A Forensic-Based Empirical Study to Analyze the Empty Case Ejection Patterns Type 56 Assault Rifle

Empty case locations and dispersions on the ground differ according to the type of firearms and are affected by an array of factors. Post- ejection pattern testing is the most effective method to understand the cartridge ejection patterns on the ground for a specific gun and ammunition combination. However, limited scientific research information is available in the existing literature which explores the ejection patterns of rifles, or attempts to study how this readily available evidence can be constructively used for scene reconstruction. This empirical research explored the empty case ejection patterns of an AK-family rifle: Type 56. Although the dispersion patterns were inconsistence in general, the experiment proposed a method to narrow down the shooter’s approximate location based on the identified center point of the ammunition cluster and post ejection test results of the rifle used in the shooting. The research also highlights the reasons for the inconsistencies seen in dispersion patterns of this rifle type based on the observations made during the research.