Legal Medicine: Gunshot Injuries - PDF

**OUTLINE** I. **Definition of Terms** II. **Fires and Ammunition** A. Difference between Semi-Automatic, Fully Automatic and Single Shot Gun B. Rifled vs Smooth Bore C. Ammunition D. Process of Firing E. Bullets III. **Gunshot Injuries** A. Things That Exit the Muzzle After Firi...

**OUTLINE** I. **Definition of Terms** II. **Fires and Ammunition** A. Difference between Semi-Automatic, Fully Automatic and Single Shot Gun B. Rifled vs Smooth Bore C. Ammunition D. Process of Firing E. Bullets III. **Gunshot Injuries** A. Things That Exit the Muzzle After Firing B. Factors Affecting Extent of Gunshot Injury C. Destructive Mechanism of Gunshot IV. **Entry Wounds** V. **Exit Wounds** A. Entry Wound vs Exit Wound B. Firm Contact vs Loose Contact vs Short Range C. Additional Features of Firm Contact D. Medium Range vs Distant Range VI. **Number of Entry and Exit Wounds** VII. **Shotgun** A. Types of Shotgun Shell B. Things that Exit the Muzzle After Shotgun Fire C. Shotgun Entry Wound VIII. **Suicidal Gunshot Wounds** A. Gunshot Residue B. Homicide vs Suicide +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | **LEGEND** | | | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | ⭐ | 🖊️ | 📖 | | | | | | Must | Lecture | Book | | | | | | Know | *\[lec\]* | *\[bk\]* | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ DEFINITION OF TERMS {#definition-of-terms.TransOutline} =================== - **Ballistics ** - Study of physical forces reacting on projectiles or missiles - **Internal Ballistics (Internal Ballistics)** - What happens to the cartridge in the chamber and barrel of the gun - **External Ballistics** - What happens to the bullet in flight  - 🖊️From the moment it leaves the muzzle and whatever happens to the bullet while it is in flight before it reaches its target.* * - **Terminal Ballistics  ** - Effect of the bullet on the target or until it comes to rest  - **Medical Ballistics ** - When the target is a person  FIRES AND AMMUNITION {#fires-and-ammunition.TransOutline} ==================== - **Revolver ** - 🖊️ because it has a **cylindrical device** for holding the cartridge or the ammunition. - **Muzzle velocity: 500 to 600 feet per second (fps)** - Muzzle velocity means the velocity of the projectile or the bullet as it exits the muzzle of the gun.  - The muzzle of the gun is the end of the barrel of the gun. A silver revolver with black handle Description automatically generated **Figure 1***. Revolver * - **Pistol** - is also a handheld firearm (operated from the hand only) - **Muzzle velocity: 1000 to 1200 fps ** - 🖊️Mas mabilis lumabas compared to bullet - 🖊️ **doesn't have a cylindrical device** for containing the cartridge/ammunition.  - It is a **vertical type of magazine** in which you insert at the butt of the gun.  - **Rifle ** - A **long-barrel firearm**. It is designed to be **operated from the shoulder**.* * - 🖊️Called a rifle because the inside of the barrel called the bore is **rifled**. It has ridges.* * - **Muzzle velocity: 1500 to 5000 fps ** An object with a long handle Description automatically generated **Figure 3.** *Rifle* - **Shotgun ** - a **long-barreled gun** designed to be shot from the shoulder.* * - 🖊️Compared to the rifle, the shotgun is a **smooth-bore** firearm. There is no rifling inside the barrel. - **Muzzle velocity: 1200 fps **  **Figure 4***. Shotgun* A. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SEMI-AUTOMATIC, A FULLY AUTOMATIC, AND A SINGLE-SHOT GUN {#a.-difference-between-a-semi-automatic-a-fully-automatic-and-a-single-shot-gun.TransSubtopic1} -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - **Single shot ** - You have to **manually load** the cartridge or the round or the ammunition into the chamber of the gun.  - The **chamber is at the breech** of the barrel of the gun. - There is no mechanism for it to load by itself. - **Semi-automatic and self-loading ** - When you pull the trigger of the gun, the next ammunition loads automatically into the chamber. - Can be **possessed, carried, and owned by a civilian** provided that the caliber of the gun is no more than the equivalent of **0.3 inches or 7.62 mm. ** - **Fully automatic ** - Not only it is self-loading, but as long as you are holding on to the trigger of the gun, **it will continually fire. ** - **In the Philippines, a fully automatic gun is prohibited to be owned, possessed, and carried by civilians. ** - Only the police and AFP are the ones who can carry fully automatic guns.  