Date of Award
Summer 8-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department/Program
Forensic Science
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Peter Diaczuk
Second Reader
Antonio Del Valle
Third Advisor
Andrew Winter
Abstract
Forensic examinations of discharged projectiles are made possible by the toolmarks and striations made by the barrel the projectiles pass through. Suspect barrels are attached to firearms and test fired to compare these toolmarks and striations with found evidence. However, physically damaged barrels could potentially be unable to produce exemplars. This study tests the viability of manually passing projectiles through stationary barrels as a meaningful and accurate means to produce acceptable exemplars that are able to be compared against recovered evidence. A total of 18 projectiles were manually passed between two distinct Glock handgun barrels and viewed under a comparison microscope. These projectiles were then compared against a total of 5 test-fired bullets for analysis. Of the two 9mm handgun barrels, the G43 Flush & Crown barrel produced striations that were very difficult to compare against the manually passed projectiles, giving inconclusive results. In order for the G43 Flush & Crown barrel to produce identifying striations on test-fired projectiles, more exemplars must be collected for future research. The G19 Flush & Crown barrel, however, produced distinct striations and suggests agreement between the fired and pushed projectiles.
Recommended Citation
Mineo, Mara V., "Viability of Manually Passing Projectiles Through the Barrel of a Firearm in lieu of Test Firing" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/408
