UNIVERSITY OF MINDANAO

College of Criminal Justice Education

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

Physically Distanced but Academically-Engaged

Self-Instructional Manual (SIM) for Self-Directed Learning (SDL)

Course/Subject: CRMTC 3/L – Forensic Ballistics

Name of Teacher: CHERRYFE M. ESPAÑA

THIS SIM/SDL MANUAL IS A DREAFT VERSION; NOT FOR

REPRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE OF ITSINTENDED
USE. THIS IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE STUDENTS
WHO ARE OFFICIALLY ENROLLED IN THE COURSE/SUBJECT.
EXPECT REVISIONS OF THE MANUAL.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE -------------------------------------------------------- 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS -------------------------------------------------------- 2

COURSE OUTLINE -------------------------------------------------------- 5

SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE POLICY ----------------------------------------------- 6

BIG PICURE ------------------------------------------------------ 9

ULOa
Metalanguage ------------------------------------------------------ 10
Essential Knowledge -------------------------------------------------------11
1. Introduction ------------------------------------------------------ -11
2. Definitions -------------------------------------------------------13
3. Important Dates in Firearms History ------------------------------------- 19
4. Important Persons in Firearms history ----------------------------------- 20
5. General Classification of Firearms ---------------------------------------- 21
Reference ------------------------------------------------------ 27
Self-Help ------------------------------------------------------ 28
Let’s Check
Activity 1 ------------------------------------------------------ 28
Let’s do this
Activity 1 ------------------------------------------------------ 30
Activity 2 ------------------------------------------------------ 31
Activity 3 ------------------------------------------------------33
In a Nutshell
Activity 1 ------------------------------------------------------ 35
Activity 2 ------------------------------------------------------ 37

ULOb
Metalanguage ------------------------------------------------------ 38
Essential Knowledge ------------------------------------------------------ 38
1. Introduction ----------------------------------------------------- 39
2. General Types of Ammunition -------------------------------------------- 39
3. Classification of Cartridges ----------------------------------------------- 39
4. Projectile ---------------------------------------------------- 44
5. General Types of Bullets --------------------------------------------------- 44
6. Types of Bullet ----------------------------------------------------- 44
7. Cartridge Case ----------------------------------------------------- 44
8. Functions of the Cartridge Case ----------------------------------------- 44
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 9. Parts of the Cartridge Case ------------------------------------------------ 45
10. Types of Cartridge ------------------------------------------------------ 46
11. Primer ------------------------------------------------------ 46
12. Origin ------------------------------------------------------ 46
13. Parts of the Primer ------------------------------------------------------ 47
14. Types of Priming Mixture Compound ------------------------------------ 47
15. Propellant ------------------------------------------------------ 48
16. Development of Gunpowder ----------------------------------------------- 48
17. Explosives ------------------------------------------------------ 48
18. The Black Powder ------------------------------------------------------ 49
Reference ------------------------------------------------------ 50

Let’s Check
Activity 1 ------------------------------------------------------ 50
Let’s do this
Activity 1 ------------------------------------------------------ 52
Activity 2 ------------------------------------------------------ 56
In a Nutshell
Activity 1 ------------------------------------------------------ 58

ULOc
Metalanguage ------------------------------------------------------ 60
Essential Knowledge ------------------------------------------------------ 61
1. Firearms Characteristics ---------------------------------------------------- 61
2. Gun Barrel ------------------------------------------------------ 61
3. Stages in the Manufacture of the Barrel --------------------------------- 62
4. The Breechface ------------------------------------------------------ 62
5. Types of Characteristics in Firearms ------------------------------------ 62
6. The Forensic Ballistics Problem ------------------------------------------ 64
7. Tools Used in Forensics Firearms Identification --------------------- 67
8. Procedure at the Scene of Shooting ------------------------------------ 68
9. Steps in Investigating a Shooting Incident ----------------------------- 68
10. Marking and Preserving the Evidentiary Chain in
Firearms Cases ----------------------------------------------------- 70
11. Handling and Safety of Firearms ----------------------------------------- 70
12. Documentation ----------------------------------------------------- 72
13. Recovery of Embedded Projectiles -------------------------------------- 73
14. Collection of Expended Cartridge Cases and
Shotshell Components ----------------------------------------------------- 73
Reference ----------------------------------------------------- 73

Let’s Check
Activity 1 ------------------------------------------------------ 74

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Let’s do this
Activity 1 ------------------------------------------------------ 75
Activity 2 ------------------------------------------------------ 77
Let’s Analyze
Activity 1 ------------------------------------------------------ 78

FINAL WRITTEN EXAM ------------------------------------------------------ 81

COURSE SCHEDULES ------------------------------------------------------ 81

Laboratory Guidelines, Activities, and Schedules ------------------------------------

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COURSE OUTLINE: CRI 414/L – Forensic Ballistics

Course Facilitator : CHERRYFE M. ESPAÑA

Email : cherryfeespana@umindanao.edu.ph
Student Consultation : Done online (LMS) or traditional
contact (calls, texts, emails)
Mobile : 09271891799
Effectivity Date : January 2021
Mode of Delivery : Online Blended Delivery
Time Frame : 108 Hours Lec/Lab, Semester
Requisites : CRMTC 2/L
Student Workload : Expected Self-Directed Learning
Credit : 3 Lec/1 Lab
Attendance Requirements : For lecture online sessions: minimum of
95% attendance. For 2-day on-
campus/onsite final exam: 100%
attendance. On-campus/onsite laboratory
activities: 100% attendance.

