The range at which a weapon has been fired is an important measurement for the reconstruction of firearms offenses (murder, suicide, accident). All changes caused by a shot and which vary according to the distance from the weapon are suitable in principle for determining this distance. However, some procedures are very elegant in theory but hardly applicable in practice. The constructions of ammunition and the sequence of events during a shot are dealt with first as this knowledge forms a basis for understanding the various methods. \ The individual zones (classes) of firing distances (contact shot, intermediate shot, distance shot) are described. In this connection, the morphological methods for determining the firing distance are discussed. From the shape and size of the powder residue distribution (soot stains, powder tattooing) and with the knowledge of the weapon and ammunition, the distance from the target can be elucidated. In this chapter, the methods of making an invisible distribution visible are also dealt with. In order to determine the range of the shot from the appearance of the wound no complicated apparatus is necessary. One can judge with the naked eye. These procedures have a great advantage over the methods discussed in the following chapter in that they give stronger proof. They are more vivid and convincing for the uninitiated (judge or jury) than abstract measurements obtained by scientific devices.

An improved method for firing distance determination on exhibits that cannot be processed in the laboratory such as cars, doors, windows, or furniture is described. The novel part of the method includes transfer of total nitrite (nitrite ions and smokeless powder residues) from the target to an adhesive lifter. After the transfer, vaporous lead and copper deposits around the bullet entrance hole are visualized on the target by sodium rhodizonate and rubeanic acid, respectively. The Modified Griess Test is carried out after alkaline hydrolysis of the smokeless powder residues on the adhesive lifter.

Shooting Incident Reconstruction, Second Edition, offers a thorough explanation of matters from simple to complex to help the reader understand the factors surrounding ballistics, trajectory, and shooting scenes. Forensic scientists, law enforcement, and crime scene investigators are often tasked with reconstruction of events based on crime scene evidence, along with the subsequent analysis of that evidence. The use and misuse of firearms to perpetrate crimes from theft to murder necessitates numerous invitations to reconstruct shooting incidents. The discharge of firearms and the behavior of projectiles create many forms of physical evidence that, through proper testing and interpretation by a skilled forensic scientist, can establish what did and what did not occur. Written by the world's most well-respected shooting scene and ballistics experts, the book addresses the terminology, science, and factors involved in reconstructing shooting incident events to solve forensic cases. It covers the full range of related topics including: the range from which a firearm was discharged; the sequence of shots in a multiple discharge shooting incident; the position of a firearm at the moment of discharge; and the position of a victim at the moment of impact. The probable flight path of a projectile and the manner in which a firearm was discharged are also discussed. Case studies illustrate real-world application of technical concepts, supported by over 200 full-color diagrams and photographs. This book will be of value to practicing forensic scientists (firearm and toolmark examiners), ballistics experts, crime scene personnel, police departments, forensic consultants (generalists), attorneys and judges, medical examiners (coroners), and forensic pathologists. Written by the most well-respected shooting scene and ballistics experts in the world Contains over 200 full-color diagrams and photographs that support and illustrate key concepts Case studies illustrate real-world application of technical concepts

With the improvements in collection methods and analytical tools that allow more thorough analyses, gunshot residue examination has made a dramatic impact as an area of trace evidence essential to the investigation and prosecution of violent crime. Current Methods in Forensic Gunshot Residue Analysis deals with major areas of gunshot residue analysis, including current and future methods of analysis, collection techniques, interpretation of evidence, expert testimony and report writing. This text is a necessity for forensic scientists conducting this type of analysis and anyone involved in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes involving firearms.

The definitive interdisciplinary reference work for wound ballistics Basics The book begins by providing the necessary basic knowledge about physics, ballistics and ammunition and weapons. Then it describes the behaviour of projectiles in humans and animals (the physics of gunshot injuries) and introduces the experimental simulation of gunshot wounds, including the materials suitable for this purpose. Applications These basic principles can be applied in forensic medicine and criminalistics. The gunshot wound provides some forensic traces and the experimental reconstruction helps to understand the dynamic crime process. The wounding potential of non-lethal weapons can be determined. In emergency and war surgery, injuries caused by small arms bullets and fragments as well as by gas jets (of gas weapons) can be assessed. International conventions could be freed from undefined terms (such as “unnecessary suffering”) with the help of physical quantities. Reference work Detailed tables as e. g. ballistic data of numerous cartridge types, also older ones, material properties, as well as many otherwise difficult to access data and a trilingual glossary of ballistic and technical terms in the languages German, English and French. NEW Wound Ballistics of European Police ammunition References to recent research results Partly coloured illustrations Due to the increase in terrorist and criminal activities worldwide, it is not only members of the armed forces who are affected. Surgeons, forensic doctors, police officers and criminalists also need to know and be able to assess the specifics of gunshot wounds.

Determine your maximum effective range under a variety of conditions. Tips on range estimation, rangefinders, and wind-doping. How temperature and elevation influence bullet travel.