A Strong Partner for Sustainable Development

Module
In
FORC106

Forensic Ballistics

College of Criminal Justice Education

BS Criminology
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Module No. 3

Firearms: Its Nature and

Classification

1st Semester AY 2022-2023

Hilda B. Espadilla
Instructor III

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Table of Contents

Contents Page

TITLE PAGE --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS --------------------------------------------------------- 3

INSTRUCTION TO THE USER ----------------------------------------------- 4

CHAPTER 3 –Firearms: Its Nature and Classification

Lesson 1 – Legal & Technical Definition of Firearms ---------

Lesson 2 – Classification Types of Firearms --------------------

Lesson 3 – Miscellaneous Types of Guns -------------------------

Lesson 4 - Basic nomenclature of different firearms

and its functions -----------------------------------------

Lesson 5 - Advantages and Disadvantages of Pistol and

Revolver ----------------------------------------------------

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INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module would provide you an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic about ____________________________________.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue
amidst this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

Hi! I’m Blue Bee, your WPU Mascot.

Welcome to Western Philippines University!

Shape your dreams with quality learning experience.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!

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Introduction

A firearm is any type of gun designed to be readily carried and used by an

individual. The term is legally defined further in different countries.
The first firearms originated in 10th-century China when bamboo tubes
containing gunpowder and pellet projectiles were mounted on spears to make the
portable fire lance, operable by a single person, which was later used to good effect in
the Dean in 1132. In the 13th century, fire lance barrels were replaced with metal
tubes and transformed into metal-barreled cannons. The technology gradually
spread throughout Eurasia during the 14th century. Older firearms typically
used black powder as a propellant, but modern firearms use smokeless powder or
other propellants. Most modern firearms (with the notable exception
of smoothbore shotguns) have rifled barrels to impart spin to the projectile for
improved flight stability.
Modern firearms can be described by their caliber (i.e. bore diameter). For
pistols and rifles, this is given in millimeters or inches (e.g. 7.62mm or .308 in.), or in
the case of shotguns by their gauge (e.g. 12 ga. and 20 ga.). They are also described by
the type of action employed
(e.g. muzzleloader, breechloader, lever, bolt, pump, revolver, semi-automatic, fully
automatic, etc.), together with the usual means of deportment (i.e. hand-held or
mechanical mounting). Further classification may make reference to the type
of barrel used (i.e. rifled) and to the barrel length (e.g. 24 inches), to the firing
mechanism (e.g. matchlock, wheellock, flintlock, or percussion lock), to the design's
primary intended use (e.g. hunting rifle), or to the commonly accepted name for a
particular variation (e.g. Gatling gun).
Shooters aim firearms at their targets with hand-eye coordination, using
either iron sights or optical sights. The accurate range of pistols generally does not
exceed 100 meters (110 yds; 330 ft), while most rifles are accurate to 500 meters
(550 yds; 1,600 ft) using iron sights, or to longer ranges whilst using optical sights.
(Firearm rounds may be dangerous or lethal well beyond their accurate range; the
minimum distance for safety is much greater than the specified range for accuracy).
Purpose-built sniper rifles and anti-materiel rifles are accurate to ranges of more
than 2,000 meters (2,200 yds).

CHAPTER 3

Firearms: Its Nature and Classification

LESSON 2

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the lesson, you can:

1. Understand the legal and technical definition of firearms;
2. Understand the classification of firearms;
3. Identify the miscellaneous types of gun;
4. Memorize the Basic nomenclature of different firearms and its functions;
5. Understand the Advantages and Disadvantages of Pistol and Revolver; and

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6. answer the given exercises in the lesson.