B. RIFLED VS SMOOTH BORE {#b.-rifled-vs-smooth-bore.TransSubtopic1} ------------------------ - 🖊️Inside the barrel of the gun, a smooth bore will have **ZERO rifles**.  - In a rifled gun, the barrel would have spiraling ridges. - **Lands** -- elevated parts  - **Grooves** -- depressed parts  - 🖊️ **CALIBER=DIAMETER *BETWEEN THE TWO LANDS -- (LAND TO LAND) *** - 🖊️The caliber is often in the hundredths. Like a 0.45-caliber or a 45-caliber gun. It means that 0.45 of an inch.  Sometimes, these calibers are expressed in mm. But if you just call like a 45-caliber gun, we are referring to hundredths of an inch.  A diagram of an object Description automatically generated **Figure 5.** Rifled vs. smooth bore C.AMMUNITION {#c.ammunition.TransSubtopic1} ------------  **Figure 6.** Ammunition - 🖊️ The **bullet is the projectile**, the thing that exits the muzzle that lands on the target. It sits at the top of the entire cartridge.  So, **ammunition/cartridge/shell** is the more appropriate term. - The outside components are different, but the basic components are the same:* * - **Casing ** - Metallic  - Outer casing -- holds everything inside  - **Primer ** - Found at the base of the casing  - Composed of lead, antimony, barium  - **Gunpowder or propellant ** - Sitting at the top of the primer - Composed of various **nitrites and nitrates** (ex. Potassium nitrite, cellulose nitrate, nitroglycerin) - **Projectile (Bullet) ** - *Found at the apex of the ammunition * - **Two (2) types of Primer: ** - **Rimfire** -- primer that is distributed among the **edges** of the base of the ammunition* * - **Centerfire** -- when the primer is concentrated in the center*** *** **Figure 7.** Sagittal section of an ammo. D.PROCESS OF FIRING {#d.process-of-firing.TransSubtopic1} -------------------  **Figure 8.** Process of firing - **NUTSHELL: Trigger \> hammer of the gun \> strike firing pin \> base of the ammunition/cartridge\> ignition** - 🖊️The primer is a precaution-sensitive chemical mixture. So that when you strike it (primer), **it flashes, it ignites, and it rapidly burns the gunpowder/propellant.  ** - 🖊️It produces a **small detonation in the very small chamber** of the gun and all that explosion simmering in there, **causes a rapid rise in the volume of gases and that is the propelling force of the bullet.  ** - 🖊️So the **bullet exits through the barrel, out through the muzzle of the gun. ** E. BULLETS {#e.-bullets.TransSubtopic1} ---------- - **Souvenir Bullet ** - The bullet **remained in the body** with the development of dense fibrous tissue causing no untoward effect  - **Bullet Migration ** - Bullet carried **through circulation**  - The bullet lodged into your body went into your circulatory system and is now carried through the circulation.  - Bullet embolism - **Tandem Bullet ** - The **previous bullet stuck in the barrel was propelled by the next bullet ** - 🖊️May be the explanation when sometimes one gunshot is heard but upon examination of the person, there are two bullets.  - Strong possibility for the bullet to travel in the **same hole.** III.GUNSHOT INJURIES {#iii.gunshot-injuries.TransOutline} ==================== A. THINGS THAT EXIT THE MUZZLE AFTER FIRING {#a.-things-that-exit-the-muzzle-after-firing.TransSubtopic1} ------------------------------------------- **Figure 9.** A pistol: Muzzle velocity of about 1200 fps - 🖊️When the gun is fired, some things exit the muzzle not just the bullet. You will see that there's some **flame** exiting the muzzle of the gun together with smoke.  - 🖊️The shot may not only have injury secondary to the bullet but the victim may also be injured: - **Flame**: - causes **fouling** (the soot/smudging), that may remain on the skin of the victim**.** - **This is how firing distance is estimated from an examination of the entry wounds.* *** - **flame is not supposed to exceed about 6 inches from the muzzle***.