Define "firearms identification."

Firearms identification is a specialized field within forensic science that focuses on matching bullets and cartridge cases to specific firearms. This process involves examining and comparing unique markings left on bullets and casings when a firearm is discharged. Each firearm, due to its manufacturing process, leaves distinctive scratches, impressions, and other identifiers that serve as a "fingerprint" for that particular weapon. When forensic experts analyze bullets found at a crime scene, they can determine whether they were fired from a specific firearm by comparing these unique markings to those produced by known firearms.

This definition encompasses both the technical expertise required to conduct such analyses and the application of these findings in legal contexts, especially in criminal investigations where linking a bullet or casing to a particular weapon can be pivotal in solving a case.