Firearms

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Use of Adapters

Adapters in the form of a sleeve may be inserted into the barrel of a firearm permitting the use of alternative cartridge types. In this scenario, chamber marks would be the focus of examination if the sleeve were recovered.

Substitution of Parts

Revolver cylinder, loaded with cartridges

Courtesy of Brownells, Inc.

Replacement of pistol components: If pistol parts such as the firing pin, extractor, ejector, chamber, or slide were replaced, cartridge cases fired in the pistol in its original condition would no longer be identifiable with the firearm.

Revolver cylinders: In an even simpler operation than replacement of pistol parts, the replacement of a revolver cylinder would change a whole set of chamber marks.

Firearm Modifications

Refiling of parts: If firearm parts such as the firing pin, extractor, chamber, or slide were to be refiled or otherwise abraded, cartridge cases fired in the firearm in its original condition would no longer be identifiable with the altered part.

Firearm Manufacturer-Related Factors:

Subclass characteristics: If the influence of subclass characteristics cannot be eliminated as a possibility, identifications of cartridge cases or shotshell cases may not be possible.
Ultrasmooth machining techniques: In many cases involving highly polished surfaces, there may be no marks of value present for comparison purposes. This is frequently noted in new firing pins and in some brands of firearms.

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