DOCSLIB.ORG

Bullet Holes and Chemical Residues in Shooting Cases Joseph T

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Bullet Holes and Chemical Residues in Shooting Cases Joseph T Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume 31 Article 13 Issue 4 November-December Winter 1940 Bullet Holes and Chemical Residues in Shooting Cases Joseph T. Walker Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/jclc Part of the Criminal Law Commons, Criminology Commons, and the Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons Recommended Citation Joseph T. Walker, Bullet Holes and Chemical Residues in Shooting Cases, 31 Am. Inst. Crim. L. & Criminology 497 (1940-1941) This Criminology is brought to you for free and open access by Northwestern University School of Law Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology by an authorized editor of Northwestern University School of Law Scholarly Commons. BULLET HOLES AND CHEMICAL RESIDUES IN SHOOTING CASES Joseph T. Walkert Several new and important objec- value in reconstructing the circum- tives are introduced when the medico- stances surrounding the shooting and legal post-mortem examination of the in apprehending the responsible per- victim of a gunshot injury is under- son can hardly be over-estimated. taken. In ordinary practice an autopsy Observations bearing on the answers is performed to secure information of to questions proposed in the preceding medical or scientific interest. In medico- paragraph fall in three categories. legal practice it is performed primarily In the first category are the physical to determine, for legal purposes, the characteristics of the wounds. Excel- cause of death. Although both of these lent descriptions of wounds are to be objectives are important, many medical found in many of the more recent text- examiners and investigating officers are books on legal medicine (84) (85). unfamiliar with certain potentially rich These include descriptions and illustra- sources of information which are ex- tions of the differences between wounds tremely useful in the investigation of of exit and entrance; the characteris- the crime. To determine the cause of tics of the shot canal which indicate the death is, of course, fundamental. But direction of flight of the projectile; the to determine, insofar as possible, the evidences of explosive effects as are to circumstances surrounding the fatal be seen in contact shots; peculiarities acts is often more useful in the admin- of wounds attributable to the form and istration of justice. Among others, an- velocity of the bullet which produced swers to the following questions should them; peculiarities of wounds produced be sought. Was the wound produced by spent bullets or bullets in ricochet. by a bullet? Could the injury have In the second category are the iden- been self-inflicted? From what direc- tifying features of bullets found in, or tion was the shot fired? How far was shell cases found near, the body. The the gun from the victim when the shot matching of bullets or shell cases for was fired? What kind of ammunition the identification or exclusion of ques- was used? What kind of firearm was tioned weapons constitutes a highly used? specialized science which has been ade- The answer to these and other ques- quately presented by many authors tions may depend entirely upon the ex- (83). amination of the body and clothing of It is with the third category of ob- the victim. With the legal status of servations that this paper is principally evidence of this kind already estab- concerned. This has to do with the lished in the higher courts (27), its identification and interpretation of resi- dues of powder, lubricants, and metals t Massachusetts State Police, and Department of Legal Medicine, Harvard University. which may be found on the skin or [ 497 1 JOSEPH T. WALKER clothing of the victim, or in the wound Bullet: The bullet from an automa- itself. It is necessary first to consider tic pistol cartridge generally consists briefly the components of the firearm of a lead core covered with a gilding and the cartridge in order to appreciate metal jacket (copper alloyed with 5 to the significance of these residues. 10% of zinc). This jacket may be bare or Firearm: For the purposes of this plated with tin, or, rarely in this coun- discussion only hand firearms (revol- try, nickel. A bullet of this type is vers and automatic pistols) will be in- designated as "full metal-jacket." In cluded. The barrel is generally made cartridges designed for revolvers the of iron or steel, rifled with from four to seven lands and grooves, twisting bullet is generally soft. It may be com- to either the right or left. Frequently posed of relatively pure lead, lead it is fouled from previous shots, plated with a thin layer of copper, or rusted, or oiled. Examination of the lead alloyed with antimony, tin, or with interior will usually disclose the both antimony and tin. Spectrographic presence of metal fragments de- analysis of lead bullets shows the