A fired bullet recovered from a victim is submitted for ballistic comparison. The MOST forensically significant surface feature of a recovered bullet that allows comparison to a specific firearm is:
- A The calibre (diameter) of the bullet
- B The composition of the lead alloy from which the bullet is made
- C The rifling marks — lands and grooves impressed by the barrel — unique to the individual weapon ✓
- D The presence or absence of jacketing material
Correct answer: C. The rifling marks — lands and grooves impressed by the barrel — unique to the individual weapon
Explanation
Rifled firearms impart characteristic spiral grooves (land and groove impressions) on the bullet's surface as it travels through the barrel. These marks reflect microscopic irregularities unique to each individual barrel that develop from manufacturing and use. Comparison microscopy of these striations can link a bullet to a specific firearm to the exclusion of all others. Calibre, alloy composition, and jacketing are class characteristics that cannot individualise a bullet to a specific weapon.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.