Forensic Ballistics: Firearms Types and Classification

UGC-NET Forensic Science Unit V drill on firearms types and classification at the foundations level. Covers the rifled-versus-smoothbore distinction, lands and grooves, the role of spin stabilisation by the Greenhill rule, single-action and double-action revolvers, semi-automatic pistols with slide and detachable magazine, bolt-action rifles, double-barrel and pump-action shotguns, Indian service patterns (SLR 7.62 mm, AK pattern 7.62 by 39 mm, INSAS 5.56 mm), calibre nomenclature for .22 LR, .32 ACP, .315 sporting, 9 mm Parabellum, 7.62 by 39 mm and 12-gauge shotgun. Indian regulatory context under the Arms Act 1959 and the Arms Rules 2016 is woven throughout: prohibited bore (PB) versus non-prohibited bore (NPB), the .315 sporting / .32 revolver / 12-bore licensing pattern, and the cartridge basics of rimfire versus centrefire, straight versus bottlenecked versus belted case, and headstamp reading.

The mock is calibrated for first-pass UGC-NET Forensic Science Paper II aspirants, NFSU MSc Forensic Science entrants, and FACT applicants who need a quick refresh of firearms vocabulary before moving on to internal, external, and terminal ballistics. Each question carries a 250 to 400 word explanation that names the section, the manufacturer, the cartridge designation, or the standard reference, so the mock doubles as a revision sheet for the firearms half of Unit V.

Topics covered:

• Rifled versus smoothbore bores and the Greenhill spin rule
• Revolver versus semi-automatic pistol mechanics
• Indian service rifles (SLR, AK pattern, INSAS) and shotguns
• Calibre nomenclature (.22 LR, .32 ACP, .315, 9 mm Para, 7.62 by 39, 12-gauge)
• Arms Act 1959 PB versus NPB and licensing of .315 / .32 / 12-bore
• Cartridge case design, rimfire versus centrefire ignition
• Headstamp reading and case shape (straight, bottlenecked, belted)
• Indian regulatory framework under the Arms Rules 2016

Use this paper to lock down the firearm vocabulary before tackling the ballistics calculations. Allow 30 minutes.