pres- rived from previous shots embedded ence of other elements in traces: cop- in the depressions of the gun bar- per, bismuth, silver and, occasionally, rel. This is particularly true near thallium (18) (75). Some revolver the breech where erosion of the barrel bullets have a copper or plated jacket is likely to be greatest (86) and where extending about halfway back from the surface of the bullet has been sub- the tip to the base. The soft metal of jected to the greatest stress at its cir- the core is exposed on the circumfer- cumference. Here the metal may often ence of the bullet near the base. In be seen to lie in strips at the edges of others, such as hollow point and soft the lands which impart the rotational point bullets, the jacket covers the base thrust to the bullet. Moreover, foul- and cylindrical portion, leaving soft ing from the powder charge and primer metal exposed at the tip. In all bullets, charge is frequently present and can be including jacketed bullets, the soft easily proved chemically. It is there- metal of the core is exposed at the fore possible that a bullet fired from base, or at the tip, or both. such a gun may carry with it traces of Lubrication: In general lead bullets any or all of the materials present on designed for revolvers are lubricated the interior of the gun barrel-iron, by means of a semi-solid waxlike lubri- rust, oil and metals, as well as powder cant. Jacketed bullets designed for au- and primer fouling of previous shots. tomatic pistols are not so lubricated Cartridge Case: The cartridge case in (36). Spectrographic analyses con- most instances is of brass. Within re- ducted in this laboratory have shown cent years the primer cap at the base that the lubrication is generally con- of the cartridge has been nickel-plated. taminated with lead, either mechanic- Occasionally one also finds the brass ally or by the formation of lead com- case nickel-plated. pounds. BULLET HOLES AND CHEMICAL RESIDUES Powder: Formerly the propellant compounds, including lead azide and charge in a cartridge was composed of lead styphnate; and potassium chlorate black powder. Since the introduction has been replaced by barium nitrate. of smokeless powder, black powder So where the residue of an old type charges have gradually disappeared, primer characteristically contains mer- until at present it is rare to find black cury and potassium, the residue of a powder cartridges. Black powder is modern primer characteristically con- a mixture of about 75% potassium ni- tains lead and barium. Antimony in trate, 15% sulfur and 10% charcoal. the form of stibnite is generally found Upon explosion it yields as solid resi- in both old and new primers. Zirconium dues mainly potassium sulfate, potas- metal is the latest element to be en- sium sulfide and potassium carbonate, countered. Recent analysis of the together with traces of the original primer residues of ninety-six makes components and nitrites, thiocyanates, and types of cartridges representing and thiosulfates (39) (68). both old and new ammunition with Smokeless powder is composed es- black and smokeless powder showed sentially of cellulose nitrate (single that the following elements were pres- base powder) or cellulose nitrate with ent in the percentage of residues in- nitroglycerine (double base powder) dicated. (68). The powder grains are generally Percentageof coated with graphite and are in the Element PrimerResidues form of disks or squares. Upon explo- Barium ................ 90% Antimony .............. 87% sion, smokeless powders leave very Lead .................. 75% little solid residue. That which is left Mercury ............... 67% consists of carbonized matter or graph- Potassium .............. 31% Tin .................... 9% ite in the form of a fine dust and un- Manganese ............. 4% burned or partially-burned grains of Zirconium .............. 1% powder, ranging in size from large Subsequent information received from visible particles to fine dust. Nitrites cartridge manufacturers indicates that and cellulose nitrate are the detectable tin compounds are not incorporated in chemical entities in this residue. primer mixtures, as the spectrographic Primer: Some years ago a typical analyses of the residues above would primer mixture contained mercury ful- imply. Primers leaving tin in the resi- minate, stibnite (native antimony sul- due of the explosion were therefore fide), potassium chlorate and powdered removed from the cartridges by the glass. Subsequently attempts were method of Chamot (82). In each in- made to eliminate mercury and to re- stance the primer compound was found duce the rust-producing properties of to be sealed into the cup with a small the residue of potassium chlorate. (26). disk of soft metal foil. The foil was This has resulted in the production of composed of a lead tin alloy, weighing primers in which the mercury has been about 10 mg The disintegration of partially or entirely replaced by lead this foil upon firing doubtless gave rise JOSEPH T.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Modelling Cranial Gunshot Wounds and Backspatter
