Potential impacts of 3D modeling and 3D printing in firearm toolmark examinations.

In this work, two gun barrels were 3D-printed using a metal alloy material from the same 3D digital model created in silico. After assembling the barrels in a reference Colt 45 Auto semi-automatic pistol, a total of 100 rounds of ammunition were successfully test-fired through each barrel. Heavy and gross striations were observed on all fired bullets.