Firearms identification is primarily concerned with what?

Firearms identification primarily focuses on identifying whether a particular firearm discharged specific ammunition. This involves the analysis of unique markings left on the bullets and cartridge cases when a gun is fired. Each firearm produces distinct striations and impressions on the ammunition due to its design and wear patterns. This evidence can link a particular bullet or cartridge to a specific firearm, which is a crucial aspect of criminal investigations in establishing connections between weapons and crime scenes.

Other aspects of firearms investigation, such as determining the type of bullet or analyzing gunpowder residue, are important but secondary in the context of firearms identification. Likewise, establishing ownership can provide context in an investigation but does not directly pertain to the scientific analysis of whether a particular firearm discharged specific ammunition. Therefore, the identification process is integral to linking firearms to crimes and is the primary focus of firearms identification.