AFTE Store - Validation of Obturation Marks in Consecutively Reamed Chambers

The identification of fired cartridge cases to a particular firearm based on breech face markings and firing pin impressions has long been accepted in the field of firearms identification. Obturation marks have also been used to make identifications on fired cartridge cases; however, these types of patterns have not been validated as being reproducible and reliable. A nationwide study of obturation marks was conducted using test shots and unknowns from ten consecutively reamed chambers from three different manufacturers. The results show that obturation marks can be used to individualize a firearm.