Firearms and Gunshot Residue

Examination of firearms, firearm components and ammunition and classification under UK and European legislation.

• Assessing the mechanical condition of firearms including damage, modifications, deactivation and health and safety issues
• comparison of cartridge cases and missiles from a scene or deceased/injured person with those test-fired from a suspected crime firearm

Gunshot Residue

When a gun is fired, microscopic particles of material from the ammunition are ejected from the gun and these may be deposited on the firer or anyone in the close vicinity. This gunshot residue (also known as firearms discharge residue) can be recovered and identified in the laboratory using sensitive analytical chemistry techniques.