Time Allotment: 2 hours

Discussion:
Firearms: Its Nature and Classification

Legal Definition of Firearms

Firearms or Arms as herein used, includes rifles, muskets, carbines,

shotgun, pistol, revolvers, and all other deadly weapons, to which a bullet, ball, shot,
shell, or other missiles may be discharge by means of gun powder or other
explosives. This term also includes air rifle, except those of small calibers and limited
range used as toys. The barrel of any firearm shall be considered a complete firearm
for all purposes hereof. (Sec. 877 Revised Administrative Code/ Sec. 290 national
Internal Revenue Code)(See Annexes for the latest definition of firearms)

Technical Definition

Firearm is an instrument used for the propulsion of projectile by means of

the expansive force gases coming from burning gunpowder. (FB/ manual of Firearms
Identification).

Classification of Firearms

Two General Classifications of Firearms

A. According to Interior Barrel Construction

1. Smooth Bore Firearms - Firearms that have no rifling (lands and grooves)
inside their gun barrel.

Examples: Shotguns and Musket (See Fig. 12)

Figure 12 (Left) Shotguns, (Right) Muskets

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2. Rifled Bore Firearms - Firearms that have rifling inside their gun barrel.
Examples: Pistols, Revolvers, and other modern weapons. (See Figs. 13 a, b, and C)

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 13 (a) Illustration of a Rifled Barrel, (b) Pistol, and (c) Revolver

B. According to the Caliber of the Projectile Propelled

1. Artillery - Refers to those types of firearms that propels projectile with more
than one inch diameter.

Examples: Cannons, Mortars and Bazookas:

Figure 14. Hand cannon being fired from a stand, “Belli Fortis”, manuscript, by
Konrad Kyeser, 1400.

2. Small Arms - these are firearms that propel a projectile with less than one inch
diameter and it can be handied, moved and operated by one man.

Examples: Machine gun, shoulder arms and handguns.

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A. Machine guns

A machine gun is a type of firearm that is primarily designed for

military use. Investigations involving shooting cases in cities rarely find this
type of firearm having been used. It can be grouped in three general types:

a. Recoil-operated = a type of machine gun devised with a recoil spring that is

responsible for forcing the breech block to move forward causing another
cartridge to be loaded only after the breech block moves rearward and the
empty shell is extracted upon firing.

b. Gas Operated = a type of machine gun equipped with gas port at the
anterior portion of the barrel. When a cartridge is fired and the bullet
reaches the gas port some high-pressure gas will move to the gas cylinder
causing the piston to move to the rear moving or pulling the breech block to
the rear. At this time, the pressure in the chamber has dropped to safe
limits and the various parts are returned to the firing position by the action
of the spring around the piston.

c. Combined recoil and gas-operated action= in this type of machine gun, the
gas operation merely serves to unlock the breech block by the pressure
moving to the gas port, passing through the gas cylinder and causing the
piston to move to the rear, moving the cam to raise the lock through a stud.
Once this is completed, recoil action causes the breech block to move
rearward and completes the opening cycle. The spring will return the
various parts to their closed position and cycle will be repeated for the next
shot.

“The author did not make a very detailed discussion of this type of
firearm due to its uncommon used in ballistics investigation and the
students may find it of less potential value.”

Figure 15 Machine Gun Sample: VICKERS 17 (758 x 981 | 77k)

Sub Machine Gun

This is a light, portable form of machine gun, utilizing a pistol size

ammunition, having a shoulder stock that may or may not be folded and

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designed to be fired with both hands, Basically, there are two types of this
firearm according to its mechanism. One has a bolt operated by a trigger
sear causing the cartridge to be fired in open bolt and the other is fired with
a closed bolt position.

Figure 15. Uzi Full Bag

B. Shoulder Arms

Shoulder Arms are those types of firearms that were normally fired
from the shoulder e.g. rifles and shotguns.