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 SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE POLICY

Areas of Concern Details

This 3-unit course self-instructional manual is designed

for blended learning module of instructional delivery
Contact and Non-contact with scheduled face to face or virtual sessions. The
Hours expected number of hours will be 54 hours for lecture.
This includes face to face or virtual sessions. The face
to face sessions shall include the summative
assessment tasks (exams).
Submission of assessment tasks shall be on the 3rd, 5th
7th and 9th week of the term. The assessment paper
shall be attached with a cover page indicating the title
of assessment task (if the task is performance), name
the course coordinator, date of submission and name of
Assessment Task the student. The document should be emailed to the
Submission course coordinator. It is also expected that you already
paid your tuition and other fees before the submission
of the assessment task. If the assessment task is done
in real time through the features in the Blackboard
Learning Management System, the schedule shall be
arranged ahead of time by the course coordinator.
Since this course is included in the licensure
examination for criminologists, you will be required to
take the Multiple-Choice Question exam inside the
University. This should be scheduled ahead of time by
your course coordinator. This is non-negotiable for all
licensure-based programs.
Turnitin Submission (if
necessary) To ensure honesty and authenticity, all assessment
tasks are required to be submitted through Turnitin with
a maximum similarity index of 30% allowed. This
means that if your paper goes beyond 30%, the
students will either opt to redo his/her paper or explain
in writing addressed to the course coordinator the
reasons of similarity. In addition, if the paper has
reached more than 30% similarity index, the student
may be called for disciplinary action in accordance with
the University’s OPM on Intellectual and Academic
Honesty.

Please note that academic dishonesty such as cheating

and commissioning other students or people to
complete the task for you have severe punishments

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 (reprimand, warning, expulsion).
The score for an assessment item submitted after the
designated time on the due date, without an approved
extension of time, will be reduced by 5% of the possible
maximum score for that assessment item for each day
Penalties for Late or part day that the assessment item is late. However, if
Assignments/Assessments the late submission of assessment paper has a valid
reason, a letter of explanation should be submitted and
approved by the course coordinator. If necessary, you
will also be required to present/attach evidences.

However, if the late submission of assessment paper

has a valid reason, a letter of explanation should be
submitted and approved by the course coordinator. If
necessary, you will also be required to present/attach
evidences.
Assessment tasks will be returned to you two (2) weeks
after the submission. This will be returned by email or
via Blackboard portal. For group assessment tasks, the
Return of Assignments/ course coordinator will require some or few of the
Assessments students for online or virtual sessions to ask clarificatory
questions to validate the originality of the assessment
task submitted and to ensure that all the group
members are involved.

You should request in writing addressed to the course

coordinator his/her intention to resubmit an assessment
task. The resubmission is premised on the student’s
Assignment Resubmission failure to comply with the similarity index and other
reasonable grounds such as academic literacy
standards or other reasonable circumstances e.g.
illness, accidents financial constraints

You should request in writing addressed to the program

coordinator your intention to appeal or contest the score
given to an assessment task. The letter should explicitly
Re-marking of explain the reasons/points to contest the grade. The
Assessment program coordinator shall communicate with the
Papers and Appeal students on the approval and disapproval of the
request. If disapproved by the course coordinator, you
can elevate your case to the program head or the dean
with the original letter of request. The final decision will
come from the dean of the college.

I Lecture 40%
Course discussions/exercises – 30%
Grading System 1st formative assessment – 10%
2nd formative assessment – 10%
3rd formative assessment – 10%

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 Final exam – 40%
All culled from BlackBoard sessions and
traditional contact

II Laboratory
Laboratory Activities 20%
Field Work 20%
Practical Exam 20%
Grade component for the laboratory shall include
activities given as assignment and conducted
within the university

Submission of the final grades shall follow the usual

University system and procedures.

All outputs in this course which requires the indication

Preferred Referencing of references shall follow the general practice of the
Style APA 6th Edition.

You are required to create a umindanao email account

which is a requirement to access the BlackBoard
portal. Then, the course coordinator shall enroll the
students to have access to the materials and resources
of the course. All communication formats: chat,
submission of assessment tasks, requests etc. shall be
Student Communication through the portal and other university recognized
platforms.

You can also meet the course coordinator in person

through the scheduled face to face sessions to raise
your issues and concerns.

For students who have not created their student email,

please contact the course coordinator or program head.

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Contact Details of the Dean
Contact Details of the Program
Head
Student with Special Needs
Online Tutorial Registration
Help Desk Contact
Library Contact
Guidance Services and
Testing Center
Well-being Welfare Support
Support
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Dr. Carmelita B. Chavez
Email: carmelita_chavez@umindanao.edu.ph
Phone: (082) 300-5456
Dr. Roberto R. Magbojos
Email: Roberto_magbojos@umindanao.edu.ph
Phone: (082) 300-5456
Students with special needs shall communicate
with the course coordinator about the nature of his
or her special needs. Depending on the nature of
the need, the course coordinator with the approval
of the program coordinator may provide alternative
assessment tasks or extension of the deadline of
submission of assessment tasks. However, the
alternative assessment tasks should still be in the
service of achieving the desired course learning
outcomes.
You are required to undergo a tutorial on this
course. Upon enrolment and the registration of
your name to Blackboard LMS, the Course
Coordinator will contact you on the specific
schedule of the tutorial which shall be conducted
within the 1st week of the class.
- ccje@umindanao.edu.ph
- Brigida E. Bacani
Head – LIC
library@umindanao.edu.ph
09513766681
- 09058934090/ 09504665431
- Ibade@umindanao.edu.ph
 Course Information – see/download course syllabus in the Black Board LMS

CC’s Voice: Hello prospective criminologists! Welcome to this course CRMTC 3/L –
Forensic Ballistics. By now, I am confident that you really wanted to
become criminologists and that you have visualized yourself already
practicing your respective professions.

