2012
Erich D. Smith
Buffalo, NY
One of the examinations integral to the firearm/toolmark examination process is the evaluation of class characteristics, particularly when it comes to measurements. Class characteristics are those features that are predetermined prior to manufacture (design features) and are restrictive to a particular group (i.e. caliber). For elimination, the AFTE criteria requires there to be a significant disagreement of discernible class characteristics and/or individual characteristics. This study examines the threshold for what is a significant disagreement in a measureable class characteristic, through the evaluation of firing pin aperture impressions using the same firearm with different brands of ammunition.