Firearm Examiner Courses
Now Available in Europe
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 
Why Choose Our Firearm Examiner Courses?
Our courses are designed to provide firearm examiners with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their field. Taught by industry experts, these courses cover advanced topics in firearm examination, including comparison microscopy, firearm operating systems, and subclass characteristics.
By attending our courses, you'll gain hands-on experience, learn the latest techniques, and network with professionals from around the world. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills or stay updated with industry trends, our courses are the perfect choice for your professional development.
Questions? contact us at omar@felixforensics.com.
Courses are offered both Day 1 and Day 2 in each location.
Supervisor approval must be obtained prior to reserving a spot.
London Metropolitan Police
London, England
March 16-17, 2026
Available Courses
- Advanced Comparison Microscopy
- Firearm Operating Systems and Firearm Manufacture
- Understanding Subclass Characteristics
Netherlands Forensic Institute
The Hague, Netherlands
March 19-20, 2026
Available Courses
- Advanced Comparison Microscopy
- Firearm Operating Systems and Firearm Manufacture
- Understanding Subclass Characteristics
Course Information
Three specialized courses designed to elevate your firearm examination skills.
Advanced Comparison Microscopy
This course is designed to provide students with samples that are unusual or difficult in nature. It will cover both bullet and cartridge case examinations with a heavy emphasis on potential subclass influence and how to assess properly for any impact that potential subclass might have on a comparison. Students will be provided with samples and will perform comparisons to make determinations on whether samples were or were not fired by a particular firearm. Further, part of the comparison process will involve caliber determination, general rifling characteristics and generating a list of potential firearm manufacturers.
Cost:€500
Length:8 hours
Firearm Operating Systems and Firearm Manufacture
This full day course offers an in-depth, academically oriented overview of modern firearm operating systems alongside a forensic focused examination of common machining methods used in firearm manufacture.
The first half of the class explores major operating systems, such as recoil, gas, and manually operated mechanisms, and explores how these systems manage energy, cycling, and reliability. Instruction centers on engineering concepts, functional differences, and historical development.
In the second half, the course shifts to manufacturing methods with particular relevance to forensic science. Participants learn how industrial processes such as CNC milling, turning, broaching, and more leave characteristic toolmarks and surface features that can be examined in laboratory settings.
The class discusses how these machining methods shape the appearance of components, the types of microscopic patterns they generate, and how such features support forensic investigations. By the end of the session, attendees will gain a clear conceptual understanding of how firearm operating systems function and how manufacturing techniques contribute to the forensic profile of firearm components.
Cost:€500
Length:8 hours
Understanding Subclass Characteristics
This workshop will provide participants with an in-depth exploration of various firearms machining methods and subclass characteristics.
Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the techniques used to manufacture firearm components, such as milling, turning, and broaching, and how these methods relate to subclass and individual characteristics.
Through detailed discussions and 3D animation, the workshop aims to boost participants` confidence in both understanding and effectively explaining the intricacies of machining, learn how to evaluate for subclass characteristics in everyday casework, discuss areas of confusion / myths of what subclass characteristics are and are not, and much more.
Cost:€500
Length:8 hours
Meet the Instructors
Alex Luby
Graduate of the National Firearms Examiner Academy and active AFTE committee member. Specializes in advanced comparison microscopy, machining operations, and firearm manufacturing processes. Recognized researcher with presentations at national training seminars.
Andy Smith
Distinguished AFTE member and former President (2018-2019). Currently chairs the Forensic Science Standards Board and supervises the Firearm and Tool Mark Unit at SFPD Crime Lab. Expert in firearms, tool marks, and distance determination.
Omar Felix
25-year veteran Firearms Examiner and distinguished AFTE member. Chairs the Machining and Subclass subcommittee and created industry-standard guides. Extensive experience across multiple state crime laboratories.