    MODELLING CRANIAL GUNSHOT WOUNDS AND BACKSPATTER Gemma Elizabeth Radford A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Science At the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. December 2009 II Abstract Bloodspatter from gunshot wounds may be divided into two categories; forward spatter and backspatter. Forward spatter is ejected from the exit wound and travels in the same direction as the bullet. Backspatter on the other hand is ejected from the entrance wound and travels against the line of fire, back towards the shooter. This means it is commonly deposited on the hand of the shooter or the firearm, making it a critical piece of evidence when determining the manner of death. Despite this fact, research in this area is limited and no realistic synthetic model for studying backspatter has been documented in the literature. This project was initiated in response to this, in an attempt to create a realistic cranial model that could produce backspatter from a gunshot wound. A pig head model was developed, as it could be validated unlike a human model. This model consisted of synthetic skin, soft tissue and bone layers which completely enclosed a volume of gelatine to represent the brain. The model was tested at a firing range, along with butchered pig heads and live pigs and the results were compared. A high-speed camera was used to film each shot, in order to record key events in slow motion. The resultant wounds, the high-speed videos, and the backspatter produced were analysed and compared. The model was comparable with pigs in relation to the backspatter produced and there were also similarities between the resultant wounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Lead Shot & Bullets
    What can be done to protect adults Are high lead levels a serious health and children against lead? problem in the Cree communities? LEAD SHOT & Switch to a type of ammunition that The tap water in all communities has does not contain lead, such as steel, been tested. Some samples of spring bismuth, copper, etc. (Federal law water and soil have also been tested, BULLETS actually forbids the use of lead shot to and no lead has been found. hunt migratory birds.) Blood lead levels in some communities Do not let children play with used lead are higher than the rest of Quebec, but shot cartridges, lead pellets or lead this is not as big a health problem as fishing sinkers. diabetes and other chronic diseases. When you hunt, lead dust from charge Blood levels just above the guidelines powder can get on your hands and be are not high enough to make people swallowed. To prevent this, wear feel sick. But it is still not good to be gloves and remove them before eating over the guideline, especially for Photo: Wilfred Georgekish, Wemindji or smoking. If you didn’t wear gloves, children. wash your hands or at least wipe them before you eat or smoke. If you are concerned about lead, you in our bodies? may ask at the clinic to have a blood in our food? test. in our environment? Questions and answers Quit smoking – smokers have higher April 2017 lead levels. What is lead and where is it found? Can lead make you sick? How does lead get into the body? Lead is a metal found in certain kinds Yes.
    [Show full text]
  • Shot Shell Selection
    Shotgun Basics 1 – Shot Shell Selection Shot Shell Selection There are hundreds of shot shell brands and types sold throughout the world. Enthusiasts can spend many hours studying the finer differences between one shell and another. In almost every decision you will need to make there are just three basic factors to consider. Which shot shell? What size and type of shot? How fast do you want it to travel? Shot Shell Choices: Gauge 10 to 28 gauge (plus .410 Calibre) Shell Length 2½”, 2¾”, -, 3” or 3½” Hull Type Reifenhauser or HS (high-strength) Brass Brass Plated, Zinc Plated Steel base cups also available in High Brass and Standard Shot Choices: Shot Size Lead: 000Buck to 12 Steel: BB to 7 Shot Material Lead, Copper Plated Lead, Bismuth, Steel, Tungsten-Iron, Tungsten-Nickel-Iron, Tungsten Polymer or Paint Ball Velocity Choices: 980 FPS to 1350 + FPS Packaging: And Finally... Shotgun Shells are normally sold in packs of: 25 A Packet 250 A Half Case or “Slab“ – 10 Packets 500 A Case – Often deliverred as 2 slabs. Shotgun Basics 1 – Shot Shell Selection Gauge for Shotguns and Shot Shells Almost all shotguns are referred to by their “gauge”. By far the most common shotguns are 12 gauge and 20 gauge. Having said that though, there are plenty of places in the world where 10 gauge, 16 gauge, 26 gauge and 28 gauge shotguns are very popular. Gauge is determined by a very old fashioned method that is more important to understand as a matter of interest than anything else. While it’s VERY important to know the gauge of your shotgun and a number of other things when buying ammunition, knowing how gauge is arrived at is not so important.
