A bullet is recovered from a victim. The striations (land and groove engravings) on the bullet jacket are examined under a comparison microscope alongside test bullets fired from a suspect weapon. The number of lands and grooves, direction of twist (right or left), and width of lands are compared. This branch of forensic science is called:

• A Forensic toolmark examination (firearms identification) ✓
• B Terminal ballistics
• C Wound ballistics analysis
• D Gunshot residue (GSR) analysis

Explanation

Forensic toolmark examination (firearms identification / ballistics comparison) is the discipline of comparing rifling characteristics — number, width, depth, and direction of twist of lands and grooves — as well as breech face marks, firing pin impressions, and ejector/extractor marks on spent cases to identify the specific firearm used. A comparison microscope allows simultaneous side-by-side viewing of evidence and test-fired bullets. Terminal ballistics deals with bullet behaviour on striking a target. Wound ballistics examines tissue interaction. GSR analysis identifies lead, barium, and antimony particles from the propellant discharge.

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.