Ballistic "Fingerprints"

[MO_Soldier]

Ok, for a couple years now I've been under the impression that they could identify the shooter of a scene by the identifying marks left by the gun on the fired bullet.

It was my impression that during testing of each new firearm in the past couple years, they recover the tested bullet and "finger print" it so that if a gun is ever used in committing a crime, they could recover the bullet and crosscheck that to a reference database of "bullet fingerprints" and to the respective owner of the gun.

Is this true?
How does this affect gun transfers between private individuals?
Is this process any different if you buy a gun as a LEO at LEO pricing, verses normal retail price as a civilian?

[Bawanna]

Ok, for a couple years now I've been under the impression that they could identify the shooter of a scene by the identifying marks left by the gun on the fired bullet.

It was my impression that during testing of each new firearm in the past couple years, they recover the tested bullet and "finger print" it so that if a gun is ever used in committing a crime, they could recover the bullet and crosscheck that to a reference database of "bullet fingerprints" and to the respective owner of the gun.

Is this true?
How does this affect gun transfers between private individuals?
Is this process any different if you buy a gun as a LEO at LEO pricing, verses normal retail price as a civilian?

I believe this is basically true. Not all states require it and usually guns this applies too have a spent case in an envelope in the box. It has no effect on transfers. One should do a basic Bill of Sale including date and time and name of buyer to protect yourself from future misdeeds if they occur.
It also has nothing to do with LEO or LEO pricing. If the state requires it they get it too.
Most of my new guns came with the case but not all. I'm not sure if Wa requires it or not to be honest.
I know California does for sure. (Big surprise there huh?)

[MO_Soldier]

I believe this is basically true. Not all states require it and usually guns this applies too have a spent case in an envelope in the box. It has no effect on transfers. One should do a basic Bill of Sale including date and time and name of buyer to protect yourself from future misdeeds if they occur.
It also has nothing to do with LEO or LEO pricing. If the state requires it they get it too.
Most of my new guns came with the case but not all. I'm not sure if Wa requires it or not to be honest.
I know California does for sure. (Big surprise there huh?)

So that is a state requirement, I always thought it to be federal. I wonder what my instance would be, living in Missouri and ordering from Massachusetts....who's law would apply?

I didn't receive a spent case, but could my FFL have removed that without me knowing possibly?

[MO_Soldier]

So that is a state requirement, I always thought it to be federal.

Not to disagree with you, I humbly accept your facts with no contention.
I just tend to be too detailed is all haha.

[TriggerMan]

So that is a state requirement, I always thought it to be federal. I wonder what my instance would be, living in Missouri and ordering from Massachusetts....who's law would apply?

I didn't receive a spent case, but could my FFL have removed that without me knowing possibly?

My understanding is that it is a State requirement. Maryland photographs the spent casing and adds it to a database. Maryland State Police want to end the program as its ineffective and cases are solved at about $2.6M per case. Accuracy of testing can be a low as 40%.

Some manufacturers ship differently based on State, many just simplify and all cases get a spent shell.

When I look at an expanded SD round, it's hard to see how any barrel markings could be left for balistics tests. If you are a crook, just pickup your spent shells.

[Bawanna]

My understanding is that it is a State requirement. Some manufacturers ship differently based on State, many just simplify and all cases get a spent shell.

When I look at an expanded SD round, it's hard to see how any barrel markings could be left for balistics tests.

We got a bingo here. I think most just send the case weather it's required or not. I seriously doubt it has solved a single crime investigation but somebody someplace feels warm and fuzzy about it.

Most distributors would know if the case is required and send accordingly. Kind of like some of the special requirements for CA, safeties and loaded chamber indicators and such. Distributors know all that stuff. I suspect Missouri who's residents seem to have more than average common sense in most things would not require it but I seriously don't know for sure. No reason your dealer would take the case, never heard of that before.

[MO_Soldier]

Ok, well then I never received one and will look further into whether or not Missouri requires it for sure.
Thank you guys! These answers seem quite conclusive.

[getsome]

Not positive about this but I googled polygonal rifling to learn more about it and several of the hits said that ballistic testing can't be done on a bullet fired through a barrel with polygonal rifling....Anybody know if that is true or not?

[Micha2u]

Ballistic "Fingerprints"

I've read the same thing and believe that polygonal barrels give you a bullet that is useless from a criminal ballistics match standpoint.

[jocko]

getsome: that certainly is a new one to hear. lots of polygonal barrels out there.

[Tilos]

Anyone with a carbide scriber and stone could change the breach face machine marks that a fired case would produce, and even buff the firing pin to change it's "print"
How stupid is all this and this requirement in whatever state it applies too.
Political BS.
MO Soldier, I'm thinking "don't ask" anyone official, within your state government, and let your FFL decide what's required in your state.
He/she will know, as his/her business depends on knowing that stuff.

Tilos

[mr surveyor]

some folks watch too much hollywood t.v.

[MO_Soldier]

some folks watch too much hollywood t.v.

lol shut up...and I can't accurately defend myself by saying that isn't my source because, well, I don't know what my source is! haha

Being scientifically minded though, I bought into it no matter what the source. It's also valid though, as others on the forum have confirmed state's laws mandating such records.

[lugnut]

MO Soldier, I'm thinking "don't ask" anyone official, within your state government, and let your FFL decide what's required in your state.
He/she will know, as his/her business depends on knowing that stuff.

Tilos

Aint it the truth. I used to be amazed at how little most in the government and law enforcement know about gun law and guns in general. Now if I have a question I ask the people who need to know the right answer to stay in business and out of jail.

[TriggerMan]

lol shut up...and I can't accurately defend myself by saying that isn't my source because, well, I don't know what my source is! haha

Being scientifically minded though, I bought into it no matter what the source. It's also valid though, as others on the forum have confirmed state's laws mandating such records.

Two States, Maryland and New York require guns shipped into the State, to provide a spent shell so an image can be captured for a database.

Connecticut does it for guns used by Police or recovered by Police only,

California uses micro-stamping. Cases get marked upon fire with gun type and serial number!

Everyone else is lots smarter and saved millions $$$$$$