Glock Marking Barrels – An Evaluation of Individual and Subclass Characteristics

Abstract

Glock Inc. recently replaced the Enhanced Bullet Identification System (EBIS) with what Glock refers to as the Glock Marking Barrel. Casts and test fired bullets from thirty-five Glock Marking Barrels were evaluated for subclass and individual characteristics. It was determined that the barrels had subclass carryover from barrel to barrel manufactured using the same mandrel. However, identification of a fired bullet back to the barrel/firearm that fired it was still possible using specific areas of the fired bullet. Due to the fact that this type of barrel will be used in all models of Glock pistols, an examiner should be aware of which areas of a fired bullet may have a high potential for subclass characteristics.

Keywords

• glock marking barrel
• subclass characteristics
• polygonal rifling
• enhanced bullet identification system (ebis)