Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of fringe topics in the Forensic Firearms world. These topics include Distance Determination, Ammunition Deformation, Suppressors, Machinegun Conversion Devices, and “Ghost Guns.” Basic knowledge of these topics will not only allow students to analyze and document a wider variety of evidence, but will create awareness of the safety issues surrounding many of these items. While the focus of most Firearms Examiner Training is on microscopic comparisons, as experts in firearms, we are often asked to examine and make statements on a wide variety of firearms related evidence. The purpose of this class is to provide students with familiarization of some of those fringe topics.
Course Expectations
At the completion of this course, the students should be able to:
- Perform muzzle to target range estimations. (Distance Determination)
- Perform basic chemical tests such as the Modified Griess and Sodium Rhodizonate tests to chemically analyze clothing.
- Understand the science behind how suppressors reduce sound.
- Learn how to document bullet damage in ways that may help with future shooting reconstruction efforts.
- Understand the interaction between bullets and target impact surfaces based on bullet design and the type of impact surface.
- Learn how to properly measure and document trajectories.
- Learn about “ghost guns,” including the various ways they are created, federal laws surrounding their creation, and best practices for their safe-handling.
- Understand and recognize the various types of machinegun conversion devices and how they operate within a firearm.
Course Logistics
October 12, 2026 - October 16, 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
Course Objectives
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the additional examinations that are requested of examiners beyond the usual comparisons and to teach examiners how to better document the firearms and ammunition evidence they receive. These examinations include distance determinations, including chemical analysis; the documentation and evaluation of bullet damage for the purposes of connecting bullets to target impacts at crime scenes; understanding how a
suppressor works and best practices for documenting one in a case; the laws surrounding “ghost guns” and safety concerns when handling them; and the identification and of machinegun conversion devices, including how they work and safety concerns surrounding their use.
Target Audience
This course is designed for firearms and toolmark examiners who are looking to go beyond the basics of firearms comparisons and learn about some of the peripheral examinations examiners are asked to perform. Additionally, law enforcement and crime scene personnel who are looking to expand their knowledge on the identification, documentation, and examination of the various types of firearms evidence they may encounter in the field will find this class useful.
Prerequisites
Students should have a basic understanding of modern ammunition as well as an understanding of how Glocks and AR-15s function.
Should be Able to Perform
At the completion of this course, students should be able to perform muzzle to target range estimations and chemical testing; understand and properly document bullet deformation; understand the science behind suppressors and how to approach them in casework; and properly identify, and safely handle, “ghost guns” and machinegun conversion devices.
Course Schedule
| Duration | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | Introduction and Class Expectation | CSR Basics | Distance Determination | Range | Evaluation of Range Tests and Samples |
| 1 Hour | Suppressors | Math Review | |||
| 1 Hour | Bullet Defects and Trajectory Analysis | Discussion and Review | |||
| 1 Hour | |||||
| 1 Hour | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 1 Hour | Ghost Guns | Ammunition Deformation | Distance Determination -Chemical Testing | Range | Written Exam |
| 1 Hour | Machinegun Conversion Devices and Bump Stocks | Practical Exam | |||
| 1 Hour | Test Review and Follow Up | ||||
| 1 Hour | Wound Ballistics | Range Safety and Rules |
Must Bring to Class
- A camera (this may include a cell phone camera)
- Hearing and Eye Protection
- Clothes for range in any weather.
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Recommended Reading
Reading recommendations will be published prior to the start 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