* - So, if there's evidence of burning or singeing of hair that suggests that the victim was **no more than 6 inches away** from the muzzle of the gun.  - **Smoke** - represent fully combusted or completely burned gunpowder or primer. - The **smoke is said to extend no more than about a foot away from the muzzle of the gun**. - if you see **smudging or soot (fouling)=** the victim is **no more than 1 foot away from the muzzle of the gun.**  - **Gunshot residue (GSR)** - **no more than 2 feet away from the muzzle of the gun** - particles that don't completely turn into smoke.  - if you see evidence of this GSR, then that tells that the victim was standing within 2 feet away from the muzzle of the gun. - That is how we deduce the distance between the muzzle to the skin of the victim by examining the entry gunshot wounds.  SUMMARY {#summary.TransSub-subtopic2} ------- - **Flame must not exceed 6 inches** away from the muzzle of the gun. If there is evidence of **burning or singeing of hair**, then the victim is **within 6 inches away** from the muzzle of the gun.  - **Smoke extends no more than a feet away** from the muzzle of the gun. If you see **smudging or soot aka fouling,** then   the victim is **within 1 foot away** from the muzzle of the gun. **Fouling can be easily wiped off.** - **Gunshot residue travel no more than 2 feet** away from the muzzle of the gun. If you see GSR, then the patient is **within 2 feet away** from the gun.  - **BURNING/SINGEING = within 6 inches away** - **SOOT/FOULING = within 1 ft away ** - **GSR = within 2 ft away ** B. FACTORS AFFECTING THE EXTENT OF GUNSHOT INJURY {#b.-factors-affecting-the-extent-of-gunshot-injury.TransSubtopic1} ------------------------------------------------- - **What reached the target ** - If **flame** or gunshot residue reached the victim, then you would see evidence of that, there might be **singeing or burning***. * - **depends on the amount of kinetic energy** transferred by the bullet to the body and where in the body did the bullet come to rest.  - Kinetic energy is determined by the **mass of the bullet** and the **velocity**. Between the mass of the bullet and the velocity, **it is the velocity that has a greater impact*. *** - Ek = **1**/2 mv^2^ - **Inherent in the bullet ** - Kinetic energy carried by the bullet (speed and size) - 🖊️Would be the **major factor that would affect the extent of the gunshot injury**. Between the mass, size, and speed of the bullet, it is the **speed** that would have a greater influence on its destructive force. (mas nakakadestruct daw yung speed kesa sa mass at size) - The character of the bullet's movement in flight  - **Tends to tumble and fly first before it reaches the target, there's a tendency for the tissue destruction to be greater** because it's coming into contact with the skin and penetrating the body at an **angle.**  - **Nature of the target** -- Where is the kinetic energy transferred into the body  - Density of the target   - **More dense, more kinetic energy** to be transferred therefore there's greater damage done to the particular tissue.* * - Vitality of the part/organ involved   - Then naturally you will have **more injury.** - Hand shot= destructive but will not kill - Brainstem shots= destructive and will kill you.* * - Length of the tissue involvement   - If **more tissues are traversed by the bullet course**, that means more damage is done to your body.  C.DESTRUCTIVE MECHANISM OF A GUNSHOT {#c.destructive-mechanism-of-a-gunshot.TransSubtopic1} ------------------------------------ - **Laceration and permanent cavity** in bullet trajectory - it creates a permanent cavity or tunnel.* * - **Increases with deformation of the bullet** -- 🖊️ When a bullet strikes a hard object or relatively soft object, that can deform the bullet, that would increase the laceration it creates and the permanent cavity. - **Secondary Missiles:** 🖊️ They by themselves can also destroy the body, not only the bullet itself but all **this radial dissipation or displacement of soft tissues**, which can also destroy tissues of the body.  - **Temporary cavity ** - 🖊️As the bullet traverses the body a temporary cavity in its surroundings is created.