AFTE Store - Forensic Value of Sidewall Marks on Cartridge Cases Discharged from Homemade Weapons

On cartridge cases discharged from homemade and converted firearms, conventional and non-conventional marks can be observed. Some of these marks, such as firing pin impression, extractor and ejector are well-known. However, the origin and forensic value of other marks are unknown due to the specific character of these firearms. Many of these marks can be found on the sidewall of cartridge cases; the description and development of these marks will be given below. This paper studies the processes and elements which cause the formation of the marks. The potential to use these marks for class characterization and individual identification is also discussed.