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New scope spots stealth shots
 In focus: SSP Brian Heard shows how deep imprints on ammunition are lit up by the new scope |
Markings identifying fired ammunition invisible to most microscopes are now detectable with tools being commissioned by the Forensic Firearms Examination Bureau.
The highly-specialised Phase Contrast, Dark Field/Light Field comparison microscope detects striation marks in ammunition discharged by weapons with long, filed firing pins, usually found on home-made guns which were being seized more often.
FFEB Senior Superintendent Brian Heard said: "The microscope looks into extremely deep firing pin impressions caused by most home-made weapons. The markings are often so deep that light from a general comparison microscope reflects inside the hole making it impossible to see the fine scratch marks which are needed to prove a particular cartridge was fired from a certain weapon.
"Rather than having a light source from the side like a conventional microscope, the new one directs and focuses light through its own lens which offers flare-free, almost contour-like, flat images of the manufacturing marks which are perfect for comparison and can prove a case in court. It brings small scratches out as clear as tram lines." Mr Heard said the equipment was essential due to the upsurge in home-made weapons being seized.
"There could be some kind of supply problem with genuine weapons as we are finding most being seized now are home-made. And many have a long, sharpened firing pin which some believe gives better ignition than a rounded one, but this is not necessarily true.
"Still, we need to ensure we can identify these deep marks for investigations, something we cannot do with conventional equipment. The new microscope gives us for the first time, the ability to do it."
The microscope can also reveal manufacturing marks on translucent and transparent materials, such as adhesive tape, normally invisible to a conventional microscope.
"FFEB is evaluating the capabilities of this specialised microscope which is showing potential in areas previously thought impossible using normal equipment. Only time will tell the full capabilities to which this new acquisition can be directed," Mr Heard said.
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