Approximately 70%-75% of homicides are committed with firearms. Write 4-5 pages that answer the following questions:
Part 1
Explain how a handgun is manufactured, most specifically the bore of the barrel.
Why is rifling present in the bore of the barrel? What is the purpose of rifling?
Compare and contrast a revolver versus a semiautomatic handgun. How is the caliber of a handgun determined?
Explain the difference between a bullet, shell casing, and a projectile.
When examining a handgun, projectile, or shell casing, provide examples of class and individual characteristics.
What is the difference between a perforating gunshot wound and a penetrating gunshot wound?
Compare and contrast the characteristics of an entrance wound versus an exit wound.
Part 2
What are the characteristics that might exist or not exist for determining the muzzle-to-target distance?
There are four ranges. At each range, what is the muzzle-to-target distance?
contact to near contact
close range
medium range
distant range
Explain the characteristics that might exist or not exist at each range. For example, a bullet hole will be a characteristic at each range.
What types of evidence would an investigator document from a handgun of a death scene?