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RON SMITH & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Cartridge, Cartridge Case, and Shotshell Examinations - Week 1 of 2

Course Description

Cartridge, Cartridge Case, and Shotshell Examinations - Week 1 of 2 is lecture and theory.
Cartridge Case and Shotshell Examinations/Comparisons - Week 2 of 2 - Scope Work Week is a practical applicaiton of Week 1 of 2

This course is designed to introduce the students to the examination and microscopic comparison of cartridge cases, cartridges and shotshells. Students will be introduced to the types of markings produced by the different components of various types of firearms, the process of generating test specimens (exemplars) for microscopic comparison of toolmarks found on cartridge cases, the comparison process, and proper documentation methods. Extensive known match comparisons will be performed during the course to enable the student to develop a foundation for establishing thresholds for source conclusions.

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course, the students should be able to:

  • Describe and identify the various toolmarks produced on cartridges, cartridge cases, and shotshells
  • Understand how the cycle of fire and firearm action type affects toolmarks production
  • Understand how to differentiate between firing-related and cycling-related marks
  • Understand how to determine the source of a toolmark as it relates to cartridge/cartridge cases
  • Understand how to identify ammunition manufacturing-related markings
  • Understand the reloading process and how to recognize the toolmarks produced during reloading.
  • Understand how to produce test specimens/exemplars for toolmark comparisons.
  • Understand ammunition interchangeability and how it relates to toolmark comparisons of cartridge cases.
  • Understand the process/procedures for the microscopic comparison of toolmarks produced on cartridges/cartridge cases
  • Describe class, subclass, and individual characteristics as they relate to cartridge/cartridge cases.
  • Understand how to evaluate for potential subclass influence in toolmarks on cartridges/cartridge cases
  • Understand how to properly document cartridge/cartridge case comparisons.
Instructor Photo
Stefanie Happ
BS, AFTE-FA

Course Logistics

When:

September 14, 2026 - September 18, 2026

Where:

Riley Workforce Development Center

1524 MS-19

Meridian, MS 39307

Hours:

40

Tuition:

$1,000.00

Local Contact

Ron Smith and Associates, Inc.

Lucas Hatcher, Director of Operations

601-626-1100

lhatcher@ronsmithandassociates.com

Course Expectations

  • Each student will be expected to be present for and actively participate in all lecture discussions and all practical assignments given throughout the week.
  • There will be a written test given on Friday afternoon.

Target Audience

Firearms Examiner Trainees

Prerequisites

  • Firearms safety course
  • Firearms Examination, Documentation, and Test Firing (or equivalent)

Should be Able to Perform

At the culmination of this course the student should be able to recognize and/or determine the source of toolmarks commonly encountered on fired cartridge cases/shotshells and cycled cartridges of ammunition and be able to conduct microscopic comparisons for the purpose of drawing source conclusions.

Must Bring to Class

  •  Laptop computer

Recommended Reading

  1. Firearms Identification, Volume 1, by Mathews; Wisconsin: University Wisconsin Press (1962): Part 1, Chapters 3 and 6
  2. Biasotti, A.A. “Methods Applied to the Comparison of Class and Individual Characteristics in Firearms and Toolmark Identification” AFTE Journal, 1980; 12(2): 260-263
  3. Warren, Eric M., “Using Class Characteristics to Distinguish Between Cartridge Cases Fired by Glock, Smith & Wesson Sigma, and Springfield XD Pistols” AFTE Journal, 2017, 49 (2): 70-78
  4. Bartocci, Christopher R., “Class Characteristics of the 7.62 x 39mm Cartridge, Telling Whether a Fired Cartridge Case was Fired in an SKS or AK Type Rifle” AFTE Journal, 2002, 34(2): 144-147
  5. Crafton, Jason W., “ERRATUM: Bunter Toolmarks, Insignificant or Significant?” AFTE Journal, 2004, 36(2):125-132
  6. Dodson, Ronald V. and Masson, Joseph J., “Bunter Marks, What Do They Mean?” AFTE Journal, 1997; 29(1):33-36
  7. Eckert, Jan, “The Origin and Use of the Slide Scuff Mark: An Example from a German Homicide Case” AFTE Journal, 2018; 50(4):243-247
  8. Krchma, Vaclav, “Fluted and Annular Grooved Barrel Chambers in Firearms” JFS, 1996; 41(3):407-417
  9. Nies, Ronald., “Anvil Marks of the Ruger MKII Target Pistol – An Example of Subclass Characteristics” AFTE Journal, 2003, 35(1):75-78
  10. Schecter, Bernie, et al., “Underside Ejector Marks from Glock Pistols” AFTE Journal, 2011, 43(1):79-82
  11. Miller, J., “Pressure Effects on Firing Pin Impression Depth” AFTE Journal 1995; 27(3): 242-245
  12. Haag, L.C., “The Beretta ‘Swoosh Mark”, AFTE Journal, 2017; 49(3): 153-158
  13. Hunsinger, Michelle, “Metal Injection Molded Strikers and Extractors in a Smith & Wesson Model M&P Pistol” AFTE Journal, 2013; 45(1):21-29
  14. Hartman, S., “Feed Ramp Marks Produced from a Ruger model LCP” AFTE Journal 2014; 46(1): 59-66
  15. Lee, Michael and et. al., “Subclass Carryover in Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Rifling Firing Pin” AFTE Journal, 2016; 48(1):27-32
  16. Lee, Michael, “Persistence of Subclass Carryover in Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Rifle Firing Pins” AFTE Journal, 2019; 51(4):228-235
  17. Lightstone, Laura, “The Potential for and Persistence of Subclass Characteristics on the Breech Faces of S&W 40VE Smith & Wesson Sigma Pistols” AFTE Journal, 2010; 42(4):308-322
  18. Rivera, Gene C., “Subclass Characteristics in Smith & Wesson SW40VE Sigma Pistols” AFTE Journal 2007; 39(3):247-253
  19. Nichols, Ronald G., “Firearm and Toolmark Identification: The Scientific Reliability and Validity of the AFTE Theory of Identification Discussed Within the Framework of a Study of Ten Consecutively Manufactured Extractors” AFTE Journal, 2004; 36(1):67-88
  20.  
  21. Ward, Michael S., “Circular Manufacturing Marks on Speer Factory GDHP Ammunition” AFTE journal 2008; 40(3): 312-314
  22. Bruce, Ian, “Previous Cycling/Firing Marks, Reloading Marks and Primer Marks on Winchester 9x19mm Remanufactured Ammunition” AFTE Journal, 2014; 46(2): 152-156
  23. Ward, Michael S. and Van Fleet, Victoria, “Manufacturing Marks on Speer Cartridges” AFTE Journal, 2010; 42(4): 397-398
  24. Mattia, Nicholas, “Subclass Characteristics in Extractor Groove of Winchester Cartridges” AFTE Journal, 2016: 48(1): 50-52
  25. Schaefer, Kristen, “Individual Appearing Toolmarks on Unfired Primers of Turan Ammo” AFTE Journal, 2024: 56(1): 107-109

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