CO: As aspiring public servants, law enforcers and criminology practitioners

it is important for you to learn the significance of forensic ballistics in
your field. In this course, you will learn not only the basics but as well
as how to apply said science in the conduct of investigation. You will
also have hands-on experience of the equipment necessary for
ballistics examination.

Let us begin!

BIG PICTURE

Week 1-9: Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO): At the end of the unit, you are
expected to:

a. Explain the history of Ballistics, its branches and the scientific study of
firearms identification.
b. Discuss the study of ammunition, projectiles, gunpowder, primer,
explosives.
c. Perform proper examination of ballistics related evidences found at the
crime scene, with proper markings, and determination of class and
individual characteristics with the laboratory manual as guide.

Week 1-3

Big Picture in Focus: ULOa. Explain the history of Ballistics, its branches and
the scientific study of firearms identification.

Metalanguage

The most essential terms relevant to the study of this course and to
demonstrate ULOa are operationally defined to establish a common frame of
reference as to how the texts work in the course. You will encounter these terms as

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we go through the study of course. Hence, to be able to fully appreciate the topics
presented in this course, unlocking the meaning of these terms is crucial.

• BALLISTICS – Is the science that deals with the study of the motion of the
projectile.

• FORENSIC - Is an adjective referring to formal eloquence or consequently formal

court discussion. More broadly, the word Forensic has become almost
synonymous with Legal.

• MOTION - It refers to the movement.

• PROJECTILE – It refers to the bullet that passes through the barrel of a firearm

• SCIENCE - It refers to the systematized body of knowledge.

Essential Knowledge

To perform the aforesaid big picture (unit learning outcomes) for the first three
(3) weeks of the course, you need to fully understand the following essential
knowledge that will be laid down in the succeeding pages. The topics presented in
this section are taken from the approved textbook of the course. Please note that
you are not limited to exclusively refer to the resources. Thus, you are expected to
utilize other books, research articles and other resources that are available in the
university’s library e.g. ebrary, search.proquest.com etc.

1. INTRODUCTION. Ballistics is a science that deals with the motion of projectiles.

Technically, it refers to the science of firearms identification. On the other hand,
forensic ballistics is a scientific study of firearm identification with the use of
laboratory examination. The subject gives emphasis on the study of ammunition,
projectiles, gunpowder, primer, and explosives, including the use of the bullet
comparison microscope. It also deals with the principles in the microscopic and
macroscopic examination of firearm evidence and the preparation of reports for legal
proceedings in the solution of cases involving firearms. The word ballistics was
derived from the Greek word “ballo” or “Ballien” which means “to throw”. The root word of
ballistics was said to be derived from the Roman weapon “ballista”.

1.1 Branches of Ballistics

1.1.1 Interior Ballistics – treats of the motion of the projectile while

still inside of the firearm. Namely:
1.1.1.1 Firing pin hitting the primer.
1.1.1.2 Ignition of the priming mixture.

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 1.1.1.3 Combustion of gunpowder.
1.1.1.4 Expansion of heated gas.
1.1.1.5 Pressure developed – measured in pounds per
square inch.
1.1.1.6 Energy generated – measured in foot pound. Foot
pound is the capacity to lift one pound at the height of
one foot.
1.1.1.7 Recoil of the Firearm – the rearward movement of the
firearm after explosion.
1.1.1.8 Velocity of the bullet – measured in feet per second.
1.1.1.9 Rotation of the bullet inside the barrel. Engraving on
the cylindrical surface of the bullet.

1.1.2 Exterior Ballistics – treats of the motion of projectiles after

leaving the muzzle of the gun barrel. Namely:
1.1.2.1 Muzzle blast – the sound created at the muzzle end of
the barrel of the firearm after the explosion.
1.1.2.2 Muzzle energy – energy generated after leaving the
firearms.
1.1.2.3 Trajectory – is the actual pattern of the curved path of
the bullet in flight.
1.1.2.4 Range – the distance between the firearm and the
target.
1.1.2.4.1 Effective range – the maximum distance at
which the projectiles can be expected to be
lethal.
1.1.2.4.2 Maximum range – the greatest distance a
projectile can travel when fired at the optimum
angle of elevation of the barrel.
1.1.2.5 Velocity – the speed of the bullet.
1.1.2.6 Air resistance – encountered by a bullet in flight.
1.1.2.7 Pull of gravity – the downward movement of the bullet.
1.1.2.8 Penetration – the entry of the bullet on a target.

