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                            Events
 The Effect of Time on Rusted Firearm Identification Event Dates
              January 6, 2022, 1:00 pm
 – 2:00 pmEastern
Event Duration
              1 hour
Location
              Online

Register

Since the development of early firearms in the mid-1200s, the best material for making critical parts for weapons has been iron-based metal. While iron and steel (an alloy metal that contains iron) are popular materials due to their strength and resilience, they are susceptible to chemical reactions when interacting with the environment. The most common chemical reaction of concern is corrosion or rust, which causes metal to deteriorate or dissolve. Corrosion and chemical reactions most often occur in wet and humid conditions. If firearms are not properly cared for or are left in these conditions, it could have adverse effects on the firearms’ operability and could affect the firearms’ individual characteristics.

While past research has been performed on the possibility of identifying characteristics on rusted firearms after they have been restored, there is little research on how long a firearm can be left to rust before an identification is no longer possible. Potential identification comparisons were performed on cartridge cases and projectiles after they were test fired through firearms that were left to rust for certain periods of time. This project evaluates the effects of rust on the common working surfaces of Glock and Smith & Wesson Sigma firearms that firearm examiners use to make an identification. The unpredicted data suggests that Glocks cannot be identified past three months of rusting while Sigmas can be identified at six months and possibly even longer.
View Event Page
  
  
          Details
Series
                  Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series

  Event Type
              Webinar
    Event Option(s)
          Online,
                        On demand

Sponsor(s) / Host(s)

Forensic Technology Center of Excellence;National Institute of Justice (NIJ), U.S. Department of Justice
    Contact
          Forensic Technology Center of Excellence

  Link
              If you have questions about this course, contact the FTCoE

  Registration Dates
              November 12, 2021 - January 6, 2022

  Registration Status
              Open

  Eligibility
              Free and open to all.

  Credits
              Certificate of completion
    
  
Read more about
    
            Firearms
        Firearm identification
        Evidence analysis and processing
        Toolmark identification
        Forensic Technology Center of Excellence
  
Date Created: August 5, 2021
    
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