http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2002/10/25/ED158282.DTL

IS BULLET 'FINGERPRINTING' JUST A FIRST STEP?

Editor -- The ballistic database proposal the editors support in
the Oct. 24 issue (Editorial, "A bullet's 'fingerprint' ") relies
on the premise that the identifying characteristics are
unchanging. The premise is false: Critical components of the
"signature" are created by the barrel, extractor, firing pin and
breech face. Barrels wear, wear out and are replaced; firing pins
and extractors break and are replaced. Once aware of the
existence of such a database, at least the smarter criminals will
attempt to deliberately change their weapon parts to confound the
database match. 

As to "no threat to the rights of law-abiding gun owners," I will
take my lead from Charles Morgan, director, Washington, D.C.,
ACLU, 1975: "I have not one doubt, even if I am in agreement with
the National Rifle Association, that that kind of record-keeping
procedure (gun registration) is the first step to eventual
confiscation under one administration or another."

JOHN SIMUTIS