Rifles - A shoulder weapon designed to fire a projectile with more accuracy

through a long rifled bore barrel, usually more than 22 inches. Just like any
other type of gun, rifles appear in various forms. First, is the Single shot
rifle, this is the simplest and yet of many types. Some with breech block
Opened by means of a lever, chamber feed type, breech block opened and
closed by hand etc. Second, is the Repeating rifle, a type of rifle loaded
with several cartridges at one time and carries the cartridge into the
chamber when it is ready to be fired, rather than for the shooter to do it by
hand. This can be further divided into: bolt action type, lever type, slide
action type and automatic type.

Types of Repeating Rifles

1. Bolt action type

The bolt action type may appear as either turning bolt or a straight-pull boit
type. The turning bolt type is manipulated by turning the bolt handle first
upward, making the bolt in an unlocked position before pulling the handle to
open the chamber causing the cartridge to be exposed and be ready for
another loading and closing before firing. In the straight pull action type as its
name implies, the bolt is directly pulled to the rear without being turned. The
chamber will open; loading will follow, and then close again before firing. The
Swiss army rifle called Schmidt-Rubin is a good example of this type.

2. Lever type
The name was derived from its manipulation system. It is operated by
downward-forward movement first of the lever by hand, causing the opening,
cocking and placing of the cartridge in its position for loading. After which the
lever is pulled back to close position moving the cartridge to the chamber and

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putting the breech block in place, ready for firing. The Winchester model 91 is
a typical example.

3. Slide Action type

In this type of rifle, a box type magazine is attached and removed every time
that loading and unloading is desired. The operation is simply done by pulling
the slide backward to open the breech and forward to move the cartridge from
the magazine to the chamber at the same time cocks the hammer and locks
the breech block. The Remington Model 760 is one good example.

Another type of a rifle is called Automatic type. It is a type of a rifle in

which firing can be made continuously of the trigger and while the trigger is pressed.
Firing will only stop either by the action of the gunner or when all the cartridges have
been used.

Figure 17. Different Types of Rifles.

Carbine - A short barrel rifle, with its barrel rifle, measuring not
longer than 22 inches. It fires a single projectile though a rifle-bore either
semi-automatic or fully automatic, for every press of the trigger.

Figure 18. Carbine

Muskets - is an ancient smoothbore and muzzle loading military

shoulder arms designed to fire shots or a single round lead ball. A more
detailed discussion of musketeers can be found on Chapter 8 in the discussion
of the ignition system. There are three types of muskets: (1) the Flint Lock, (2)
the Match Lock, and (3) the Wheel Lock.

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Figure 19. A Musket

Figure 20. Different Types of Muskets

Shotgun - A smooth bore and a breech loading shoulder arm

designed to fire a number of lead pellets or shots in one charge. (FBA Manual)

A shotgun operates almost exactly in the same way as Other rifles.

It only differs in some extent such as the interior barrel construction.
Generally all shotguns are equipped with a smooth bore barrel designed to fire
a number of lead pellets in a single charge. This type of firearm also appears in
various mechanism types. They are as follows:

1. Single Barreled Shotgun

It is similar to a single shot rifle. It is loaded with a single shotgun
cartridge, closed, fired and to be reloaded manually by the shooter. This is
common in a break type, and breech-loading shotgun.

2. Double Barreled Shotgun

It appears in different variation depending on the barrel position.
There are double barreled shotgun positioned side by side, one over the other
(over/under shotgun), with individual trigger pull or with single trigger pull
causing two hammer and firing pin to fire at the same time.

3. Pump Action Shotgun

It is also Known by the name “slide action” type. The hammer of
this shotgun is completely built inside the receiver which makes it unexposed,
thus, making it known also as “hammerless shotgun’. Its operation is done by
back and forth manipulation of the slide by the shooter.

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4. Auto-loading Shotgun
This type of shotgun has a mechanism similar to auto-loading or
self-loading rifles that permits reloading by the action of the recoil without the
shooter taking added effort.

