What is the term for a scratch or dent made in a shell casing during the ejection from a firearm?

The term for a scratch or dent made in a shell casing during the ejection from a firearm is known as an ejector mark. This is a specific type of impression that occurs when a spent cartridge case is expelled from the firearm after firing. The ejector is a component of the firearm that helps push the spent cartridge out of the chamber, and during this process, it can leave distinct marks on the casing. Ejector marks are often used in forensic ballistics to help identify the specific firearm used in a shooting.

Understanding how ejector markings occur helps in the investigation of firearm-related incidents, as forensic experts analyze these marks to potentially link a casing back to a specific weapon. The precision and characteristics of an ejector mark can be unique to different firearms based on their construction and the mechanism of ejection.

The other terms refer to different aspects of the firearm operation: extractor marks related to the extraction of a cartridge from the chamber, stamp marks generally do not pertain to firing or ejection, and firing pin marks refer to the impressions left on the primer of a cartridge by the firing pin during ignition. Each of these terms describes a different process or part of the firearm's operation, highlighting the specific role of the ejector in creating eject