The Scope and Implications of a Tracing Mechanism for Small Arms ...

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sophisticated and are comprised of increasingly diverse materials (polymers,
alloys, etc.). Semi-automatic Glock ® pistols are characterised by their
polymer frames (the remainder of the weapon is metal). There is a similar
trend currently for certain types of assault rifle.
Marking may also vary according to the size of the weapon and that of
its constitutive elements. Here again, the SALW classification proposed by
the UN does not allow for an appropriate solution to be taken. If we follow
its assumption that the standard should be to mark all SALW on the firing
pin, how can this standard by applied to a tank? Generalising in the case of
SALW is therefore not the right answer. Certain weapons require a
particular—or even a personalized—type of marking.
Coherent and efficient marking is therefore a matter of having detailed
knowledge of the components of a firearm. Appendix 2 contains an
illustration of the different marking options that exist. The same approach
can and should be adopted with respect to all the categories of weapons
included under SALW. Manufacturers are also an invaluable source. Each
manufacturer can propose locations for marking each type of weapon. In
this context, a technical expert committee could even be appointed to
evaluate each of the proposals for marking the weapons and their
components.
The major difficulties encountered by the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms) during arms tracing are shown in Table 4.
Table 4: Main problems encountered when tracing a firearm 20
Problems encountered during firearms tracing Percentage
Problem with the weapon’s serial number 13
Registration record of the weapon not available 7
Problem with the name of the importer 7
Problem with the name of the manufacturer 4
Registers not available 1
Expiry of the 20-year deadline for conserving the registers 1