Introduction to

Forensic Ballistics
FORENSIC BALLISTICS
refers to the science of investigation and
identification of firearms and ammunitions used in
crimes.
 FORENSIC
The term originated
from the Latin word
“forum” meaning the
market place because
this is where judicial
trials were carried out
in Roman times, or it
means debatable,
argumentation in
relation to the court of
justice.
BALLISTICS
The science of motion of projectiles.
Technically, it refers to the science of
firearms identification.
Its legal meaning- it is the microscopic
examination of fired cartridge cases and
bullets together with the recording and
presentation by means of photography of
what is revealed by the microscope.
“ballista” and “ballein”
“ballista”
mid-18th century English
word that came from the
Romans
“huge catapult”

“ballein”
Greek word
which maybe be
translated as “to throw”
Firearms identification
science of identifying the imperfections or
irregularities of firearms and matching the
marks they put on bullets and cartridge cases
fired through them. Thus, it is sometimes
called ballistic fingerprinting. Others prefer to
use alternative descriptions such as ballistics
matching and tool-mark analysis.
IS FORENSIC BALLISTICS
AND
FIREARM
IDENTIFICATION THE
SAME?
FORENSIC BALLISTICS
The application of ballistics principles to legal matters.
Law enforcers and criminal investigators encounter
cases that require them to apply their knowledge in
ballistics and resolve legal issues regarding a shooting
incident.
A field of forensic science that is focused on scientific
analysis of all ballistics related evidence and
phenomena with exclusive purpose of interpreting or
establishing the truth involving a shooting incident.
(ABSSA- Association of Ballistics Specialists in South
Africa)
Firearms identification
Examination of fired bullets, cartridge cases,
or other ammunition components to identify the
gun where it came from. It is a form of tool-
mark identification where the firearm acts as a
tool that leaves impressed and/or striated marks
on the various ammunition components.
(Doyle, S., 2015)
Although, ballistics is sometimes referred to as the
science of firearms identification, experts disagree
with this definition since forensic ballisticians are
not only involved in identifying firearms. In police
parlance, ballistics is often used synonymously with
firearms investigation. Such usage is not appropriate
because, strictly speaking, investigation and
identification of firearms for legal purposes is called
firearms forensics. Take note, however, that forensic
ballistics is already acceptable as alternative term for
firearms identification.
R.A. No. 10591
Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition
Regulation Act The law governing the use
of firearms and ammunitions in the
Philippines.
Firearm
any handheld or portable weapon, whether a
small arm or light weapon, that expel a
bullet, shot, slug, missile or any projectile,
which is discharged by means of expansive
force of gases from burning gun powder. A
firearm is a weapon that fires either single or
multiple projectiles propelled at high
velocity by the gases produced through
rapid, confined burning of a propellant.
Long arms or shoulder arms
1. Rifle- rifled barrel designed to be fired from the shoulder.
consists of a series of helical grooves within the bore of a
firearm which impart spin to the bullet providing more stability.
2. Musket- an infantry weapon with long smooth bore
that is designated to propel a single shot.
3. Shotguns- similar in appearance to rifles but lack
rifling inside the barrel with a smooth bore only.
4. Carbine- a short barreled riffle (22 inches)
designed to fire a single shot.
B. Hand arms or short arms
1. Pistol- a hand gun that is magazine fed. Invented in the Italian
town Pistoi (Kolibri- known as the smallest pistol, an auto pistol,
caliber 2.7 mm made in 1914).
2. Revolver- a hand gun having a rotating cylinder
containing chambers designed to position a cartridge.
Ammunition- general term applied to metallic
cartridges and shot shells used in firearms. Any
unfired assembly of primer, powder and ball
which is used in a firearm.
Projectile- an object that can be launched, such
as bullet, artillery shell or rocket. It could be a
metallic or non-metallic object propelled from a
firearm.
Propellant- an explosive charge that projects a
bullet from a gun.
Ammunition
BRANCHES OF BALLISTICS
1.Internal ballistics- also called initial ballistics, deals
with the motion of a projectile while it is still inside the
gun.
2. Transitional ballistics- also known as intermediate
ballistics. The study of a projectile’s behavior from the
time it leaves the muzzle until the pressure behind the
projectile is equalized.
3. External ballistics- deal with the motion of the
projectile from the gun until it reaches the target.
4. Terminal ballistics- effect of the projectile on the
target.