New York Fired Casing/bullet match Database

[customloaded]

About 7 years ago, NY instituted a database that was uploaded with data containing the ballistic info on all new guns sold by having one expended casing and bullet entered into this database. I recently read that not one match has been made and several million dollars spent.

I'm not an extremely knowledgeable gun guy but I'm not a novice either. Seems to me that the more a gun is fired, the more wear and tear on the parts so the idea of matching a gun to a specific crime seems kinda stupid to me if the gun is used fairly regularly. The Striations on the bullet and the marks left by chambering and ejecting of the casing would change as the gun components wear down as compared when the firearm is brand new. This would result in a no match being found though it was the same gun.

Am I off base with this assumption?

[General Geoff]

No, you're absolutely correct. Such ballistics databases are a monumental waste of time and effort, and are not responsible for solving any crime.


Don't tell the antis, though. Their heads might explode. That plus the show CSI would have no way of ever furthering a plot or solving a case.

[FUNDAMENTALS]

Mayland State Police Call for shutting down Maryland's Ballistic
"Fingerprinting" System, Jan. 2005.
http://www.the-eggman.com/writings/bfprint/index.html
I had to smile when I read on how to completely defeat the proposed law,
all a criminal needs to do is any of the following: (here are 2 or 3 examples)
1. Use reloaded ammunition
2. Replace barrel
3. Use a Revolver.
Note: Revolvers do not leave shell casing behind. If this silly proposal
actually did work the Bad Guys would just carry them. They are generally
cheaper, safer,and more reliable than semi-autos anyway(Articels words,
not mine).

[Warpt762x39]

No, you're absolutely correct. Such ballistics databases are a monumental waste of time and effort, and are not responsible for solving any crime.


Don't tell the antis, though. Their heads might explode. That plus the show CSI would have no way of ever furthering a plot or solving a case.

I read an article saying that shows like CSI are making real life trials hell because people see these things in the show and think that is how things are done in real life.

Besides even if they could match the bullet to a barrel, its not that hard to change barrels in most autoloaders and even change calibers. I could change the barrel on a Browning Hi Power in less time than it takes to dial 911.

[Pa. Patriot]

I read an article saying that shows like CSI are making real life trials hell because people see these things in the show and think that is how things are done in real life.

Besides even if they could match the bullet to a barrel, its not that hard to change barrels in most autoloaders and even change calibers. I could change the barrel on a Browning Hi Power in less time than it takes to dial 911.

No need to change barrels, just run some sandpaper through the bore a couple times and over the breach face. Viola! New "ballistic fingerprint".

[FUNDAMENTALS]

Have a second article by John R. Lott Jr. Titled: "Ballistic Fingerprinting's
a Dud. www.nationalreview.com. I have these articles readily available
in case this Com. of Pa., tries this, and let my elected officals read the
FACTS for themselves.

[edstephan]

No need to change barrels, just run some sandpaper through the bore a couple times and over the breach face. Viola! New "ballistic fingerprint".

Better yet, Very fine (finishing) valve grinding compound.
One round down the barrel with just a touch of it and you have changed any markings completely.
Ed

[customloaded]

Thanks folks for the info...Enjoy!!!

[RCN]

About 7 years ago, NY instituted a database that was uploaded with data containing the ballistic info on all new guns sold by having one expended casing and bullet entered into this database. I recently read that not one match has been made and several million dollars spent.

Your information is inaccurate and misleading

1) There were two matches once they found a way to link to the Federal National Integrated Ballistic Identification Network (NIBIN). Neither 'hit' led to a conviction though.
2) Current cost estimates fall somewhere between $14.7 and $30.3 million dollars. Annual budget is $4,000,000

http://www.ocshooters.com/Reports/co...is.htm#monthly

http://www.nysafe.org/PR1_BALLISTIC_FING.htm

Please quit badmouthing this excellent piece of "common sense" gun law. It only costs around $200 per gun to enter the information. It just hasn't had enough time to work yet. Criminals (as some in NY claim) only use old guns so wait another 5 years and then I'm sure we will see some results, no really it will work.

[bogey1]

Your information is inaccurate and misleading

1) There were two matches once they found a way to link to the Federal National Integrated Ballistic Identification Network (NIBIN). Neither 'hit' led to a conviction though.
2) Current cost estimates fall somewhere between $14.7 and $30.3 million dollars. Annual budget is $4,000,000

http://www.ocshooters.com/Reports/co...is.htm#monthly

http://www.nysafe.org/PR1_BALLISTIC_FING.htm

Please quit badmouthing this excellent piece of "common sense" gun law. It only costs around $200 per gun to enter the information. It just hasn't had enough time to work yet. Criminals (as some in NY claim) only use old guns so wait another 5 years and then I'm sure we will see some results, no really it will work.

rcn, why did you start the digital signal one month before everyone else? also, i dont get as many channels as i used to. what gives?