If a suspected firearm is submitted with an exhibit projectile, the firearms examiner can determine the class characteristics of both items. If class characteristics are similar and the firearm is capable of having fired the exhibit projectile, the firearm examiner fires one or more tests bullets and compares them and the exhibit bullet microscopically to establish similarity of individual characteristics. The firearms examiner's conclusions are based upon similarities, or dissimilarities, observed during this examination. Likewise, through microscopic examination using a test cartridge fired in a suspect firearm, it is possible to determine whether or not a fired cartridge was chambered, discharged, extracted, or ejected from that particular firearm.