ABSTRACT
This chapter describes advances in scientific methods applied to firearms reported since the 14th Interpol Forensic Science Symposium in October 2004. It examines the scientific reliability of using the Consecutive Matching Striae theory as a criterion for identification of striated toolmarks. The chapter introduces the trainees that performed the test to the history of firearms and toolmarks identification. In contrast to deoxyribonucleic acid identification, which is entirely based on subclass characteristics, firearms and tool mark identification is based on individual characteristics. The procedure has proven to be successful in addressing superficial to minor rusting of the working surfaces of firearms and is not intended as a method for "restoring" permanent damage to the working surfaces caused by rust/corrosion. Research on automation and imaging techniques for forensic firearms applications has been continued by both commercial and government institutions.