    [Show full text]
  • "Gunshot Wounds" In
    Shotgun shells loaded with rubber or plastic pellets Gunshot Wounds are designed for self-defense or for police riot-control purposes [1]. The cylindrical barrel may be slightly tapered toward the muzzle end (choke bore) in order Introduction to keep the discharged shot in a tighter spread over a longer distance. Firearm injuries are regarded as a special form of blunt trauma. The damage to the organism is caused by the impact of a single projectile (or a multitude Caliber of pellets) propelled from a barrel by high-pressure On the one hand, the term caliber represents the combustion gases and striking the body at a high diameter of the bore, and, on the other hand, the velocity. Gunshot wounds, in a broader sense, are bullet diameter. For metric calibers, the caliber spec- also lesions caused by blank-cartridge weapons as ifications are nominal values usually based on the well as injuries due to livestock stunners, stud guns diameter of the lands (maximum diametrical distance used in the construction industry, and similar devices. between the lands in the barrel). Most projectiles have a somewhat larger diameter. Example: The caliber Weapons and Ammunition 7.65 mm Browning has a land diameter of 7.63 mm, whereas the bullet diameter is 7.85 mm. The Anglo- Weapon Types American caliber specifications (in inches with 1 in. corresponding to 25.4 mm) are based rather on the Firearms enable the user to hit a target from a dis- tance. Depending on the weapon type (see Firearms: bullet diameter. Overview), a distinction is made between handguns In pistols, the predominant calibers are 6.35 mm, (short-barreled firearms for use with one hand: pis- 7.65 mm, 9 mm, and .45 in, whereas in revolvers the tols, revolvers) and long arms (portable long-barreled main calibers are .32, .357, .38, and .44 in.
    [Show full text]
  • Firearm and Toolmark Section Quality Manual
    FIREARM AND TOOLMARK SECTION QUALITY MANUAL DIRECTOR: KERMIT B. CHANNELL, II Document: FA-DOC-01 [ID: 1780, rev 18] Revision date: 10/30/2020 Approved by: Channell, Kermit, Moran, Cindy, Mullen, Rebecca, Black, Ryan Page 1 of 106 CONTENTS 1 Scope......................................................................................................................................................................................7 1.1 International Standard: General Requirements........................................................................................7 1.2 International Standard: Scope ..........................................................................................................................7 1.2.1 ANAB Program...............................................................................................................................................7 2 Normative References....................................................................................................................................................8 3 Terms and Definitions....................................................................................................................................................9 4 General Requirements.................................................................................................................................................10 4.1 Impartiality.............................................................................................................................................................10
    [Show full text]
  • Safety Data Sheet
    SAFETY DATA SHEET 1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION Product name Lead shot Synonyms Reload Lead, Magnum Shot, Hard shot, Chill Shot, Copper plated shot, Buck shot, Free flow shot (dust), Ballast shot, Radiation shot Recommended uses Reload shells (ammunition), ballast, radiation shielding Uses advised against Jewelry, toys Company Industrial Surquillo S. A. C. Jr. Inca Nº 1001 Surquillo, Lima, PERU Telephone: +511 445 4142 Fax: +511 446 1941 Emergency phone: +511 445 4142 2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION Classification This product is considered hazardous by the 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) Carcinogenicity Category 1B Reproductive toxicity Category 1A Specific target organ toxicity Category 1 (repeated exposure) Label elements Danger Hazard statements May cause cancer May damage fertility or the unborn child May cause harm to breast-fed children Cause damage to central nervous system, blood formation and kidneys and cardiovascular system through prolonged or repeated exposure __________________________________________________________________________________ INDUSTRIAL SURQUILLO S. A. C. SDS LEAD SHOT 1 10/01/2015 Appearance Gray with bluish or silvery cast depending on physical alloy State Solid Odor Odorless Precautionary Statements – Obtain special instructions before use Prevention Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood Use personal protective equipment as required Wash face, hands and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
