NCJ Number
205769
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 52 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2004 Pages: 36-39
Date Published
May 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the features and benefits of the Duke Projectile Recovery System (DPRS), which is capable of capturing any type of fired bullet undamaged.
Abstract
The water tank is the current common method for testing firearm rounds. Although this method can adequately capture certain rounds fired from small caliber weapons, its usefulness rapidly diminishes in the testing of higher caliber pistols and rifles as well as shotguns, hollow-point bullets, and frangible rounds; the latter will fragment into numerous tiny pieces unsuitable for analysis. The DPRS, developed and manufactured by Ballistic Research, Inc., overcomes all the flaws in current water tank technology. As a bullet is fired into the DPRS, it is immediately encased in a specific blend of fibers selected because of their behavior when subjected to high velocity kinetic energy. The bullet, which is protected during the encapsulation process, is then subjected to a process that rapidly decelerates the bullet and safely brings it to a stop. The bullet can then be retrieved in "as fired" condition within 20 to 30 seconds. The retrieved bullet is intact, without distortion, and with all markings in place. The powder residue can still be observed and can be used for chemical matching. Beyond traditional law enforcement use, the DPRS can be customized to capture heavy military grade ordinance and bomb fragments. The top of the line DPRS can be purchased for $18,500. Water tanks, on the other hand, range in price from $30,000 to $90,000. Maintenance of the DPRS is low compared with the water tank. The DPRS has no moving parts and cleaning is unnecessary, since there is no lead left in the unit. The only maintenance necessary for the DPRS is an occasional repacking of the unit, which is easily done in about 10 minutes once the cartridge has reached the end of its life cycle. The DPRS unit is currently being used by the Memphis Police Department (Tennessee).