* * - Instantaneous **radial displacement of soft tissues** as the bullet passes -- it is **greater if the tissues surrounding the bullet are more elastic*** * - **Hydrostatic force ** - 🖊️The physics is similar to how a temporary cavity is created, as the bullet passes, there's a radial displacement.  - Radial **displacement of fluid** in fluid-filled organs as bullet passes  - **Shock wave ** - When **v^2^ is greater than the speed of sound**: **severe radial dissipation of kinetic energy as the bullet passes**.* * - 🖊️If the speed of the bullet as it comes in contact with the body is greater than the speed of sound, it **creates a severe radial dissipation of the kinetic energy**, not only to the sides (which is what you see in the creation of temporary cavity and the hydrostatic force) but also in the front of the bullet. ⇨ **Fragmentation or disintegration of bullet ** - 🖊️It would increase tissue destruction, because instead of one bullet, you would have 2 or 3 bullets destroying tissue.  - **Fragmentation of hard brittle objects in the trajectory ** - 🖊️ An example is the bone, the bone itself that fragmented may also cause tissue destruction.* * - **Muzzle blast ** - In contact and short-range fire  - 🖊️Another way to destroy the tissues is if the victim was standing close enough to the muzzle of the gun when he/she was shot. The person may not **only be injured by the bullet, but the flame coming out of the muzzle and other things.*** * - **Infection  ** - 🖊️The gunshot wound may become infected and that could lead to death. IV.ENTRY WOUND {#iv.entry-wound.TransOutline} ============== - **Size and appearance depend on:** - **Bullet caliber** - The bigger the caliber, the bigger the skin defect. - **Bullet approach** - If the bullet approaches the skin at an **angle**, then the entry wound is **oval.** - In a **perpendicular/right angle**, then it would appear **circular.** - **Bullet deformity/ splitting** - When the bullet is deformed before coming into contact with the skin, then naturally it would **change the appearance of the entry wound.** - **Firing distance** - **Oval or circular, inverted edges** - This is the general appearance of entry wounds, except in contact fire, short-range fire, or grazing wound. - **Contuso-abraded collar** - One of the more distinct differences between the entry and exit wounds. Sometimes this is called **marginal abrasion or abrasion collar** only. - This refers to the abrasion you see at the edges of the entry wound and it is caused by the **rubbing of the bullet as it enters the skin.** - Usually **smaller than the exit wound** V.EXIT WOUND {#v.exit-wound.TransOutline} ============ - Maybe **stellate, slit-like, cruciform, or markedly lacerated** - Its appearance is generally irregular; not circular or oval. - **Edges everted, occasionally with tissues protruding** - **No contuse-abraded collar** - Usually **larger than the entry wound** - **It doesn't have** **much medico-legal implications**, except to help us determine the relative **position** of the assailant and the victim. - It can help track the **direction of the gunshot**. - **SHORED EXIT WOUND** - It looks like an entry wound - When skin is crushed between the outgoing bullet and a supporting structure - **May see a more regular appearing exit wound**, it could appear circular or oval depending on the angle of the bullet as it exits the body. - **With surrounding abrasion** - At the margins of the exit wound A. ENTRY VS EXIT WOUND {#a.-entry-vs-exit-wound.TransSubtopic1} ----------------------  **Figure 10.** Mechanics of Entry and Exit Wound - In the case of **entry wounds**, the bullet enters the skin, the skin is stretched before the penetration, and the rubbing of the bullet against the skin as it enters causes the **contuso-abraded collar or marginal abrasion collar.** - As it penetrates the skin, it **inverts** that part of the skin. - As the bullet enters the tissue, the elasticity of the skin causes the defect to retract. **The skin defect may be smaller than the caliber of the bullet.** - Compare that to **exit wounds**, as they exit the body, the bullet rubs against the inside of the skin, that's why you **don't appreciate an abrasion.