About Us

Firearms & Forensic Services, LLC was founded by myself, Ray Barnwell as I was approaching retirement with the York County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina. Retiring from public service was bittersweet, however, I am now able to share my experience and training with a far greater audience in multiple roles.

I spent over 25 years in law enforcement.  My final role in law enforcement was to serve as Firearm and Toolmark Examiner. Here, I designed, developed and implemented the Ballistics Lab for York County. Cases from York and surrounding counties were able to receive priority and be examined locally, rather than being sent to the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) where there was often an extensive wait period for processing and results. Additionally, I spent over 12 years as a road officer and supervisor, 13 years as a Forensics Investigator (CSI and Firearms Examiner) while simultaneously serving 15 years on SWAT as the Sniper Team Leader.   

As a qualified Firearm and Toolmark Examiner, I have received over 1,500 hours of highly specialized forensic ballistics training. I am a Distinguished Member of AFTE. I have testified as an expert witness in state and federal courts. I have trained others in firearm examination and have provided expert evidentiary review in criminal cases throughout the southeastern United States. 

I am a certified armorer and instructor for dozens of weapons including handguns, shotguns, assault rifles and bolt rifles. I am a Certified Firearms Instructor with the NRA and SCCJA. I have published lesson plans for several tactical schools, hosted and have been the lead Instructor for 11 basic sniper schools with attendees from all over the country.  I am a member of IALEFI and the NRA.

Prior to entering the public sector, I served 6 years in the USAF as a Security Police officer and I am a Desert Shield/Storm Veteran.  

Meet the Team

Family, as well as veteran, owned and operated.