$$d = \text{caliber} \times 1~\text{inch}$$

Question 1

Which of the following is the most important safety rule when handling firearms evidence at a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Always treat all firearms as though they are loaded.

Question 2

Which type of firearm is most commonly encountered in crimes against persons such as homicide and robbery?

Accepted Answer

Handguns, including revolvers and semiautomatic pistols

Question 3

A fired bullet recovered from a crime scene has six lands and grooves with a right-hand twist. What does this information help determine?

Accepted Answer

The family characteristics of the firearm that fired the bullet

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the difference between rimfire and centerfire cartridges?

Accepted Answer

Rimfire cartridges have the priming compound around the rim, while centerfire cartridges have a central primer.

Question 5

When collecting a fired bullet embedded in wood at a crime scene, what is the recommended procedure?

Accepted Answer

Cut out the portion of the wall containing the bullet rather than digging it out.

Question 6

Which method is NOT recommended for collecting gunshot residue (GSR) from the hands of a living suspect?

Accepted Answer

Covering the hands with plastic bags

Question 7

A cartridge case recovered from a crime scene shows a unique breechface impression. What is the forensic significance of this mark?

Accepted Answer

It can be used to link the cartridge case to a specific firearm.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct formula for calculating the bore diameter ($$d) of a $$firearm if the caliber is given in inches?

Accepted Answer

$$d = 	ext{caliber} 	imes 1~	ext{inch}$$

Question 9

Which analytical technique is used to detect barium and antimony in gunshot residue (GSR) samples?

Accepted Answer

Atomic Absorption analysis (AA)

Question 10

A suspect claims they did not fire a gun, but GSR is found on their hands several hours after the incident. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

The suspect likely fired or handled a discharged firearm.

Question 11

Which of the following is a plausible reason for documenting the headstamp on a cartridge case collected at a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

It identifies the manufacturer and cartridge type.

Question 12

When packaging a loaded handgun for transport to the laboratory, which of the following is the best practice?

Accepted Answer

Use a sturdy, restricted box that holds the firearm securely in place.

Question 13

Which of the following is a class characteristic of a firearm?

Accepted Answer

Number and width of lands and grooves

Question 14

A bullet recovered from a victim is distorted and cannot be matched to a specific firearm. What is the next best step in forensic analysis?

Accepted Answer

Compare the bullet to a calibrator to estimate its caliber.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about gunshot residue (GSR) is correct?

Accepted Answer

The amount of GSR varies with the type of firearm, ammunition, and discharge conditions.

Question 16

Which of the following is a recommended method for collecting GSR from a deceased subject?

Accepted Answer

Plastic bags may be used to cover the hands.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct step in the procedure for collecting GSR using sticky discs?

Accepted Answer

Press the sticky portion lightly onto the hand repeatedly until it is no longer sticky.

Question 18

A metal detection test for trace metals on a suspect's hand involves which of the following steps?

Accepted Answer

Applying a trace metal reagent and exposing the hand to shortwave UV light

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct formula for estimating the caliber ($$C) of a $$bullet if the measured diameter ($$d) is in $$millimeters?

Accepted Answer

$$C = d~	ext{mm}$$

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world application of distance determination in firearms evidence?

Accepted Answer

Proving or disproving a suspect's claim about the location of the shooter

Firearms Evidence: Forensic Analysis and Handling

Study Guide - Practice Questions