The ABCs of Firearms and Forensic Evidence: Ammo, Bullets, and Casings

Build foundational knowledge of ammunition, bullets, casings, firearm mechanisms, gunshot residue, and ballistic evidence in forensic investigations.

Course Summary

Firearm-related crime scenes require careful observation, accurate documentation, and a clear understanding of the evidence that may be present. This beginner-level online course introduces students to the foundational concepts of firearms and ballistic evidence, including ammunition components, fired bullets, cartridge cases, bullet defects, firearm mechanisms, gunshot residue, and wound patterns associated with projectiles.

Students will learn how firearm evidence may appear at a scene, why proper recognition and documentation matter, and how this evidence can support later laboratory examination and investigative interpretation. The course also introduces the relationship between projectiles, cartridge cases, striated marks, gunshot residue, distance determination, and firearm-related injuries.

Through lectures, case-based examples, training worksheets, assessments, and realistic forensic images, students will build a practical understanding of how firearm evidence fits into the larger crime scene investigation process. This course is designed for aspiring CSIs, newly hired CSIs, forensic science students, law enforcement personnel, and professionals who want to strengthen their foundational knowledge of firearms-related evidence.

This is an introductory course. It is not intended to qualify students as firearm/toolmark examiners or guarantee employment. Instead, it is designed to help students develop stronger evidence awareness, more accurate forensic vocabulary, and a clearer understanding of what CSIs need to recognize, document, and preserve when firearms evidence is involved.

Why This Course Matters:

Firearm evidence can provide important investigative information, but only when it is properly recognized, documented, collected, and preserved. This course helps students understand what to look for, why the details matter, and how firearm-related evidence fits into the larger forensic process.

Students will gain practical exposure to the terminology, evidence types, and scene considerations commonly associated with firearms investigations. The goal is to strengthen professional awareness and help students approach firearm-related scenes with greater accuracy, confidence, and respect for the investigative process

What Course Includes:

Participants will receive:

24 hours of online training, including lecture content, assignments, assessments, and training activities
Access to lecture replays, when available
Training worksheets that may be used as study guides
A PDF copy of the PowerPoint presentation for review
Case-based examples and scene photographs involving firearm-related evidence
A certificate of completion upon successful completion of course requirements

Topics Covered:

    This course introduces the following topics:

    •  Ammunition basics 
    • Types of firearm and ballistic evidence 
    • Firearm mechanisms and types of firearms 
    • Fired bullets, cartridge cases, and casings 
    • Caliber identification basics 
    • Bullet comparison and identification concepts 
    • Bullet hole recognition and documentation 
    • Gunshot residue and distance determination 
    • Evidence handling and preservation procedures 
    • Crime scenes involving firearms 
    • Firearm-related wounds and projectile injuries 
    • Case examples involving firearm evidence

    Content Disclaimer: This course contains realistic forensic images, case photographs, and depictions of ballistic injuries used strictly for educational and training purposes. Some students may find these images graphic or disturbing.

Course Curriculum

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Career Tracks

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Who It’s For

Aspiring CSIs, recent graduates, and career-pivoting adults who want real skills, real practice, and a clear path from student to forensic professional.


Course Pricing

Registration

$99 USD

    • Access to Case Studies
    • Full Access to all text-based modules
    • Certificate of Completion
    • Interactive Activities
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