- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice ProgramsNational Institute of JusticeThe Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice
Visual Examination
Home > Examination of Firearms > Long or Shoulder Firearms > Rifles > Visual Examination
M14 rifle
Visual examination of the firearm will determine the following:
- Type of magazine.
- Type of action.
- Caliber designation (this can be difficult to determine when examining foreign and/or military rifles because most are not marked with the caliber designation).
- Telescopic sights, (most of which have multiple adjustments within the scope).
- These settings should be recorded, including the variable magnification setting.
- Safety - most rifles have some type of external safety and possibly a disconnector safety.
The term "assault rifle" refers to compact, select-fire, detachable box magazine-fed firearms that use a centerfire rifle cartridge and are designed primarily for military use. Many rifles resemble a true assault rifle because they have a military-like appearance. These do not have a selector and operate only in the semiautomatic mode. They may be modified in an attempt to make them fire in full automatic mode.
