Why do people ship spent cartridges with a new gun?

[MikePGS]

I notice that a lot on gunbroker. I'm guessing its part of some sort of law or something? Could someone please explain the reasoning behind this? Thanks in advance, see ya later

 

[RNB65]

Some states require it. Maryland, for example.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballistic_fingerprinting

 

[IDriveB5]

In MD, a new gun must be accompanied by a fired shell casing. This is because criminals legally buy brand new guns from gun stores and when they use it to commit their next crime, it will easily be traced back to them. To my knowledge, this nonsense has yet to lead to a conviction.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

State law in Maryland, probably other places as well. Another "feel good" law that has cost millions, and has yet to solve a single crime.

 

[waynedm]

Too bad it's really not traceable. It's for the kids though.

 

[SDC]

New York and Maryland both currently REQUIRE this nonsense, so (if a manufacturer wants to be able to sell a handgun in either of those states) they simply do it for ALL of the handguns they produce, regardless of which state they end up being shipped to. In NY and MD, the FFL who sells a firearm is supposed to take those cases out and send them to their respective "ballistic fingerprinting" operations, along with the name of the buyer.

 

[default]

True...but on the other hand, a couple years back, having just purchased my first centerfire handgun, a new USP, after I eagerly pawed through the contents of the case (I was almost more excited about the manual than I was about the gun), I was bedazzled by the idea of some humorless lab-coated HK engineer test-firing the pistol in a cleanroom in Oberndorf, to confirm zat everyseeng vas verking perfektly.

Seriously, though, before I became aware of US "feel-good" laws about ballistic fingerprinting nonsense, I assumed it was about German "feel-good" laws requiring manufacturers to include proof that each shipped unit functioned properly.

In any case, try to look at it in that light, and perhaps it will seem less stupid.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

In any case, try to look at it in that light, and perhaps it will seem less stupid.

Okay ... as requested, I tried.

Didn't work. It's still a stupid law.

 

[Remander]

You are supposed to sniff the spent brass, like the cork from a bottle of wine, and send it back if it smells corrosive.

 

[SWModel19]

I thought it was an incentive to get the buyer into the hobby of reloading.

 

[Pilgrim]

Why do people ship spent cartridges with a new gun?

So you will know it worked at least once before it was shipped?

Pilgrim

 

[shield20]

Here in NY it is indeed the law. Last Beretta I bought, clerk said the $$$ system had actually led to solving 1 crime (in almost 7 yrs), I couldn't confirm this though - thought it was still 0.

This from 2005:

A report by the Maryland State Police that recommends repeal of a law requiring collection of ballistic imaging information "shatters one of the favorite myths of gun control extremists," the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) said today.

So far, Maryland has spent $2.5 million over the past four years, with nothing to show for it. The report admitted, "Guns found to be used in the commission of crime...are not the ones being entered into" the system.

Duh.

It also turns out NY has a similar law, which has also been completely useless:

"Our congratulations to Gov. Robert Ehrlich's administration for having released this information," said CCRKBA Executive Director Joe Waldron. "Since the Maryland research also reveals that the same program in New York State has produced not a single trace that has led to the solution of a crime, we think Gov. George Pataki ought to consider scrapping the Empire State's program as well, saving taxpayers there about $4 million dollars annually."

 

[foghornl]

A few states require that the fired round be sent to their "Ballistic Fingerprint Lab".

I took all of my test cases and dumped them in the 'duds bucket' at my local range...

Then polished bolt faces, extractor hooks, firing pins

 

[CNYCacher]

Could someone please explain the reasoning behind this?

No.

 

[outofbattery]

It was an idea that sounded great based upon the largely misunderstood perception of firearms forensics being able to track down an individual gun based upon a spent casing at a crime scene.Of course it ignores the reality of how difficult that actually is and the even bigger problem that those people who tend to shoot each other for sport and profit very rarely go to gun stores to purchase their new "strap".It's the very basic problem of those making new laws not understanding either real science or criminal behavior and when we start waving our arms around saying " hey- this law is dumb" ,we get answered with " well,it's for the children and it can't hurt".This line of thinking has made it a PITA if not impossible for many law abiding citizens in my state to own or carry handguns but since they aren't going around not commiting any crimes,the children are all safer

 

[Crosscut]

Each Gov. in NY tries to create one stupid law per term to top a subsequent Gov.s stupid law. We are now waiting to see what stupid thing Spitzer is going to do, other that appoint an Anti as head of the DEC.

 

[PPGMD]

I was bedazzled by the idea of some humorless lab-coated HK engineer test-firing the pistol in a cleanroom in Oberndorf, to confirm zat everyseeng vas verking perfektly.

Actually they do. At least with Walther they send you a target showing the grouping of the weapon (5 shots at 25m with about a 3in grouping).

 

[GCW5]

I got an empty with my new XD, I just used it in the first batch I reloaded, infact, it's been loaded up 7 to 8 times and still going strong.

 

[possum]

So you will know it worked at least once before it was shipped?

+1
i don't remember a handgun that i have bought new that didn't come with that one fired brass. my xd's, ruger etc.

 

[MrDig]

I was under the impression that the reasoning was to send the consumer an example of the QC test round. The fact that the test round goes into some Magic Database that will supposedly Deter or Solve crime never entered my mind. Not much room in there anyway.

 

[Axman]

It's for the forensic fingerprint of the firing pin that in no way every changes throughout the life of the firearm because firing pins don't wear down at any point! Doesn't it make you feel all fuzzy and warm???

 

[SWModel19]

I thought it was an incentive to get the buyer into the hobby of reloading.

I got an empty with my new XD, I just used it in the first batch I reloaded, infact, it's been loaded up 7 to 8 times and still going strong.

See? What'd I tell ya?

 

[CountGlockula]

I wonder why casings, would the fired bullet help law enforcement track info on guns?

 

[PILMAN]

I live in Florida and my new H&K USP .45 had a spent casing in a envelope and a signature, what the heck.

 

[30 cal slob]

You are supposed to sniff the spent brass, like the cork from a bottle of wine, and send it back if it smells corrosive.