On the left, an unfired 9mm bullet. On the right, a fired bullet of the same model.
Ballistic forensics (also known as firearm examination) is the application of science to the investigation of firearms and bullets. When a bullet is fired from a gun, the gun leaves microscopic marks on the bullet and cartridge case. These marks are like ballistic fingerprints.
When an adversary recovers a bullet, forensic examiners can test-fire a suspect's gun and then compare the marks on the recovered bullet to the marks on the test-fired bullet. Cartridge cases are compared in the same way.
Used in tactics: Incrimination
Mitigations
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Anonymous purchases | Although it can be difficult, it is possible to purchase firearms and ammunition anonymously, for example through connections to organized criminal networks or through fraud. |
| Stash spot or safe house | To perform a ballistic analysis, an adversary must have the firearm in their possession for comparison. To prevent this, you can store the firearm in a stash spot or safe house. |