1.1.3 Terminal Ballistics – treats the effects of the impact of the

bullet towards the target. Namely:
1.1.3.1 Terminal accuracy – the size of the bullet grouping on
the target.
1.1.3.2 Terminal energy – energy of the bullet.
1.1.3.3 Terminal velocity – the speed of the bullet inside the
target.
1.1.3.4 Terminal penetration – the depth of the bullet on
target

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 1.1.4 Forensic Ballistics – is the science of firearms identification by
means of the ammunition fired through them.
1.1.4.1 Field Investigation – refers to the work an investigator
in the field. It concerns mostly with the collections,
marking, preservation, packing and transmission of
firearms evidences.
1.1.4.2 Technical Examination – refers to the examiners who
examine bullets and/or shells whether fired from the
suspected firearms submitted; and/or to determine
also whether or not cartridge cases were loaded or
ejected from the suspected firearm submitted. Reports
are made by the examiners and testify in court
regarding their report.
1.1.4.3 Legal Proceedings – presentation of ballistics reports,
firearm, bullets, cartridges cases and allied exhibits in
the court.
1.2 Bullet Drop Vs Gravity. If you hung one bullet by the muzzle of a rifle
and released this bullet to the ground at the same instant the fired bullet
left the muzzle, on a flat line of trajectory, both bullets would hit the ground
and at the same instant.

1.3 Bullet Fired Upward. A bullet fired straight up into the air would come
back with the same velocity that it had when it started if it were not for the
air resistance, but in practice bullet, fired straight upward has little velocity
remaining when it returns to earth.

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1 Firearms – (found in Section 877 of our Revised Administrative Code

and in Section 290 of our National Internal Revenue Code). Sec 877 –
Firearms or arms as herein used includes rifles, muskets, carbines, shotguns,
revolvers, pistols and all other deadly weapons from which a bullet, ball, shot
shell, or other missiles may be discharged by means of gunpowder or other
explosives. The term also includes air rifles except such as being of a small
caliber and limited range used as toys. The BARREL of any firearm shall be
considered a complete firearm for all purposes hereof.

2.2 Rifle – A type of weapon normally designed to be fired from the

shoulder.

2.3 Musket – An ancient smooth bore weapon designed to shoot a single

round lead ball. They are considered a muzzle loading firearms. Named after
the smallest bird of prey called “mosquette”, a small hawk.

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 2.4 Matchlock Musket – came into being about the end of the first quarter
of the Fifteenth century.

2.5 Flintlock Musket – was first introduced at the beginning of the 18 th

century. Three characteristics weapons of the American Civil War. The top is
a Colt revolving rifle issued at the start of the war in considerable numbers
and of full musket bore, but entirely unsatisfactory for use in the field.

2.6 Carbine – (David “Carbine” William) caliber.30 a short barrel rifle,

having a barrel not longer than 22 inches.

2.7 Shotgun – a smooth bore weapon designed to shoot a number of lead

pellets in one charge.
Gauge – as applied to shotgun indicates the bore diameter is equal to the
diameter of the lead ball whose weight in pound is equal to the reciprocal
gauge index. Indicates bore diameter that is equal to the lead ball weighing
1/12 of a pound.

2.8 Revolver - A hand firearm in which a rotating cylinder successively

places cartridges into position for firing.

2.9 Pistol - A hand firearm usually applies to single shot and automatic
loading. The smallest pistol in the world is KOLIBRI, auto pistol, caliber
2.7mm, 5 shots, 1914. The most powerful handgun in the world is once
considered MAGNUM .44 now caliber .50 manufactured in Israel. The word
“magnum” originated in England.

2.10 Single Action - Weapon in which pressure upon the trigger releases
the hammer that must be manually cocked.

2.11 Double Action - Weapon in which pressure upon the trigger both
cocks and releases the hammer.

2.12 Automatic - A weapon is called automatic when the mechanism is so

arranged that it will fire continuously while the trigger is depressed.

2.13 Air Rifle - A type of weapon designed to shoot pellets by means of

compressed air, (cal. 177 or .22).

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 Figure 1. Rifle

Figure 2. Musket

Figure 3. Matchlock Musket

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 Figure 4. Flintlock Musket

Figure 5. Carbine

Figure 6. Shotgun

Figure 7. Revolver

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 Figure 8. Pistol

Figure 8a. Kolibri 2.7mm Auto Figure 8b. Magnum 44

Figure 8c. Caliber .50 Desert Eagle

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 Figure 9. Cinmarron lightning .38 single action revolver

Figure 10. Taurus g2c 9mm double action

Figure 11. Automatic

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 Figure 12. Crossman shockwave np air rifle .22

3. IMPORTANT DATES IN FIREARMS HISTORY

3.1 1313 – Gunpowder as Propellant. The age of gunpowder began with its
first use as a propellant for a projectile.
3.2 1350 – Small Arms. Gunpowder was first used only in cannons. It was
not until the middle of the 14th Century that portable hand firearms were
introduced. These guns were ignited by handled hotwire or lighted match.
3.3 1498 – Rifling. 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.
3.4 1575 – Cartridge. Paper cartridge was developed. This combined both
powder and ball about 1575. This greatly speeded loading and reduced
hazards for carrying loose powder.
3.5 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 late percussion and a cartridge development.
3.6 1835 – Samuel Colt. Patented the first practical revolver in which the
cylinder rotated by cocking the hammer.
3.7 1836 – Pinfire Cartridge. The pinfire cartridge developed by Le
Faucheuz was probably the first self-exploding cartridge to come into
general use.
3.8 1845 – Rimfire Cartridge. In France, Flobert developed “bullet breech
cap” which was in reality the first rimfire cartridge.
3.9 1858 – Center-Fire Cartridge. The Morse cartridge marked the
beginning of the rapid development of the center-fire cartridge.
3.10 1884 – Automatic Machine Gun. Hiram Maxim built the first fully
automatic gun, utilizing the recoil of the piece to load and fire the next
charge.
3.11 1885 – Smokeless Powder. In France, Vieille developed the first
satisfactory developed the first satisfactory smokeless powder, a new

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 propellant which lacked the smoke characteristics of black powder, but
was more powerful.

