AFTE Store - Fired Jacketed Bullet Fragment Embedded In Polymer Frame of a Pistol

A Smith & Wesson model SW40VE pistol was received into the laboratory for routine NIBIN processing when a fired bullet fragment was discovered lodged inside the frame to the rear of the sear, with no external frame damage. This paper documents the observed damage to the firearm and introduces a theory as to how a fired bullet fragment could have impacted the interior of the frame without obvious external damage.