Forensics Journal - Stevenson University 2013 | Page 52

FORENSICS JOURNAL

when ballistic imaging or traditional examination are used, examiners need to fire at least four test shots to be able to retrieve what they
hope is a complete tool mark pattern. When there are multiple strikes
in a firearm equipped with microstamping, the only equipment
requirement is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to examine the
stamp. This technique has been used in forensic investigation since
1970 (Lizotte and Ohar, “Forensic,” 14).

in its proposal (Page, 2). Beddow ignored this important point and
therefore his study is incomplete. Finally, his study was not peer
reviewed or backed by governmental support (Page, 2).
In response to the UC-Davis study, NanoTagTM, a microstamping
vendor, tested a Smith & Wesson Model 4006 40-Caliber semiautomatic handgun using the company’s optimization requirements
for microstamping. Testers fired over 2500 rounds with five different types of ammunition and found that H[[