Specific Marks of the Prongs of the Trigger Mechanism Body, on the Cartridge Cases Fired From the Pistol “Tokarev” Cal. 7,62 X 25 mm and the Pistols That Are Made on the Basis of the Above Mentioned Pistol Cal. 7,62 X 25 mm and Cal. 9 X 19 mm

Abstract

The inspiration for the paper and the problem(s) that the paper addresses: The necessity of improving the identification of firearms on the bases of the traces on the cartridge cases fired from firearms.

The goals of the paper (scientific and/or social): The goal of the paper is to present to ballistics experts information and experiences on the traces that occur during the drawing-ejection of the cartridge cases after the firing from the pistol, “Tokarev TT33” cal. 7.62 x 25 mm and the pistols that are made on the basis of the mentioned pistol, such as the pistols of the “Zastava” brand models M57 cal. 7.62 x 25 mm, of the “Norinco” brand Model M54, M54-1, of the “Zastava” brand models: M70, M70A, M88, M88A cal. 9 x 19 mm. We called these traces “Traces of the prongs of the trigger mechanism body”. The above mentioned marks (among other marks on the cartridge cases: Firing pin marks, breechface marks, ejector marks, extractor marks on the head of the cartridge cases, etc.) will help ballistics experts to draw the final conclusion on the identification of shells, i.e. firearms from which they were fired, especially in cases where some of these listed marks do not have prominent individual characteristics.

Methodology/Design: In this paper, an analysis of the occurrence of the mentioned mark, its uniqueness, the repetition, the position of the mark in relation to other marks and possibilities related to the identification of the mentioned mark, i.e. of a part of the gun from which the mark arises, both individually and identification of firearms wholly.

Research/the paper limitations: Limitations of this study, possibly, may result from the unavailability of all pistol models cal. 7.62 x 25 mm and cal. 9 x 19 mm, which are made on the basis of the pistol, “Tokarev TT33” cal. 7.62 x 25 mm.

Results/findings: Traces of prongs of the trigger mechanism body have not accidentally occurred, which are repeated on all cartridge cases, which are fired from pistols and models that are made based on the pistol “Tokarev TT33” cal. 7.62 x 25 and 9 x 19 mm. Marks do not depend on the manufacturers of ammunition, they contain both general and individual characteristics, which are reproduced on all cartridge cases fired from the tested pistols and models.

General conclusion: Traces of prongs of the trigger mechanism body contain prominent individual characteristics, on the basis of which a positive identification of firearms can be made. The aforementioned marks, among other marks on the cartridge cases: firing pin marks, breechface marks, ejector marks, extractor marks on the head of the cartridge cases, etc.) will help ballistics experts to draw the final conclusion on the identification of cartridge cases, i.e. firearms from which they were fired, especially in cases where some of these listed marks do not have prominent individual characteristics.

Research/the paper justifiability: The justification of the paper lies in the fact that it represents an original scientific work, which is a useful source of information for experts dealing with ballistic expertise.