Forensic Ballistics Overview

Questions and Answers

Who invented the sub-machine gun used by the Israeli Army during the 1956 Sinai campaign?

Uziel Gal

What is Alexander John Forsyth known for in the development of firearms?

He is known as the 'Father of the Percussion Ignition.'

Who designed the semi-automatic U.S. Rifle Cal. 30 M1 Garand?

John Garand

What significant gun design was developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov and adopted by the Russian Army?

The AK-47 (Automat Kalashnikova 47). Signup and view all the answers

What was Henry Derringer's contribution to firearms?

He manufactured the Pocket Pistol. Signup and view all the answers

Which firearm did Eugene Stoner design in 1959?

The U.S. M16 Armalite. Signup and view all the answers

What type of firearm did Olive Winchester help establish in the early days of gun manufacturing?

Rifles and pistols. Signup and view all the answers

What advancement in firearms technology does the Matchlock represent?

It was the first major advance in pistols that could be fired using one hand. Signup and view all the answers

What invention did Samuel Colt patent in 1835?

The first revolver. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Richard Jordan Gatling's invention in 1861?

He patented the Gatling Gun, a precursor to modern machine guns. Signup and view all the answers

What is forensic ballistics and its main focus?

Forensic ballistics is the science of firearms identification, focusing on the scientific examination of ballistic exhibits such as fired bullets and shells used in crimes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a projectile in the context of firearms?

A projectile is any metallic or non-metallic object that can be propelled from a firearm, such as a bullet. Signup and view all the answers

Define ballistics and its origin.

Ballistics is the science of the motion of projectiles, originating from the Greek word 'Ballo' or 'Ballein', meaning to throw or propel. Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as 'The Father of Modern Ballistics' and what was his contribution?

Col. Calvin Goddard is known as 'The Father of Modern Ballistics'; he established the use of a comparison microscope for matching bullets to firearms. Signup and view all the answers

List two firearms inventors mentioned and their contributions.

Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson founded Smith and Wesson, while Samuel Colt created the first practical revolver. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the motion of a projectile when fired from a firearm.

The motion of a projectile includes its movement from the moment it leaves the gun muzzle until it reaches the target or falls to the ground. Signup and view all the answers

What is the informal name for the Thompson sub-machine gun and its significance?

The Thompson sub-machine gun is informally known as the 'Tommy Gun' and was significant for its use during Prohibition and World War II. Signup and view all the answers

What was John Browning's notable achievement in firearm design?

John Browning pioneered the breech-loading single shot rifle, which was widely adopted by Winchester. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forensic Ballistics

Definition: The scientific examination of ballistic exhibits such as fired bullets, shells, firearms, and related matters in criminal cases.
Origin of "Ballistics": Derived from the Greek word "Ballo" or "Ballein," meaning to throw or propel. Reflects the study of projectiles' motion.
The term is linked to "Ballista," a large device for launching missiles, highlighting its historical significance in projectile technology.

Ballistics Concepts

Projectile: Any object that can be launched or fired from a firearm, encompassing both metallic and non-metallic types.
Motion: Refers to the movement of the projectile from the moment it exits the firearm until it reaches its target or the ground.

Key Figures in Firearm Development

Col. Calvin Goddard: Recognized as the “Father of Modern Ballistics” for establishing the comparison microscope for bullet identification.
Horace Smith & Daniel Wesson: Founders of Smith and Wesson, known for breech-loading rifles and revolvers.
John Browning: Called the “Wizard of Modern Firearm,” known for the breech-loading single-shot rifled design adopted by Winchester.
John Thompson: Creator of the Thompson submachine gun, colloquially known as the Tommy Gun and Chicago Typewriter.
David Williams: Credited with creating the first-known carbine.
Samuel Colt: Innovator of the first practical revolver.
Uziel Gal: Invented a sub-machine gun in the 1950s used by the Israeli Army.
Alexander John Forsyth: Known as the “Father of the Percussion Ignition” for developing percussion ignition technology.
Henry Derringer: Produced the Pocket Pistol.
John Garand: Designed the Semi-Automatic U.S. Rifle Cal. 30 M1 Garand.
Mikhail Kalashnikov: Created the AK-47 adopted by the Russian Army in 1951.
Eugene Stoner: Designed the U.S. M16 Armalite rifle under Colt's license.
Olive Winchester: Recognized among the earliest rifle and pistol manufacturers.

Evolution of Firearms

1044 AD: First known formula for gunpowder recorded in China; fire lance used as a proto-gun.
1242 AD: Roger Bacon documents black powder formula in “De Mirabili Potestate Artis et Naturae.”
1364: Development of hand cannons, the earliest type of handgun.
Early 1400s: Introduction of the matchlock, allowing one-handed firing of pistols.
1498: Major advancement with the discovery of rifling in gun barrels.
1517: Creation of wheel lock firearms by Johann Kiefuss; a serrated wheel mechanism.
1570: Snaphaunce introduced, an early form of flintlock mechanism.
1575: Development of the paper cartridge for easier ammunition transport.
1630: Introduction of the flintlock, replacing iron pyrite with flint.
1640: Miquelet flintlock mechanism, allowing automatic mainspring reset.
1772: Development of the Ferguson rifle, a breech-loading flintlock.
1805: Alexander John Forsyth discovers the percussion system for ignition.
1835: Samuel Colt patents his first revolver, marketed in 1872.
1836: Le Faucheux develops the first self-expanding pin-fire cartridge.
1861: Richard Jordan Gatling patents the Gatling Gun, a precursor to modern machine guns, capable of firing 200 rounds per minute.

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Description

Explore the science of forensic ballistics, which involves the identification of firearms and the analysis of ballistic exhibits used in crimes. This quiz covers the principles of projectile motion and the history of ballistics terminology. Delve into the intersection of science and law enforcement through ballistic examination.