4. IMPORTANT PERSONS IN FIREARM HISTORY

4.1 Col. Calvin H Goddard – he is known as the Father of Modern

Ballistics. In the late 1920’s, the work of Calvin Goddard brought the FBI
(formally named in 1932) even more fully into the application of science to
detective work. Goddard, a pioneer in forensic ballistics, was instrumental
in the opening of the Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory, then affiliated
with Northwestern University, in Chicago. The Bureau learned much from
Goddard’s lab and it supported many of the efforts made by this
organization over the next several years.
4.2 Valentine’s Day Massacre - during the height of prohibition, gang
warfare raged over control of the illegal alcohol trade. One of the bloodiest
battles was between Al “Scarface” Capone and George “Bugs” Moran. On
Valentines night, 1929, seven of Moran’s men were awaiting a shipment of
stolen alcohol. The shipment was actually a set up by Capone in an
attempt to kill his rival, Moran. Moran was supposed to be at the
warehouse but arrived late. Moran saw a “police car” pull up so he stayed
back and watched. The “police” entered the warehouse and a barrage of
machine gunfire was heard. Moran then saw the “cops” come out and
drive away. The real police arrived and found each of the 7 inside shot
numerous times. 70 casings were recovered from the scene. Bullets were
later recovered from the victims.
4.3 Horace Smith – founded the great firm Smith and Wesson pioneered
the making of breech loading rifles.

4.4 Daniel Baired Wesson – responsible for helping develop several

influential firearm designs over the course of his life

4.5 James Wolfe Ripley - stimulated the development of the model 1855
riffled - musket

4.6 John Moses Browning – the wizard of modern firearm. He is

regarded as one of the most successful firearms designers of the 20th
century, in the development of modern automatic and semi-automatic
firearms, and is credited with 128-gun patents. He made his first firearm
at age 13 in his father's gun shop, and was awarded his first patent on
October 7, 1879 at the age of 24
4.7 John T. Thompson - pioneered the making of Thompson sub –
machine gun.

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 4.8 David “Carbine” Willliams – maker of the first known carbine.

4.9 Alexander John Forsyth – father of percussion ignition.

4.10 Samuel Colt – produced the first practical revolver.

4.11 John C. Garand – invented the US Rifle. Cal. .30 M1

4.12 Hiram maxim - Built the first fully automatic gun, utilizing the recoil of
the piece to load and fire the next charge

5 GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF FIREARMS.

5.1 According to Interior Barrel Construction

5.1.1 Smoothbore firearms – firearms that does not contain rifling or

perfectly smooth from end to end e.g. Shotguns and Muskets.

5.1.2 Rifled arms – Firearms that contains rifling or the bore is cut
longitudinally with a number of grooves, e.g. Pistol, Revolvers
and rifles.

5.2 According to the Caliber of the Projectile Propelled

5.2.1 Artillery – Firearms that propel projectile more than one inch in
diameter. E.g. Cannons, Mortars, Bazooka

5.2.2 Small Arms – Firearms that propel projectile less than one inch
in diameter. E.g. Pistols, Revolvers, Rifle, Submachine Guns,
Shotguns

5.3 Machine Guns. A machine gun is a type of firearm that is primarily

designed for military use. Investigations involving shooting cases in cities
rarely find this type of firearm having been used. It can be grouped in three
general types:

5.3.1 Recoil-operated – a type of machine gun devised with a recoil

spring that is responsible for forcing the breech block to move
forward causing another cartridge to be loaded only after the
breech block moves rearward and the empty shell is extracted
upon firing.

5.3.2 Gas operated – a type of machine gun equipped with gas port
at the anterior portion of the barrel. When a cartridge is fired and
the bullet reaches the gas port some high-pressure gas will
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 move to the gas cylinder causing the piston to move to the rear
moving or pulling the breechblock to the rear.

5.3.3 Combined recoil and gas operated – in this type of machine

gun, the gas operation merely serves to unlock the breechblock
by the pressure moving to the gas port, passing through the gas
cylinders and causing the piston to move to the rear, moving the
cam to raise the lock through a stud. Once this is completed,
recoil action causes the breechblock to move rearward and
completes the opening cycle. The spring will return the various
parts to their closed position and cycle will be repeated for the
next shot.

5.4 Sub-Machine Gun. This is a light, portable form of machine gun, utilizing
a pistol size ammunition, having a shoulder stock that may or may not be
folded and designed to be fired with both hands. Example: Uzi

5.5 Shoulder Arms. Shoulder arms are those types of firearms that were
normally fired from the shoulder. Example: rifles and shotguns

5.6 Rifles. It is a shoulder weapon designed to fire a projectile with more

accuracy through a long-rifled bore barrel, usually more than 22 inches.
Types of Repeating Rifles:
5.6.1 Bolt Action type – The bolt action type may appear as either
turning bolt or a straight-pull bolt type. The turning bolt type is
manipulating by turning the bolt handle first upward, making the
bolt in an unlocked position before pulling the handle to open the
chamber causing the cartridge to be exposed and be ready for
another loading and closing before firing.

