Which of the following is NOT a characteristic typically examined in firearms identification?

In firearms identification, experts focus on various characteristics that can help determine the specific firearm used in a crime. These characteristics include the caliber of the bullet, which refers to the diameter of the bullet or the barrel of the firearm, and the number of lands and grooves in the barrel, which are crucial for matching bullets to specific firearms. The direction of rifling twist is also significant, as it helps identify how the bullet was stabilized as it traveled through the barrel.

On the other hand, the type of gunpowder used in ammunition does not typically play a part in firearms identification. This is because many ammunition manufacturers use similar compositions of gunpowder, making it difficult to identify the specific gunpowder type from a fired bullet or cartridge casing. In practical terms, the physical characteristics of the bullet and firearm are much more reliable for forensic analysis than the specific chemical composition of gunpowder.