The barrel construction of shotguns may also be found in different

bore construction. These are: (a) the cylinder bore type, a type of shotgun
bore with the same diameter throughout the barrel (from breech to muzzle
end). (b) the choke bore type, a type of a shotgun bore with a diminishing
or reducing bore diameter towards the muzzle, It is designed to limit the
spread of the shots or making the shots travel longer before they spread; and
(c) the paradox shotgun, a very rare type of shotgun bore, having a rifling
only a few inch from its muzzle point.

Figure 21. Varieties of Shotguns

C. HANDGUNS

These types of firearms are designed or intended to be fired using

one hand e.g. pistols and revolvers.

1. Pistol
In early firearm history, all handguns are generally called as pistols.
There were three (3) classes of pistols in that period. The single shot pistol, the
semi-automatic and the revolving pistol now known as the revolver. The single
shot pistol is operated by depressing the lever causing the barrel to be
unlatched and tipped upward. In this position the cartridge is inserted to the
chamber and locked. The hammer is pulled rearward to be cocked and ready
to fire.

The Semi-automatic pistol is the type of pistol most common in

existence. This is loaded through the magazine, a slide action is taken to first
load a cartridge to the chamber, upon firing the empty shell will be extracted
and ejected from the firearm at the same time another cartridge is
automatically loaded to the chamber without the gunner exerting additional
effort. Thus firing can be made successively for every press of the trigger
without the need to constantly reload.

2. Revolver
The revolver is a type of a hand firearm designed to position
cartridges into position for firing with the aid of a rotating cylinder serving as
its chamber. There are two types of revolvers according to its mechanical

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firing action, they are as follows: (a) the single action, a type of revolver that
needs manual cocking of the hammer before squeezing the trigger; and (b) the
double action, a type of revolver that does not need manual cocking. The
gunner just presses the trigger and it both cocked and releases the hammer
causing a much faster firing.

Another classification of revolver is according to its mechanical

construction for loading and unloading. They are ejection rod types,
considered as the oldest of this Classification. It is loaded by an opened hinged
gate at the left side of the gun exposing the chamber and cartridge are loaded
one at a time while rotating the cylinder. After firing, a rod at the bottom or
under the barrel is pushed to the rear to the chamber as the cylinder is again
revolved by hand. Another type of this ejection rod is one that has pin through
the center of the cylinder that is responsible for the complete removal of the
cylinder for loading and unloading, The second type of the break open type,
having a barrel and cylinder hinged with a latch holding the barrel in place
when in a firing position. Loading is done by swing done of the barrel and the
cartridges are inserted to the cylinder and the barrel is returned to its position
for firing. The same thing is observed in unloading the gun. The third type is
the solid frame revolver, the cylinder swings out removing the cartridge case,
although the operation is by pushing the extension rod to the rear to unlock
and swing out the cylinder.

C. Types of Firearms According to Mechanical Construction

1. Single shot firearms = types of firearms designed to fire only one shot
for every loading.
Examples: single shot pistols, revolvers and shotguns.

2. Repeating arms = types of firearms designed to fire several shots in one

loading and for every press of the trigger.
Examples: automatic pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns.

3. Automatic firearms = types of firearms that constitutes continuous

firing in a single press of the trigger and while the trigger is pressed.

4. Slide action type = types of firearms in which loading take place by back
and fourth manipulation of the under/ over forearms of the gun.
Examples: shotgun and pistols

5. Bolt action type = types of firearms in which reloading takes place by

manipulating the bolt back and forth.
Examples: Rifles, shotguns and machine guns.

6. Lever type (break type) = loading tank action on the firearms. g takes
place by lever

Examples: Rifles and shotguns

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Browning9x19mmbHi-Power, Compact semi-automatic
Compact semi-automatic Also known Smith & Wesson .45 ACP
as the GP Smith_.& Wesson .45 ACP Chief's Special — 35.
(Grande Puissance) Model CS45.

Jericho 941 F (DA) .9mm with Mark XIX Desert Eagle with magazine
magazine removed removed in.50Action Express.

