ENFSI EWG-GSR Best Practice Manual
Definition
Published in 2016 by the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes Expert Working Group on Gunshot Residue. The primary guidance document for GSR analysis across European and many international laboratories, including the framework for lead-free primer analysis and the sequential search strategy for unknown primer types.
- Publisher
- ENFSI Expert Working Group on Gunshot Residue
- Year
- 2016
- Key content
- Lead-free primer analysis framework
- Also covers
- Sequential search strategy for unknown primer types
Common questions
What problem does the 'sequential search strategy' solve?+
When the primer type used in a case is unknown, the examiner needs an ordered protocol for searching SEM-EDX data for characteristic particles rather than assuming a lead-based signature, so the sequential strategy walks through lead-based, then lead-free, particle criteria systematically.
How does this manual relate to the broader ENFSI EWG-GSR working group?+
The working group is the standing body; this manual is its flagship published document, and it is periodically revisited as primer chemistry and detection technology change.
Related terms
- Diazol / SINOXIDE
- A diazonium salt-based organic initiating compound used in Sintox and related lead-free primer formulations, replacing lead styphnate. Does not contribute Pb, Sb,...
- ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
- A bulk elemental quantification technique that dissolves the entire hand swab or SEM stub and measures total element mass per sample. Complements...
- KED (Kinetic Energy Discrimination)
- An ICP-MS collision-reaction cell mode using helium gas to reduce polyatomic interferences on analyte masses. Used in GSR ICP-MS analysis to improve...
- NIST SRM 2710A / 2711A
- Montana Soil certified reference materials (CRMs) with certified concentrations of Pb, Sb, Ba, and many other elements. Used to calibrate and quality-control...
- Non-Toxic Ammunition (NTA)
- A broad product category encompassing any small-arms ammunition with lead-free primers and, often, lead-free projectile materials. Includes lines from Federal Premium, CCI,...
- SINTOX
- A lead-free, heavy-metal-free primer formulation developed by DAG (Deutsche Ammunitions- und Geschossfabrik) and Geco in Germany in the 1990s-2000s, replacing lead styphnate...
- Strontium Peroxide (SrO2)
- An initiating compound used in some lead-free primer formulations, particularly in Norma Sintox cartridges. Contributes Sr to the GSR particle signature. Sr...
- Zinc Peroxide (ZnO2)
- A fuel/oxidiser compound used in some lead-free primer formulations in place of antimony sulphide. Contributes Zn to the GSR particle signature; Zn...