    [Show full text]
  • Air Gun Shooting Sports Safety Guide
    AIR GUN SHOOTING SPORTS SAFETY GUIDE Developed by the Education & Training and Competitive Shooting Divisions A Publication of the National Rifle Association of America First Edition – January, 2006 Copyright, 2006, National Rifle Association All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. This book may not be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part by mechanical means, photocopying, electronic reproduction, scanning, or any other means without prior written permission. For information, write to: Training Department, Education & Training Division, National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 01-06 AIR GUN SHOOTING SPORTS SAFETY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1 BASIC AIR GUN SAFETY............................................................................................... 3 Safety .............................................................................................................................. 3 The Safe Gun Handling Rules ........................................................................................ 3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ........................................................ 6 Mechanical Safety....................................................................................................... 6 Safety Enhancers............................................................................................................. 7 Safety Rod..................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Lead in Venison: What Every Hunting Family Should Know
    Lead Bullets & Venison Deer, Elk & Bear What Every Hunting Family Should Know New studies show that lead fragments are often found in venison shot with lead bullets. These pieces of lead are too small to be seen or felt while chewing. Ground venison has the most lead Using a medical imaging device, lead fragments (see photo). fragments (bright spots) are shown scattered within the ground venison shot with lead bullets.* Who is most at risk of health problems from lead? • Women who are pregnant or can become pregnant • Children ages 6 and under In pregnant women, lead can cause low birth-weight babies, premature births, miscarriages, and stillbirths. In young children, lead can cause learning disabilities, lower IQs, and stunted growth. Even the smallest amount of lead can harm children and babies. Public Health Advice If you harvest deer, elk, or bear with high-velocity lead bullets, women of childbearing age and children ages 6 and under should avoid eating that venison. Older children and adults should use caution when eating ground venison shot with lead bullets. It’s best not to eat the organs from any wild game because lead and other chemicals collect in the organs. Choose ammunition that will not leave lead fragments in the meat Worst Better Best • Rapidly • Shotgun slug • Copper bullet expanding • Muzzleloader • Lead-free bullet bullet bullet - Ballistic tip • Non-exposed - Soft point lead core bullet These bullets These fragment Copper and lead- leave the most much less due to free bullets leave lead fragments slower velocity, no lead in the in the meat.
    [Show full text]
  • Bpi Load Guide: Spherotungsten-15 & 18
    BPI LOAD GUIDE: SPHEROTUNGSTEN-15 & 18 WWW.BALLISTICPRODUCTS.COM SpheroTungsten Original-15 shot is a unique pellet formulation consisting of tung- sten, iron, copper, and nickel. SpheroTungsten technology creates a pellet of ex- tremely high density (15 g/cc) and consistency. Each and every #7 pellet weighs almost exactly 2 grains. The unique manufacturing process of this non-toxic shot uti- lizes four different metals to create complete uniformity in spherical form and density. • 15 g/cc (27% denser than magnum lead) • Diameter = .100” or 2.54 mm • USFWS approved non-toxic • Tungsten/Iron/Copper/Nickel • 221 pellets per ounce • Patented SpheroTungsten Super Max-18 shot is the world’s densest shot material. This shot is not plated, but it appears to be because of the smooth fi nish. Instead, it is fi nely polished to enhance lubricity and reduce abrasiveness. The result is a rich, fi ne look. This is the nastiest shot our ballistic lab has ever seen. Super Max-18 shot is manu- factured under the strictest standards and by a specialized process that is protected by two U.S. patents. SpheroTungsten Super Max-18 shot is presently available in #7 and #9 shot. We look forward to hearing your intended uses and your ideal load combinations. • 18 g/cc (almost 40% denser than magnum lead) • USFWS approved A note on industry manufacturing standards: Unlike steel shot, tungsten is so very hard that it cannot be formed to absolute precision. As a result, slight diameter variation is allowed between lots and this can account for variations in piece count per ounce.
