Frequently Asked Questions - Firearms & Toolmarks

Revolvers, single shot and/or break-open shotguns, lever action rifles, bolt action rifles or shotguns, antiques / muzzle loaders / blackpowder, or hunting rifle calibers (i.e. 30-06 SPRG, 7mm Mauser, 303 British, 308 WIN, 243 WIN).

• Semi-automatic pistols of the following calibers:
  •           22 LR / 22 Long Rifle
  •           25 Auto / 25 ACP
  •           32 Auto / 32 ACP
  •           380 Auto / 9mm kurz / 9mm Corto
  •           9x18 MAK / 9x18 Makarov
  •           9mm Luger / 9mm Parabellum
  •           357 SIG
  •           40 S&W / 40 Auto
  •           10mm Auto
  •           45 Auto / 45 ACP
•    Semi-automatic rifles of the following calibers:
  •           22 LR / 22 Long Rifle
  •           223 REM / 5.56x45mm (example: AR-15)
  •           7.62x39mm (example: AK-47)
  •           Rifles that fire any of the above pistol calibers
•    Pump-action shotguns
•    Semi-automatic shotguns

IBIS stands for the Integrated Ballistics Identification System. It is a database of cartridge case images. When a cartridge case is entered into the system, a proprietary algorithm returns a list of possible ‘matches.’  IBIS does not identify a specific firearm but rather provides investigative leads that must be verified on a comparison microscope by a firearms examiner.

 NIBIN stands for the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. NIBIN is accessed through IBIS.