5.6.2 Lever – The name was derived from its manipulation system. It
is operated by downward-forward movement first of the lever by
hand, causing the opening, cocking and placing of the cartridge
in its position for loading. After which the lever is pulled back to
close position moving the cartridge to the chamber and putting
the breechblock in place, ready for firing. The Winchester model
91 is a typical example.

5.6.3 Slide Action Type – In this type of rifle, a box type magazine is
attached and removed every time that loading and unloading is
desired. The operation is simply done by pulling the slide
backward to open the breech and forward to move the cartridge
from the magazine to the chamber at the same time cocks the
hammer and locks the breechblock.
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 5.7 Carbine. A short barrel rifle, with its barrel rifle, measuring not longer than
22 inches. It fires a single projectile trough a rifle-bore either semi-
automatic or fully automatic, for every press of the trigger.

5.8 Muskets. Is an ancient smoothbore and muzzle loading military shoulder

arms designed to fire shots or a single round lead ball.

5.9 Shotgun. A smooth bore and a breech loading shoulder arm designed to
fire a number of lead pellets or shots in one charge.
Types of Shotgun
5.9.1 Single barreled shotgun – it is similar to a single shot rifle. It is
loaded with a single shotgun cartridge, closed, fired and to be
reloaded manually by the shooter.

5.9.2 Double barreled shotgun – It appears in different variation

depending on the barrel position. There are double barreled
shotgun positioned side by side, one over the other, with
individual trigger or with single trigger pull causing two hammer
and firing pin to fire at the same time.

5.9.3 Pump Action 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”.

5.9.4 Auto-loading Shotgun – This type of shotgun has a

mechanism similar to auto-loading or self-loading rifles that
permits reloading by the action of the recoil without the shooter
taking added effort.

5.10 Handguns. These types of firearms are designed or intended be fired

using one hand. Example: pistols and revolvers.

5.10.1 Pistols. In early firearm history, all handguns are generally

called as pistols. The pistol is loaded through the magazine, a
slide action taken to first load a cartridge to the chamber, upon
firing the empty shell will be extracted and ejected from the
firearm at the same time another cartridge is automatically
loaded to the chamber without the gunner exerting additional
effort.

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 5.10.2 Revolver. The revolver is a type of a hand firearm designed to
position cartridges into position for firing with the aid of a rotating
cylinder serving as its chamber.

5.11 Types of Firearms According to Mechanical Construction.

5.11.1 Single Shot Firearms – types of firearms designed to fire only

one shot for every loading.

5.11.2 Repeating Firearms – types of firearms designed to fire several

shots in one loading and for every press of a trigger.

5.11.3 Automatic Firearms – type of firearms that constitutes

continuous firing in a single press of the trigger and while the
trigger is pressed.

5.11.4 Slide action type – type of firearms in which loading take place
by back and forth manipulation of the under/over forearms of the
gun.

5.11.5 Bolt action type – types of firearms in which reloading takes

place by manipulating the bolt back and forth.

5.12 Advantages and disadvantages of revolvers

Advantages

1. Easy to operate
2. Safer
3. Trigger pull is better than an average pistol
4. Handles satisfactorily deteriorated ammunition.

Disadvantages

1. More bulky
2. Grip is not as good as of the pistol
3. Slower to load
4. Harder to replace when broken
5. Hard to clean
6. Poorly made weapon is subject to variable accuracy due to improper
lining of the cylinder.

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 5.13 Advantages and disadvantages of Pistols

Advantages

1. Better grip
2. More compact for same firing power
3. Easier to load
4. Barrel is replaceable
5. Greater number of shots
6. Easier to clean
7. Greater firing power
8. No gas leakage

Disadvantages

1. Ammunition must be perfect.

2. Misfire stops the functioning of the gun
3. Magazine spring is under tension when loaded for a long time.
4. It cannot use reduced loads
5. More dangerous to handle
6. Mechanism can eject empty shell towards the face of the shooter.
7. Throws empty shells on the ground to remain as evidence

5.14 Parts of a Revolver

5.14.1 Barrel- the passageway of the bullet. It initiates the motion

of the bullet.
5.14.2 Bolt – disengages center pin to allow opening of cylinder
and blocks the hammer.
5.14.3 Center pin – serves as locking device for the cylinder.
5.14.4 Center pin spring – holds the center pin in a locked
poisition.
5.14.5 Chamber – that part of the firearm in which the cartridge is
placed when ready to be fired.
5.14.6 Cylinder – serves as the chamber and magazine for a
revolver.
5.14.7 Cylinder notch – helps hold the cylinder in place and
aligned for ready firing.
5.14.8 Cylinder stop – stops and holds cylinder in alignment for
firing.
5.14.9 Double action sear – built into weapon to allow double
action firing.