    [Show full text]
  • Gunshot Wounds Practical Aspects of Firearms, Ballistics, and Forensic Techniques Second Edition
    Gunshot Wounds Practical Aspects of Firearms, Ballistics, and Forensic Techniques Second Edition by Vincent J. M. DiMaio, M.D. ©1999 CRC Press LLC Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Catalog record is available from the Library of Congress. This book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reprinted material is quoted with permission, and sources are indicated. A wide variety of references are listed. Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and the publisher cannot assume responsibility for the validity of all materials or for the consequences of their use. Neither this book nor any part may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The consent of CRC Press LLC does not extend to copying for general distribution, for promotion, for creating new works, or for resale. Specific permission must be obtained in writing from CRC Press LLC for such copying. Direct all inquiries to CRC Press LLC, 2000 Corporate Blvd., N.W., Boca Raton, Florida 33431. Trademark Notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are only used for identification and explanation, without intent to infringe. © 1999 by CRC Press LLC No claim to original U.S. Government works International Standard Book Number 0-8493-8163-0 Printed in the United
    [Show full text]
  • Tom Roster's 2016 Nontoxic Shot Lethality Table
    TOM ROSTER’S 2016 NONTOXIC SHOT LETHALITY TABLE© NOTE: The pellets in the steel Proven Nontoxic Loads Most Effective ) shot loads listed in this table Nontoxic Shot were traditional, highly (Yards) For Waterfowl, Doves, Size(s) For Birds spherical ball-shaped pellets (# of of 7.86 g/cc density and 90- Hunters’ Hunters’ 1 Listed Under & Upland Game Birds 95 DPH hardness. The HEVI- Shooting Range Range Shooting Vel. Range Tested: 1,225 – 1,700 FPS ACTIVITY At The Shot pellets were of 12.0 g/cc Distances Listed In density and are harder than The Second Column traditional steel pellets. Typical Activity During Minimum Load (Ounces) Weight Hits Minimum Pellet on Lethal Needed Kills Clean for Areas Minimum Pattern at Needed Count for Distance Any Kills Clean in 30” Pellets Circle Choke(s) Most Effective (Given at Distance Choke in Lead Shot Designations) ACTIVITY Observed Large Geese At Long Range 50-65 Steel BBB to T 1-1/4 1-2 50-55 Improved Modified Giant, Western, Atlantic and Interior Canadas 50-70 HEVI-Shot 2 to B 1-1/2 1-2 50-55 Improved Modified, Full Large Geese Over Decoys 35-50 Steel BB to BBB 1-1/4 1-2 50-55 Improved Cylinder, Modified 35-50 HEVI-Shot 2 to B 1-1/2 1-2 50-55 Improved Cylinder, Modified Medium/Small Geese Long Range 50-65 Steel BB to BBB 1-1/4 1-2 60-65 Improved Modified Snow, White-fronted, Lesser Canadas 50-65 HEVI-Shot 2 1-1/2 1-2 60-65 Improved Modified, Full Medium/Small Geese Over Decoys 35-50 Steel 2 to BB 1-1/8 1-2 60-65 Light Modified, Modified 35-50 HEVI-Shot 4 to 2 1-1/4 1-2 60-65 Improved Cylinder, Modified Large Ducks At Long Range 45-65 Steel 2 to 1 1-1/8 1-2 85-90 Improved Modified, Full Mallard, Black, Pintail, Goldeneye, Gadwall 45-65 HEVI-Shot 4 1-1/4 1-2 85-90 Improved Modified, Full Large Ducks Over Decoys 20-45 Steel 6 to 2 ¾ - 1 1-2 85-90 I.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Firearms Classification
    Classification This section contains descriptions of key concepts to be used in the completion of the Seizures Questionnaires. For the purposes of the Seizures Questionnaires only, the following terms shall have the following meanings: “Firearm” shall mean any portable barrelled weapon that expels, is designed to expel or may be readily converted to expel a shot, bullet or projectile by the action of an explosive, excluding antique firearms or their replicas. Antique firearms and their replicas shall be defined in accordance with domestic law. In no case, however, shall antique firearms include firearms manufactured after 1899. “Parts and components” shall mean any element or replacement element specifically designed for a firearm and essential to its operation, including a barrel, frame or receiver, slide or cylinder, bolt or breech block, and any device designed or adapted to diminish the sound caused by firing a firearm; “Ammunition” shall mean the complete round or its components, including cartridge cases, primers, propellant powder, bullets or projectiles, that are used in a firearm Types of firearms Rifle A relatively long-barreled firearm, fired from the shoulder, having a series of spiral grooves cut inside the barrel (a process called ‘ rifling ’) imparting a rapid spin to a single projectile. Shotgun A shoulder-fired long gun with no rifling in the barrel, designed to shoot a large number of small projectiles (“shot”) rather than a single large projectile (“a bullet”). Machine gun A machine gun is a fully-automatic firearm. This means the weapon will continue to load and fire ammunition until the trigger, or other activating device, is released, the ammunition is exhausted, or the firearm is jammed.
    [Show full text]