Firearms & Ammunition Examination
Ballistic division involves the examination of a variety of firearms and cartridges to ascertain their make, model, working condition, and caliber, and to establish a possible link between exhibits and a crime. The division is equipped with a comparison microscope for bullet & cartridge cases, velocity measurement systems, and an STZA firing rest stand, among other instruments.
Division Scope
Identification, comparison, operability testing, ammunition assessment, and scene-to-weapon linkage.
Division & Subject Head :
Dr K.B.Mulani
Designation :
Deputy Director
Email :
[email protected]
Phone :
Facilities & Services
Examination of Firearms, Cartridges & Parts
Make, model, caliber, operability and mechanical safety checks.
Chemical Tests – Barrel Wash
Assessment for recent discharge/cleaning indicators.
Working Condition of Firearms
Function checks, safety features and defect documentation.
Assessment of Ammunition
Determination of usability and safety of ammunition.
Linkage of Cartridges to Firearm
Fired cartridge-case comparison with suspected firearm.
Bullet/Bullet Fragment Linkage
Striation and Rifling Marks comparison under comparison microscope.
Examination of Targets
Distance determination, angle and impact characteristics.
GSR & Ammunition Chemistry
GSR on hand wash, swabs, skin & targets; ammunition composition tests.
Test Firing
Controlled firings for velocity, function and comparative marks.
Barrel & Discharge Residue Tests
Chemical tests for barrel wash & firearm discharge residues.
Core Instrumentation
Comparison Microscope
Side‑by‑side examination of bullet striations & cartridge‑case marks.
Velocity Measurement
Chronography for muzzle velocity and ballistic performance.
STZA Firing Rest Stand
Stabilized test‑firing platform for reproducible mark generation.
Residue Analysis Kits
Field & lab GSR detection on hands, swabs, skin & targets.
Examination Workflow
Receipt & Registration
Unique IDs, seal verification.
Safety & Operability Checks
Make/model identification; function, defect assessment and evidence photography.
Test Firing & Velocity Measurements
Controlled firings using rest stand; chronograph measurements.
Comparative Microscopy
Bullet striae & cartridge‑case marks compared against suspected firearm.
GSR & Chemical Tests
Barrel wash, ammunition tests and residue on hands & targets.
Reporting & Court Support
Clear conclusions with method references & uncertainty statements.
Applications:
Weapon identification, operability & safety evaluation, scene‑to‑weapon linkage, distance & angle estimation, class/individual characteristic comparison and GSR detection on hands, swabs, skin and varied targets.