AFTE Store - Rimfire 22 Caliber Double Firing Pin Impressions

This paper describes some of the 22 caliber rimfire semi-automatic pistols that have been found to cause double firing pin impressions on a cartridge case. These double impressions appear to have been caused by two separate attempts to fire the cartridge. However, close examination of all the circumstances reveals that these double strikes were caused by a single firing. This evidence might mislead the firearm examiner to conclude that there were two deliberate attempts to fire a cartridge.