Ruger LCP displayed Springfield SHOT Show

at the 2008 Armory M1911A1 singleaction.45
ACP semi-automatic pistol

(current US Military/NATO .9mm

Smith & Wesson double action .45 ACP
sidearm) semi-automatic compact
pistol
M1900 American Eagle commercial USFA US Pre-War Single Action at
re-creation of Georg Luger’s Pistol full-cock, ready to fire
Parabellum design

Colt Anaconda .44 Magnum Army

revolver

Glock model 22 (.40 S&W) in the new

olive drab frame (with magazine)

Colt Python .357 Magnum Revolver

A seven-chambered Nagant M1895

with gate open for loading

Taurus .357 Magnum Model 605

A Webley Mk VI .455 calibre p-break
service revolver

Figure 22. Different Types of Handguns

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pistols and Revolvers

Revolver Advantages Pistol Advantages

1. It is an old standard weapon 1. It has a better grip the hand

that is easy to operate, hence points naturally.
almost everyone knows how to
handle it. 2. It is more compact for the same
firing powe!

2. Safer for inexperienced users to 3. It is easier to load in

handle and carry than an comparison with that of a
automatic pistol. revolver.

3. Its mechanism allows the 4. In case of a worn out or

trigger pull to be better than an Corroded barrel, a new one can
average automatic pistol. be put in at a little expense
without sending the gun to the
4. A misfire does not put a factory.
revolver out of action.
5. It gives greater number of shots
5. It will handle satisfactorily old than a revolver.
or new or partly deteriorated
ammunition which gives a 6. It is easier to clean than a
reduced velocity that would jam revolver.
an average automatic pistol.
7. It gives greater firing power and
greater cases of firing.

8. There is no gas leakage in its

Operation.
 Disadvantages Disadvantages

1. It is more bulky to carry than an 1. Ammunition must be perfect

automatic pistol. otherwise, a jam might be
experience.
2. Its grip or handle is generally
not as good as that of pistol. 2. A misfire stops the functioning
of the gun.
3. It is slower to load.
3. When kept loaded for long time,
4. It is harder to replace worn out the magazine spring is under
or broken part - it is a factory tension and may ~ deteriorate
job. and cause problems. ;

5. It is hard to clean. 4. It cannot use blank or reduced

loads.
6. Worn out or poorly made
weapon is subject to variable 5. It has poorer trigger pull.
accuracy due to improper lining
of cylinder. 6. The magazine requires a
jacketed bullet which is not
good for practical use.

7. More dangerous to handle and

fire.

8. It is not adapted to reloading.

9. Its mechanism ejects empty

shell towards the face of the
shooter causing flinching.

10. It throws out empty shells on

the ground to remain as
evidence.

11. It cannot be fired from the

pocket without jamming.
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NOMENCLATURE OF FIREARMS AND ITS FUNCTIONS

