Ballistics And Firearms

Trajectory analysis uses physical evidence such as projectile impact locations, defects, angles, scene measurements, and documented spatial relationships to estimate a projectile's path. Over relatively short distances, portions of a trajectory may be modeled as a straight line, although actual projectile flight is curved. A reconstructed path can constrain possible positions or directions, but it does not by itself establish the exact location, posture, or identity of the shooter.

Function testing can examine the mechanical condition and operation of a firearm, including whether components operate as designed and whether the firearm can be discharged under specified test conditions. The scope may depend on the question presented and the condition of the evidence. Conclusions about an alleged accidental, unintentional, or mechanically caused discharge should be tied to the actual testing, firearm design, physical condition, and other available evidence.

Firearm comparison focuses on questions such as whether ammunition components bear markings consistent with a particular firearm. Shooting reconstruction addresses how a firearm-related incident may have occurred by integrating evidence such as projectile paths, impact sites, cartridge-case locations, scene dimensions, firearm evidence, and other documented conditions. The two analyses can inform one another, but they answer different questions and should not be treated as interchangeable.