60,000 Rounds, Two Identical Pistols: How Do Ballistic Markings Evolve Over Time?
Overview
Can two factory-identical pistols produce changing toolmarks after thousands of consecutive rounds? A comprehensive research study led by Asude Nur Algül, Aylin Yalçın Sarıbey, and Hüseyin Atasoy investigates how extensive firing affects the persistence and individuality of cartridge case impression characteristics.
Key Highlights & Methodology
Scope
60,000 controlled test firings were conducted using two pistols of the same make and model under standardized conditions.
Analysis
Cartridge case impressions were examined with the BALİSTİKA® 3D Analysis System to monitor progressive wear and morphological variations throughout the firing sequence.
Impact
The findings provide valuable insights into how high-volume firing influences both automated matching algorithms and expert visual identification of firearm evidence.
Conference Presentation
24th Triennial Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS 2026)
This research was presented by Asude Nur Algül during the IAFS 2026 conference held in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The presentation highlighted the long-term effects of firearm wear on cartridge case impressions and demonstrated the contribution of BALİSTİKA® to objective 3D firearm identification.