1. Barrel = the passage way of the bullet. It initiates the motion of the bullet.

2. Bolt = disengages center pin to allow opening of cylinder and blocks hammer.

3. Center pin = serves as locking device for the cylinder.

4. Center pin spring = holds the center pin in a locked position.

5. Chamber = that part of the firearm in which the cartridge is placed when ready to
be fired.

6. Cylinder = serves as the chamber and magazine for a revolver.

7. Cylinder notch = helps hold cylinder in place and aligned for ready firing.

8. Cylinder stop = stops and holds the cylinder in alignment for firing.

9. Double action sear = built into weapon to allow double action firing.

10. Extractor = pulls the empty shells from the cylinder simultaneously.

11. Frame = houses the internal parts of the firearm. 12. Hand (pawl) rotates the
cylinder when the hammer is locked

13. Hammer = strikes the blow that initiates the ignition of the primer.

14. Hammer block = safety device that prevents hammer blows to the primer.

15. Mainspring = provides energy to the hammer to activate firing mechanism.

16. Ratchet = helps in the withdrawal of the cartridge of from the chamber of the
cylinder.

17. Rebound slide = returns trigger, activates hammer block, and locked hammer.

18. Side plate = provides access to the internal parts.

19. Side plate screws = hold the side plate and yoke in place.

20. Strain screws = controls tension on the mainspring,

21. Thumb latch = actuates the bolt to release the cylinder.

22. Trigger = activates the part necessary to fire the weapon.

23. Trigger guard = guards the trigger to unnecessary action to avoid accidental
firing.

24. Trigger spring = provides energy for return movement or rebound slide.

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25. Trigger level = contacts rebound slide to return trigger forward.

26. Trigger stop = prevents excessive rearward movement after hammer release.

27. Yoke = pivots connection between the frame and cylinder.

Figure 23. The Basic Parts of a Pistol

Figure 24. The Basic Parts of a Revolver

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Miscellaneous Types of Guns

1. Zip gun = generally referring to home made gun used by juvenile delinquents in
the United States of America in the Philippines, It is referred to as ‘paltik’.

2. Cane gun, knife pistols, call phone gun, etc. * devices principally designed for other
purpose to which a gun mechanism is incorporated or attached. It is also called as

Figure 25. Four-Shot Gun Disguised as a cell-phone

Freakish gun. A type of a zip gun designed to prevent easy identification (See. Fig.
25).

3. Flare gun = designed for tracing or sending signals or locating enemy troops. (See.
Fig. 26)

Figure 26. An Orion-brand single shot, breech loaded, 12 gauge flare gun.
Its design is highly typical of commercially available flare guns.

4. Gas gun = generally referring to all gun designed for firing tear gas.

5. Harpoon gun = refers to a barbed spear in hunting large fish. (See fig. 27)

Figure 27. Modern Whaling Harpoon

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6. Liberator = U.S. government made smooth bore gun used in Europe and designed
to fire an automatic colt pistol cartridge caliber .45.

Figure 28. Liberator Gun

7. Multi-barreled gun = refers to all types of gun containing a number of barrels.

(See. Fig. 29)

Figure 29. Multi-Barrelled Musket

8. Paradox gun = a type of gun which contains lands and grooves a few inch from the
muzzle point.

9. Tool guns = are devices that resemble a gun’s design but are generally used for
construction of furniture e.g. glue gun, drilling machine, etc.

Figure 30. A hot gun loaded with a glue stick used for decoration

9. Trap gun = refers to gun used for trapping animals.

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Activity

Learning Check

I. Define the following:

1. Air Gun
2. Artillery firearm
3. Grease gun
4. Paradox gun
5. Small Arms

II. Differentiate the following:

1. Pistol from revolver

2. Carbine from rifle
3. Musket from shotgun
4. Smooth bore from rifles bore
5. Zip gun from freakish gun

III. Explain in not less than 25 words the statement -—“A firearm is not the
gun ..... It’s the ammunition”.

IV. Explain this module by using your video presentation with 5 mins to 10
mins duration and send it to your google class respective folder assigned.
Please place your video in your assigned folder in FB page (Activity 3)

Reference:

Manlusoc, A. C. (2016). Forensic Ballistics. Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.

De Guzman, R.D., & Villacarlos M.B. (2017). Fundamentals of Forensic Firearms
Identification, 2nd Edition. Chapter House Publishing Incorporated.
Duyogan, Z. A. (2011). Forensic Ballistics, Guide for Criminal Lawyers, Police
Officers, Students and Reviewees, First Edition. Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.

Congratulations for completing this module!

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Vision 2020
WPU: the leading knowledge center for sustainable
development of West Philippines and beyond.

Mission
WPU commits to develop quality human resource and green
technologies for a dynamic economy and sustainable
development through relevant instruction,
research and extension services.

Core Values (3CT)

Culture of Excellence
Commitment
Creativity
Teamwork

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