AFTE Store - CT Scanning of Firearms – A New Dimension in Forensic Firearm Examinations

The examination of firearms suspected of accidental discharge has always presented the forensic examiner with challenges. Challenges include how best to go about making a determination that a malfunction has taken place and documenting the source of that malfunction. Typically the forensic firearm examiner carries out testing that closely approximates the conditions under which the alleged malfunction occurred. If the examiner is able to successfully duplicate the occurrence through testing, the battle is mostly won. However, a determination as to the specific cause of the malfunction lies in wait as the next hurdle to be overcome. Most forensic firearm examiners are reluctant to disassemble a firearm due to the possibility of altering the alignment of internal parts or actually damaging them. This paper illustrates the use of Computed Tomography (CT) scanning as a means of examining the internal workings of a firearm without having to disassemble the firearm.