Fired bullets, cartridge casings, and shotgun shells are examples of which evidence type?

• A. Trace evidence
• B. Toolmark evidence
• C. Impression evidence
• D. Firearm evidence

Answer: (D)

Fired bullets, cartridge casings, and shotgun shells are evidence tied to firearms and ammunition. They come from a gun and its ammunition, and their value lies in ballistic analysis that can link a weapon to a crime. The bullet carries rifling marks from the barrel, which can be matched to a specific firearm. Cartridge casings show marks from the firing pin, breach face, and ejector/extractor, providing a different set of identifiers that can tie the case to a weapon. Shotgun shells can reveal gauge and other components that further pinpoint a firearm. This makes them firearm evidence, distinct from trace evidence (tiny transferred particles), impression evidence (imprints left in soft surfaces), or toolmark evidence (marks made by tools on objects).