** - Naturally, as it exits, it causes the tissues or edges of the wound to be **everted**. - If there is **shoring** if the skin is supported by a wall or backrest of the chair, tight clothing, etc., then the tendency is for that area to be rubbed against that structure, and that causes an abrasion at the margins of the shored exit wound. B. ENTRY WOUND {#b.-entry-wound.TransSubtopic1} -------------- FIRM CONTACT VS LOOSE CONTACT VS SHORT-RANGE {#firm-contact-vs-loose-contact-vs-short-range.TransSubtopic1} -------------------------------------------- +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | **Table 1.** | | | | Difference of Firm | | | | Contact vs Loose | | | | Contact vs Short | | | | Range Entry wound | | | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | **FIRM CONTACT** | **LOOSE CONTACT** | **SHORT RANGE** | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | "Pressed contact" | | "Near contact | | | | | | "Hard contact" | | "Close range" | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | **Star-shaped, large | Oval or circular | | | or circular** | | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | **(-) Abrasion | (+) abrasion collar | (+) abrasion collar | | collar** | | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Edges may be | Edges inverted | Edges inverted | | **everted** | | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | (+) Burns, singeing | (+) burns, singeing | **(+/-) burns, | | | of hair | singeing of hair** | | of hair | | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | (+) Smudging | (+) Smudging | (+) Smudging | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | (+) Tattooing (dense) | (+) Tattooing (dense) | (+) Tattooing (dense) | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | (+) Muzzle imprint | **(+/-) Muzzle | **(-) Muzzle | | | imprint** | imprint** | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | (+) Cherry red tissue | (+) Cherry red tissue | **(-) Cherry red | | | | tissue** | | and blood | and blood | | | | | **and blood** | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ - **Short range: \ - **FIRM CONTACT FIRE** - You would note that the appearance of the **entry wound is quite** **similar to an exit wound.** - The entry wound would appear **star-shaped, large, or circular.** - Typically, **star-shaped or irregular** if the gun was fired at an area of the body **where the bone is relatively superficial** (ex. over the forehead/ temple). - If the gun was firmly pressed onto an area of the body where there is **no underlying bone or the bone is rather deep** (e.g. abdomen), the appearance of the entry wound would be **more regular (circular or oval)** - A firm contact wound, unlike all other kinds of entry wounds, **does not have an abrasion collar.** It looks like an exit wound. **The edges may be everted.** - When the muzzle of the gun is pressed firmly onto the skin of the victim then all the gases would be **forced into the tissues**. If there is an underlying superficial bone in there, then **there's very little space for expansion** causing **rupture of the soft tissues**. Hence, the stellate appearance of the wounds and the possible eversion of the edges. - But if it was a firm contact fire over the abdomen (no bone) there is space for the gases to expand. That's why you don't see the irregular star-shaped type of entry wound. - The firm contact type of entry wound is the only one that would have a **peculiar appearance.** The rest of the entry wounds would be as they usually are, oval or circular, they have an abrasion collar, and the edges are inverted. Even with the medium and distant range ones, you would be able to appreciate these provided it is not a grazing approach. - (+) Burns, singeing of hair - **The victim stands close enough (ex. 6 inches)** - (+) Smudging - **due to the smoke or expanded gases coming out of the muzzle** of the gun. - All that smoke tends to extend up to 1 foot from the muzzle of the gun and the short range is up to 6 inches. - (+) Tattooing, stippling, or peppering (dense) - **is due to the partially burnt, unburnt, burning gunshot residue coming into contact with the skin.** When that comes into contact with the skin, it **creates punctate abrasions.