Because many crimes involve firearms and police officers are issued firearms, the reconstruction of shooting events is often critical in forensic casework. Many forensic practitioners "dabble" in firearms and may not provide the appropriate valid scientific assessment a firearm related case requires. Matthew Noedel has been a firearms examiner for over 24 years, is a distinguished and certified member of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), the former Editorial Secretary of the AFTE Journal, and maintains excellence in forensic firearm analysis thru annual proficiency testing, research and continuing education opportunities.