AFTE Store - Comparison of Dust Cover Impact Marks on 200 Consecutively Fired Cartridge Cases from a Saiga 7.62x39mm Rifle

This study examines the origin and production of dust cover impact marks on cartridge cases fired in a 7.62x39mm rifle as well as the changes that occur to the dust cover from extended or repeated use of the firearm. Two-hundred (200) brass and steel cased cartridges were fired using a new dust cover on an AK type firearm. High-speed video (HSV) was used to confirm the specific location of impact on the dust cover and identify the differing categories of impact marks that resulted based on impact location. Changes to the morphology of the dust cover were observed and documented. It was determined that these changes occur over repeated firings, affecting and likely reducing microscopic comparison qualities. The degree of change to the dust cover is dependent on the type of ammunition used.