hand guns generated are called
pistol. This is a short barrel hand arm to fire a single projectile
through a rifle-bore for every press of the trigger. It usually applied
to semi-automatic loading. This is a very reliable weapon with
satisfactory stopping power for short range defense and a type of
weapon that designed combine optimum penetration with stopping
with stopping power and improved accuracy.

The semi-automatic pistol is the type of pistol most common in

existence. This is loaded through the magazine, a slide action is
taken to first loaded cartridge to the chamber, upon firing the
empty shell will be extracted and ejected from the firearm at the

15 Solayao, ‖ Forensic Ballistics

 same another cartridge is automatically loaded to the chamber
without the gunner exerting additional effort. Thus firing can be
made successively for every press of the trigger without the need
to constantly reload. (see figure 2.7)

Figure 2.7
2. Revolver –the revolver is a type of hand firearm designed to
position cartridges into position for firing with the aid of rotating
cylinder serving as its chamber. There are two types of revolvers
according to its mechanical firing action, they are as follows: (a)
Single Action, a type of revolver that needs manual cocking of the
hammer before squeezing the trigger; and (b) Double Action, also
a type of revolver that does not need manual cocking or the trigger
cab both cock the hammer and fire the cartridge, performing two
actions. The gunner just presses the trigger and both cocked and
releases the hammer causing a much faster firing. (see figure 2.8)

Figure 2.8

Types of Firearms According to Mechanical Construction and Design

1. Single shot firearms – types of firearms designed to fire only one shot
for every loading. E.g., single shot pistol, revolvers and shotguns.
2. Repeating arms – types of firearms designed to fire several shots in one
loading and for every press of the trigger. E.g., automatic pistols,
revolvers, rifles, and shotguns.
3. Automatic firearms – types of firearms that constitutes continuous firing
in a single press of the trigger and while the trigger is pressed.

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 4. Slide action type – types of firearms in which loading take place by
back-and-forth manipulation of the under over forearms of the gun. E.g.,
shotguns and pistols
5. Bolt action type – types of firearms in which reloading takes place by
manipulating the bolt back and forth. E.g. rifles, shotguns and machine
guns. (see figure 2.9)

Figure 2.9

6. Lever type (break type) – loading takes place by lever action on the
firearms. E.g. rifles and shotgun. (see figure 3.0)

Figure 3.0
Nomenclature of Firearms and its Function

1. Barrel – the passage way of the bullet. It initiates the motion of the bullet.
2. Bolt – disengages center pin to allow opening of cylinder and blocks
hammer.
3. Center pin – serves as locking device for the cylinder
4. Center pin spring – holds the center pin a locked position
5. Chamber – that part of the firearm in which the cartridge placed when ready
to be fired
6. Cylinder – serves as the chamber and the magazine for a revolver
7. Cylinder notch – helps hold the cylinder in alignment for firing
8. Double action sear – built into weapon to allow double action firing.
9. Hammer – strikes the blow that initiates the ignition of the primer
10. Frame – houses the internal parts of the firearm
11. Hammer – strikes the blow that initiates the ignition of the primer
12. Hammer block – safety device that prevents hammer blow to the
primer
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 13. Mainspring – provides energy to the hammer to activate firing
mechanism
14. Ratchet – helps in the withdrawal of the cartridge or shells from the
chamber of the cylinder.
15. Rebound slide – returns trigger, activates hammer block, and locked
hammer.
16. Slide plate – provides access to the internal parts.
17. Slide plate screws – hold the side plate and yoke in place
18. Strain screws – control tension on the mainspring
19. Thumb latch – actuates the bolt to release the cylinder
20. Trigger – activates the part necessary to fire the weapon
21. Trigger guard – guards the trigger to unnecessary action to avoid
accident firing.
22. Yoke – pivots connection between the frame and cylinder.

Miscellaneous types of Guns

1. Zip gun – generally referring to
homemade gun used by juvenile
delinquents in the USA. Here in our very
own country it is called us “paltik”. (see
figure 3.1)

Figure 3.1
2. Cane gun/knife pistols/cellphone –
are devices principally designed for
other purpose to which a gun
mechanism is incorporated or attached.
It is also called as “Freakish gun” – a
type of zip gun designed to prevent
easy identification. (see figure 3.2)

Figure 3.2
3. Flare gun – designed for tracing or
sending signals or locating enemy
troops. (see figure 3.3)

Figure 3.3
4. Gas gun – generally referring to all gun designed for firing tear gas

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 5. Harpoon gun – refers to a barbed
spear in hunting large fish. (see figure
3.5)

Figure 3.5
6. Liberator – U.S. government made
smooth bore gun used in Europe and
designed to fire an automatic colt pistol
cartridge caliber .45. (see figure 3.6)

Figure 3.6
7. Multi-barreled gun – refers to all
types of gun containing a number of
barrels. (see figure 3.7)

Figure 3.7

8. Paradox gun – a type of gun which

contains lands and grooves a few inch
from the muzzle point. (see figure
3.8)

Figure 3.8

9. Tool guns – are device that resemble a gun’s design but are generally used for
construction of furniture. E.g. glue gun, drilling machine
10.Trap gun – refers to gun used for trapping animals.

Learning Activity

Activity 1: Identification

Instruction: Identify the following items, WRONG spelling is wrong.

1. a type of gun which contains lands and grooves a few inches from the
muzzle point.

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 2. refers to those type of firearms that propels projectile with more than
one-inch diameter.
3. firearms that have no rifling lands and grooves inside the barrel.
4. a type of shotgun bore with a diminishing or reducing bore diameter
towards the muzzle.
5. types of firearms in which loading take place by back-and-forth
manipulation of the under over forearms of the gun.

Activity 2: Differentiate the following

1. Pistol from revolver

2. Carbine from rifle
3. Double action from single action
4. Smooth bore from rifle bore.

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