** - These gunshot residues tend to extend up to **2 feet away** from the muzzle of the gun. Definitely, at 6 inches, you will have tattooing - (+) Muzzle imprint - The big difference between short-range close-range or near-contact fire and actual contact fire - **If you can see a muzzle imprint, then you can make the deduction that it is a contact fire** - Muzzle imprint is the ironing **effect of the very hot muzzle coming in contact with the skin.** - Short-range fire is within 6 inches but not in contact with the skin -- no muzzle imprint. - (+) Cherry red tissue and blood - **likely** **contact fire** - The cherry red discoloration is due to the **carbon monoxide exiting the muzzle of the gun**. - If the muzzle is in contact with the skin, it tends to force carbon monoxide into the tissues. C. ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF FIRM CONTACT FIRE ENTRY WOUND {#c.-additional-features-of-firm-contact-fire-entry-wound.TransSubtopic1} ------------------------------------------------------- - **Radiating fracture and laceration where the bone is superficial** - Ex. At the scalp with severe cerebral laceration - **Soot and gunshot residue deep in the wound** - There may be **metal fouling from barrel scrapings** - Pressing that muzzle firmly onto the skin tends to result in forcing all the things coming out of the muzzle into the tissue. - **Tissue may go into the barrel of the gun** - Due to negative pressure in the barrel after fire or after the bullet exits the muzzle - That negative pressure tends to **suck the tissues of the victim**. - This has forensic significance because, in case of firm contact fire, there might be some analysis of some tissues that may have been stuck in the barrel of the gun. D. ENTRY WOUND (MEDIUM VS DISTANT RANGE) {#d.-entry-wound-medium-vs-distant-range.TransSubtopic1} ---------------------------------------- **MEDIUM RANGE** **DISTANT RANGE** --------------------------------- --------------------------------- 15-60 cm (6 inches -- 2 feet) \60 cm (2 feet) "Intermediate **range**" "Indeterminate **fire**" oval or circular oval or circular (+) abrasion collar (+) abrasion collar edges inverted edges inverted (-) burns (-) burns (-) burns (-) burns **(+/-) smudging** (-) smudging **(+) tattooing (scattered)** (-) tattooing (-) muzzle imprint (-) muzzle imprint (-) cherry red tissue and blood (-) cherry red tissue and blood **Table 2.** Medium vs Distant Range Entry wound - From loose contact fire up to whatever distance of the gunshot, the expected appearance would be **oval or circular** unless the approach is a grazing approach. - Medium and distant range, you don't see any burns anymore because the flame doesn't reach that far. **It only reaches up to 6 inches.** - There might be smudging in the medium range but none in the distant range. If there is still smudging, you're looking at medium-range fire. It could be closer, but no more than medium-range fire. - ⭐ **TATTOOING/ STIPPLING/ PEPPERING** - **The** **most distinct feature of medium-range fire** - **scattered** as opposed to dense in contact and close-range fire. - ⭐**Smudging vs Tattooing** - **Smudging**--- produced by the soot, the smoke coming out of the muzzle of the gun. You can easily wipe or clean that off. - **Tattooing**--- produced by very **hot gunshot residue coming** into contact with the skin. You **can't wash** that off because that causes punctate abrasions on the skin. VI.NUMBER OF ENTRY AND EXIT WOUNDS {#vi.number-of-entry-and-exit-wounds.TransOutline} ================================== - **Entry \> Exit wounds** - The bullet is **possibly lodged in the body** - If there's no bullet in the body, perhaps the bullet exited through a **natural orifice** - Maybe he was shot in the abdomen and the bullet rested in the lumen of the bowels and exited through the **rectum.** - Multiple bullets entered the body then all exited through a **common exit wound** - **Entry \< Exit wounds** - **Bullet fragmentation** - The bullet entered the body as one and inside the body it fragmented and exited **through separate wounds.