Course Description
This course is designed to introduce the students to an overview of machining methods used in firearms manufacture, as well as how those machining methods affect the creation of class, individual, and subclass characteristics. Students will learn how to evaluate tool working surfaces and toolmarks for class, individual, and subclass characteristics, and to articulate those evaluations.
Course Expectations
- Each student is expected to be present, on time, and to participate in each assignment. Class will run from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
- Projects: Each student will give a five-minute presentation on a chosen machining method.
- Exams: There will be a 30-question written test (multiple choice and short answer)
- Practical: There will be a casting of barrels, breech faces, and firing pins exercise
Course Logistics
August 31, 2026 - September 4, 2026
Riley Workforce Development Center
1524 MS-19
Meridian, MS 39307
40
$1,000.00
Local Contact
Ron Smith and Associates, Inc.
Lucas Hatcher, Director of Operations
601-626-1100
lhatcher@ronsmithandassociates.com
Should be Able to Perform
At the completion of this course, the students should be able to:
- Understand the modern machining methods used in manufacturing modern firearms
- Understand and be able to explain the creation of class, individual, and subclass characteristics
- Cast various tool working surfaces
- Evaluate tool working surfaces for potential subclass characteristics
- Evaluate tool working surfaces for individual characteristics
- Identify potential manufacturing methods used on a tool's working surface
- Evaluate toolmarks for potential subclass characteristics
- Understand and explain potential subclass characteristics on a tool working surface
- Understand and explain individual characteristics on a tool working surface
- Understand and explain potential subclass characteristics on a toolmark
- Understand and explain individual characteristics of a toolmark
Must Bring to Class
- Laptop computer
Recommended Reading
- An Introduction to the Forensic Examination of Toolmarks, Miller, J. AFTE Journal, Vol. 33, No. 2, Summer 2001, pp. 233-235.
- Firearm and Toolmark Identification: The Scientific Reliability of the Forensic Science Discipline, Nichols, R. (2018), Chapters 2 and 3.
- Forensic Firearm Examination, Monturo, C. (2019), Chapters 5, 6, and 12.
- The Effect of Vibratory Finishing on Broaching Marks as a Function of Time, Winn, J. AFTE Journal, Vol. 45, No.4, Fall 2013, pp. 350-360.
Additional readings (Articles): Any additional readings selected will be provided during the week of class.
Helpful Lodging Information
Although we cannot endorse any particular hotel property, we have confirmed that the following lodging options are within a reasonable commuting distance to the training site.
Drury Inn & Suites Meridian
112 US-11
Meridian MS 39301