Table of Contents

Part I. Introduction 1. Definitions Part II. Historical Aspects of Firearms and Ammunition 2. History of Gunpowder 3. History of Ignition Systems 4. History of Bullets 5. History of Ammunition 6. History of Firearms Part III. Chemical Aspects of Firearms and Ammunition 7. Cartridge Cases 8. Primer Cups (Caps) 9. Priming Compositions 10. Propellants 11. Projectiles 12. Complementary Ammunition Components 13. Caseless Ammunition 14. Blank Ammunition 15. Firearm Construction Materials Part IV. Firearm Discharge Residue Chapter 16. Firearm Discharge Residue Techniques 17. Properties of Firearm Discharge Residue Part V. Experimental 18. Scenes of Crime Experiences 19. Objectives, Sampling Procedures, Instrumentation, and Conditions 20. Particle Classification Scheme 21. Casework Related Tests 22. Analysis of Ammunition 23. Ammunition Containing Mercury 24. Lead Free Ammunition Part VI. Suspect Processing Procedures 25. Firearm Discharge Residue Sampling 26. Sampling of Skin and Clothing Surfaces for Firearm Discharge Residue 27. Development of a Method for Organic Firearm Discharge Residue Detection 28. Consequences of Incorrect GSR Evidence 29. Conclusion

About the Author

Dr. James Smyth Wallace is a retired forensic scientist who worked in the firearms section of the Northern Ireland Forensic Science Laboratory for nearly 25 years. He worked numerous complex and controversial cases including a number of terrorist-related incidents. Previously a member of the Forensic Science Service, he is interested in quality assurance, crime scene examination, and all aspects of research in the development of chemical examinations relating to firearms casework.