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 5.14.10 Extractor – pulls the empty shells from the cylinder
simultaneously.
5.14.11 Frame – houses the internal parts of the firearm.
5.14.12 Hand (paw) – rotates the cylinder when the hammer is
cocked.
5.14.13 Hammer – strikes the blow that initiates the ignition of a
primer.
5.14.14 Hammer block – safety device that prevents hammer blows
to the primer.
5.14.15 Mainspring – provides energy to the hammer to activate
firing mechanism.
5.14.16 Ratchet – helps the withdrawal of the cartridge or shells from
the chamber of the cylinder.
5.14.17 Rebound slide – returns trigger, activates hammer block,
and locks the hammer.
5.14.18 Side plate – provides access to the internwal parts.
5.14.19 Side place screws – hold the side plate and yoke in place.
5.14.20 Thumb latch – actuates the bolt to release cylinder.
5.14.21 Trigger – activates the part necessary to fire the weapon.
5.14.22 Trigger guard – guards the trigger to unnecessary action to
avoid accidental firing.
5.14.23 Trigger spring – provides energy for return movement or
rebound slide.
5.14.24 Strain screws – controls tension on the mainspring.
5.14.25 Trigger level – contacts rebound slide to return trigger
forward.
5.14.26 Trigger stop – prevents excessive rearward movement after
hammer release
5.14.27 Yoke – pivots connection between the frame and cylinder.

5.15 Parts of a Pistol

5.15.1 Barrel – typically made of heavy-duty material to take on the
abuse of imparted on the assembly by the forces involved thus
providing inherent stability and thereof aiding in accuracy.
5.15.2 Front Sight – is used to align the forward section of the
weapon with the rear and its rear sighting device
5.15.3 Slide – is the complete assembly that houses the upper
section of the weapon and to withstand that harsh forces at play
when the gun is fired.
5.15.4 Ejection Port – used to eject a spent shell casing or
complete cartridge.
5.15.5 Rear Sight – is used to align the weapon with the front sight
and direct the muzzle of the gun towards the target.

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 5.15.6 Firing Pin – a movable pin in a firearm that strikes the primer
of a cartridge to set the charge.
5.15.7 Recoil Spring – a spring used to cushion the shock of a
recoiling gun or other mechanism.
5.15.8 Slide Lock – is a simple locking device used to lock the slide
in the rearward position.
5.15.9 Trigger – is the lever used to manage the firing function of
the weapon
5.15.10 Magazine Release – is used to eject the magazine from the
grip of the handgun.
5.15.11 Magazine – is an ammunition storage and feeding device
within or attached to a repeating firearm.
5.15.12 Hammer – is used to strike the percussion cap/primer, or a
separate firing pin, to ignite the propellant and fire the projectile.
5.15.13 Thumb Safety – that prevents the trigger and/or firing
mechanism from moving.
5.15.14 Grip Safety – is a lever or other device situated on the grip
of a firearm which must be actuated by the operator’s hand, as a
natural consequence of holding the firearm in a firing position, in
order for the firearm to fire.
5.15.15 Main spring – used to reduce mainspring pressure.
5.15.16 Barrel Bushing - When the slide goes back into battery, the
barrel is held centered in the bushing and provides a solid
platform for firing.
5.15.17 Recoil Spring - a spring used to cushion the shock of a
recoiling gun or other mechanism
5.15.18 Recoil Spring Plug - A reverse plug goes in to the slide
assembly from the rear and the guide rod spring hold it in place
one the gun is assembled.
5.15.19 Recoil Spring Guide – It guides the recoil spring to be in
place.

References:

1. De Guzman, R D & Villacarlos M B (2014), Fundamentals of Forensic

Firearms Identification, Chapterhouse Publishing Inc., Novaliches, Quezon
City Philippines.
2. Grimares, E., (2013). Forensic Ballistics (2nded). Quezon City: Wiseman’s
Book Trading, Inc.

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Self-Help:

You can also refer to the sources below;

1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXliIJ_66FQ
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjQrhDKDWFk

COURSE SCHEDULE-LECTURE.
This section calendars all the activities and exercises, including
readings and lectures, as well as time for making assignments and doing
other requirements, in a programmed schedule by days and weeks, to help
the students in SDL pacing, regardless of mode of delivery.

Activity Date Where to Submit

Big Picture A: Let’s Check Activities TBA Blackboard LMS

Big Picture A: Let’s Analyze Activities TBA Blackboard LMS

Big Picture A: In a Nutshell Activities TBA Blackboard LMS

Big Picture A: Q&A List TBA Blackboard LMS

Big Picture B: Let’s Check Activities TBA Blackboard LMS

Laboratory Guidelines, Activities, and Schedules

The following policies and guidelines shall be followed in the conduct of all laboratory
activities as required in the CRMTC 6 N/L course outline:

1. Since this is a semestral course, all laboratory activities shall be conducted

during the 2nd Term.

2. The students enrolled in the course shall be physically present to perform the
activities within their given schedules. This is with the assumption that
university issuances will now allow the students to travel and can enter the
university.

3. In preparing the laboratory schedule, the teacher should take into account the
number of students per classroom/laboratory room based on the existing
government and university policies under the “new normal” for the conduct of

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 classes. As much as practicable, physical distancing must always be
observed while inside the room and during the performance of these activities.
In this course, a maximum of 10 students will be scheduled to perform per
day.

4. The teacher and students must always wear protective equipment, which
includes but not limited to the following: facemask, laboratory gown, face
shield, and gloves. The CCJE Crime Laboratory Office will provide the
facemasks and disposable gloves while the laboratory gown and face shield
will be provided by the students. The bringing of personal sanitizer or
disinfectant is also encouraged.

5. Students coming from places identified as COVID-19 very high risk/high risk
or having in contact with anyone suspected of COVID-19 positive/suspect are
not required and must not report to school.

6. The teacher must immediately report to the University Clinic any students
observed to be unwell. Likewise, students should immediately inform the
teacher should they feel sick or ill.

7. Lastly, the laboratory custodian must first conduct orientation on laboratory

rules and regulations before any activities will be performed.

