PECULIARITIES OF THE ORIGIN OF LEAD TRACES IN A BORE OF SMOOTHBORE FIREARM

Abstract

The article is devoted to review of the problem of studying traces of metallizing in a smoothbore firearm bore when firing various types of kinetic projectiles. The features of the mechanism of formation of lead traces in a bore as well as conditions contributing to lead plating are considered. The main cases of detecting traces of lead on bore surface in the course of corresponding multidisciplinary forensic ballistic and chemistry analysis are considered. The main methods for detecting traces of lead in the bore of the studied sample of weapon are described, as well as signs on the basis of which it is possible to establish the type of projectile that was fired in cases when a bore has not been thoroughly cleaned. In the course of the survey on the study of traces of metallization, it was found that the contact-diffusion method is suitable only for qualitative analysis of lead traces, it can be used to determine only the presence of lead and visualize the degree of concentration of the studied metal in the contact zone based on the intensity of color display of chemical reaction. To establish quantitative indicators of the chemical elements that make up the traces of metallization, this method is unpromising. Particular attention is paid to the study of traces of metallization in a bore of traumatic guns. The possible problematic aspects of this kind of research are indicated. It is obvious that research in this direction requires the introduction into practice of more advanced equipment and new approaches aimed at identifying individualizing signs of the nature of traces origin.