FAQs

A ballistic recovery chamber is a controlled forensic system designed to safely capture projectiles during firearm testing while preserving the ballistic markings required for forensic comparison. These systems are used by crime laboratories and law enforcement agencies to recover bullets for analysis and entry into ballistic intelligence systems such as NIBIN.

The TRACE Ballistic Chamber is a modern ballistic evidence recovery system that allows forensic laboratories to recover projectiles immediately after test firing. The system replaces traditional water tanks or sand traps with a compact, controlled recovery environment optimized for forensic workflows.

Ballistic recovery systems are used by:

• Forensic crime laboratories
• Police departments
• Federal investigative agencies
• Firearm intelligence units
• Ballistic training academies
• Military forensic laboratories

These systems are essential for recovering ballistic evidence safely and efficiently.

Ballistic evidence recovery allows investigators to analyze projectiles and cartridge cases to identify firearms used in criminal investigations. The markings left on bullets during firing act like a fingerprint for firearms, allowing forensic experts to match evidence to specific weapons.

A ballistic recovery chamber works by capturing a fired projectile inside a controlled containment system designed to preserve the bullet’s ballistic markings. After the firearm is discharged within the chamber, the projectile is captured in a recovery medium that allows investigators to retrieve it quickly without damaging the evidence.

Once the firearm is discharged inside the TRACE chamber, the projectile is captured inside the recovery system. The chamber allows investigators to retrieve the projectile within seconds while preserving the ballistic striations necessary for forensic comparison.

The TRACE Ballistic Chamber is designed to support calibers up to approximately .30-06, which covers the vast majority of firearms encountered in law enforcement investigations.

No. The TRACE recovery system is engineered to preserve the ballistic markings on the projectile. These markings are critical for forensic comparison and identification using ballistic intelligence systems such as NIBIN.

Traditional ballistic water tanks often require manual retrieval that can take several minutes. The TRACE system allows investigators to retrieve ballistic evidence within seconds after the test fire.

No. TRACE eliminates the need for large ballistic water tanks. Traditional water tanks require plumbing infrastructure, chemical treatment, and regular maintenance. TRACE replaces these systems with a compact and efficient recovery chamber.

No plumbing infrastructure is required. TRACE systems are designed to operate with minimal facility requirements and can integrate easily into existing forensic laboratories.

TRACE is designed to operate in controlled laboratory environments and includes containment mechanisms that improve safety conditions compared to traditional ballistic recovery methods.

Yes. TRACE systems are specifically designed to integrate into existing laboratory environments without requiring major facility modifications.

The system has a compact footprint of approximately 35 square feet, making it significantly smaller than traditional ballistic recovery tanks.

Yes. The TRACE system is designed to pass through standard laboratory doorways, simplifying installation and facility integration.

The system typically requires:

Primary power:
220V electrical supply

Auxiliary power:
Standard 110V outlet

These requirements allow installation in most modern laboratory environments.

TRACE systems are engineered for low maintenance operation. Unlike water tanks, the system does not require chemical water treatment or large infrastructure maintenance.

TRACE allows investigators to recover ballistic evidence immediately after firing. This reduces processing time, eliminates complex retrieval procedures, and improves laboratory efficiency.

Traditional water tanks require:

• Large dedicated rooms
• Plumbing systems
• Water chemical treatment
• Manual projectile retrieval

TRACE provides:

• Compact footprint
• Immediate projectile recovery
• Lower maintenance requirements
• Simplified installation

Yes. By allowing investigators to recover ballistic evidence quickly and efficiently, TRACE systems can significantly reduce firearm evidence processing times.

Yes. TRACE systems allow investigators to recover ballistic projectiles quickly and prepare them for entry into ballistic intelligence systems such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).

TRACE provides a controlled environment for firearm testing, which improves safety compared to open recovery systems or older ballistic recovery methods.

Law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories can request technical information, demonstrations, and procurement guidance directly through the TRACE website.

Yes. TRACE Ballistics offers product demonstrations to help agencies understand how the system integrates into their forensic workflows.

Basic operational training is recommended to ensure investigators understand the safe handling and ballistic evidence recovery procedures.

Yes. TRACE systems are often used in forensic training academies and ballistic investigation training programs.

A ballistic recovery chamber captures projectiles inside a controlled containment system, allowing immediate recovery of ballistic evidence. Water tanks rely on large bodies of water to slow down projectiles, which requires manual retrieval and maintenance.

Forensic laboratories recover bullets by firing firearms into controlled recovery systems such as ballistic chambers or water tanks. The projectile is then retrieved and examined for ballistic markings that can identify the firearm used.

Ballistic testing typically requires:

• Firearm test firing equipment
• Ballistic recovery systems
• Evidence examination tools
• Ballistic comparison microscopes

TRACE systems focus specifically on the ballistic recovery stage of this process.

Ballistic evidence includes bullets, cartridge cases, and other firearm-related materials that can be analyzed to identify firearms used in criminal investigations.

Ballistic evidence can link firearms to specific crimes by comparing projectile markings and cartridge case impressions. This information can connect firearms used in multiple incidents and support criminal investigations.