8. The students must strictly adhere to health protocols imposed by the Security
Safety Office upon entering the University. This includes the submission of the
UM Health Check List

9. In case a student cannot perform the scheduled activities due to # 5 item,

unavailability of transportation, restriction of travel or health reason will be
given a special schedule to be determined by the teacher upon presentation
of proof thereof.

In this course, the following are the required laboratory activities to be performed by
the students.

1. Accomplish/perform all the activities in the Laboratory Manual for

Ballistics. The students can bring home their manual and submit it to the
teacher at least a week before the end of the 2nd Term.

2. Familiarization on the different parts of the Firearms. The teacher will

identify the different components of the Firearms, explain the functions, and
demonstrate how to attach the components to the subject properly. The
students will now be given a chance to familiarize themselves with the
firearms, which includes naming the parts and functions. They will also
practice the proper assembling and disassembling the firearms.

3. Question Formulation. The students are required to write the questions they
will use in their actual firearms examination following the guidelines discussed
during the lecture component of this course.

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 4. Actual Ballistics Examination. Since the students are already familiar with
the different parts of the firearms & the bullet comparison microscope to be
used, they are now ready to conduct an actual ballistics examination. The
teacher will provide the step-by-step guidelines in the operation. It is vital that
the teacher must guide the students/group as they perform the actual
examination. After the activity, the students’ needs to submit their group
output in a clear folder with the following parts:
• Title/Cover Page
• Table of Contents
• Background History
• Ballistics Report

5. Reflection/Reaction Writing. Based on Activity 4 above, each student will be

required to submit a reflection or reaction paper based on their
observation/experiences. This output shall be submitted through the
Blackboard within 72 hours after performing the activity.

Lastly, the schedule in performing the activities as mentioned above (except Items1
and 5) shall be provided by the teacher during the final exam for the lecture at the
end of the 1st Term. Assuming there are 40 students enrolled in the course, and
each group will be composed of 10 students, the schedule below shall be followed
utilizing the 54 required laboratory hours (4 groups x 14 hrs. per group= 56 hrs.)

Group 1 (The same schedule will apply for the three (3) groups, 14 hrs. per
group X 4= 56 Hrs.)

Day Activities Time Duration

Familiarization on the Stoelting 5 hrs

Day 1 Computerized Polygraph System
7 hrs (CPS)
(8:00-4:00PM) Question Formulation 2 hrs

Day 2 Actual Polygraph Examination 7 hrs

7 hrs
(8:00-4:00PM)

ONLINE CODE OF CONDUCT

(1) All teachers/Course Facilitators and students are expected to abide by an

honor code of conduct, and thus everyone and all are exhorted to exercise
self-management and self-regulation.

(2) Faculty members are guided by utmost professional conduct as learning

facilitators in holding OBD and DED conduct. Any breach and violation

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 shall be dealt with properly under existing guidelines, specifically on social
media conduct (OPM 21.15) and personnel discipline (OPM 21.11).

(3) All students are likewise guided by professional conduct as learners in

attending OBD or DED courses. Any breach and violation shall be dealt
with properly under existing guidelines, specifically in Section 7 (Student
Discipline) in the Student Handbook.

(4) Professional conduct refers to the embodiment and exercise of the

University’s Core Values, specifically in the adherence to intellectual
honesty and integrity; academic excellence by giving due diligence in
virtual class participation in all lectures and activities, as well as fidelity in
doing and submitting performance tasks and assignments; personal
discipline in complying with all deadlines; and observance of data privacy.

(5) Plagiarism is a serious intellectual crime and shall be dealt with

accordingly. The University shall institute monitoring mechanisms online to
detect and penalize plagiarism.

(6) All borrowed materials uploaded by the teachers/Course Facilitators shall

be properly acknowledged and cited; the teachers/Course Facilitators shall
be professionally and personally responsible for all the materials uploaded
in the online classes or published in SIM/SDL manuals.

(7) Teachers/Course Facilitators shall devote time to handle OBD or DED

courses and shall honestly exercise due assessment of student
performance.

(8) Teachers/Course Facilitators shall never engage in quarrels with students

online. While contentions intellectual discussions are allowed, the
teachers/Course Facilitators shall take the higher ground in facilitating and
moderating these discussions. Foul, lewd, vulgar and discriminatory
languages are absolutely prohibited.

(9) Students shall independently and honestly take examinations and do

assignments, unless collaboration is clearly required or permitted.
Students shall not resort to dishonesty to improve the result of their
assessments (e.g. examinations, assignments).

(10) Students shall not allow anyone else to access their personal LMS
account. Students shall not post or share their answers, assignment or
examinations to others to further academic fraudulence online.

(11) By handling OBD or DED courses, teachers/Course Facilitators agree

and abide by all the provisions of the Online Code of Conduct, as well as all
the requirements and protocols in handling online courses.

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(12) By enrolling in OBD or DED courses, students agree and abide by all
the provisions of the Online Code of Conduct, as well as all the requirements
and protocols in handling online courses.

Prepared by:

IVY Q. MALIBIRAN, MSCRrim.

JOHN CARLO T. CANTES, RCrim.
WILLIAM A. REVISA, Ph.D.
Course Facilitator/Faculty

Course reviewed by:

ROBERTO R. MAGBOJOS, Ph.D

Program Head, CCJE

Approved by:

CARMELITA B CHAVEZ, Ph.D

Dean, CCJE

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