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Published on: September 30, 2022
Using polychromatic X-radiography to examine realistic imitation firearms.
J C Austin1, C R Day, A T Kearon
1Institute for the Environment, Physical Sciences and Applied Mathematics, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK. j.c.austin@keele.ac.uk
This study introduces X-radiography to differentiate realistic imitation firearms based on barrel alloy composition. This method helps identify blank firing guns suitable for illegal conversion to fire live rounds.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Materials Science
- Physics
Background:
- The Violent Crimes Reduction Act (2006) restricts realistic imitation firearms.
- Distinguishing between imitation firearms suitable for illegal conversion is crucial.
- Existing legislation defines 'realistic imitation' but not suitability for modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for differentiating blank firing realistic imitation firearms based on their suitability for illegal conversion.
- To identify specific techniques to distinguish visually identical imitation firearms.
- To assess the potential for illegal modification of realistic imitation firearms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized X-radiography with a commercial broad spectrum X-ray source.
- Employed bremsstrahlung radiation to analyze alloy differences in handgun barrels.
- Extracted transmission spectra (20-75 kV at 1 kV intervals) from registered, field-flattened images.
Main Results:
- Quantified differences in transmission spectra between various realistic imitation firearm components.
- Successfully identified distinct alloy compositions in replica and blank firing handgun barrels.
- Demonstrated the capability to assess the suitability of barrels for illegal conversion.
Conclusions:
- X-radiography provides a viable method to differentiate realistic imitation firearms by their barrel alloy.
- This technique can identify blank firing imitation firearms that are suitable for illegal conversion to fire live ammunition.
- The findings support enhanced regulatory control and forensic analysis of imitation firearms.
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