** - **Entry through in natural orifice** - Like maybe through the mouth and exited through the skin, not through a natural orifice. - Multiple bullets entered through a **common entry wound** but exited through separate exit wounds. - **Near shot with a shotgun** - **No exit wound, no bullet in the body** - Exit through a **natural orifice** - **Near fire with blank cartridge** - At close range, blank cartridges are cartridges that would have the propellant, the primer so that it makes a gunfire sound, **but it has no bullet** -- no projectile. The things that would be coming out of the **muzzle** are the usual sans the bullet -- **flame, smoke, heated expanding gases, and gunshot residues** would still be there. That would still injure the person and cause gunshot wound, but there's no bullet that went into the body. - Bullet deflected by bone, exiting through entry wound VII.SHOTGUN {#vii.shotgun.TransOutline} =========== A diagram of a bullet shell Description automatically generated **Figure 11.** Shotgun shell - Ammunition for the shotgun - Same with handheld guns and rifles, there is still a casing, primer, gunpowder, and the projectile. The difference is that a shotgun shell has a **wad column** - **Wad column or wadding** - Between the gunpowder and the projectile - Likely to be plastic and hold the projectiles - **Hull/ Casing** - Typically, plastic - **Projectiles** - Could be **shots or pellets or slugs** - Slug- shotgun - Pellets- handheld guns - While a single projectile is ejected from the muzzle of a rifled firearm, the entire cartridge is released from the **smooth-bored firearm.** The cartridge consists of **multiple tightly packed pellets** that disperse as the cartridge moves toward the target. - Shotgun cartridges consist of multiple projectiles that disperse a short distance from the muzzle, leading to more extensive damage. - It has a lot more gunpowder than handheld guns and rifles. The longer the shotgun shells the more the gunpowder in them. A. TYPES OF SHOTGUN SHELL {#a.-types-of-shotgun-shell.TransSubtopic1} -------------------------  **Figure 12.** Types of shotgun shell - **Birdshot** - Have very small pellets, usually containing **200-400 pellets** in each shell - For shooting birds, fowls, or small animals - **Buckshot** - Have **larger diameter shots**, but fewer pellets - Used by hunters for larger animals - **Slugs** - A singular **solid projectile or a big bullet** - Very destructive because of its mass B. THINGS THAT EXIT THE MUZZLE AFTER SHOTGUN FIRE {#b.-things-that-exit-the-muzzle-after-shotgun-fire.TransSubtopic1} ------------------------------------------------- - In a shotgun, the things that exit the muzzle of a shotgun includes the plastic **wadding and projectiles** - The wadding itself can produce **skin markings around the entry wound.** A collage of multiple shots of an object fire Description automatically generated **Figure 13.** Things that exit the muzzle after a shotgun fire (Shotgun shell in the photo: Birdshot) SHOTGUN ENTRY WOUND {#shotgun-entry-wound.TransSubtopic1} ------------------- +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **CONTACT OR NEAR CONTACT** | **LONG RANGE** | | | | | **(within 15 cm or 6 in)** | **(more than 6 in)** | +===================================+===================================+ | - Same feature as in rifled | - **[Within 6 | | firearms, except **more | inches]** -- | | damage due to bigger muzzle | entry wound would look like | | blasts from a shotgun because | **single oval or circular | | of more gunpowder** | gunshot** wounds because the | | | pellets haven't scattered at | | | that point | | | | | - You will see more soot, | - **[3-4 feet]** -- | | peppering, and tissue | you would appreciate the | | destruction is greater. | **ricochet effect** the edges | | | of the gunshot entry wound | | | would appear **scalloped** or | | | **"rat hole"** | | | | | | - **[5-6 feet]** -- | | | the **wadding itself can | | | cause a separate abrasion** | | | in the vicinity of the | | | gunshot wound | | | | | | - **[Around 6 | | | feet]** - you | | | would still have a singular | | | focus entry wound but you | | | would have **satellite pellet | | | holes** already | | | | | | - **[Around 10 | | | feet]** -- shots | | | enter the body **though | | | independent entry wounds** | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ **Table 3.** Contact or Near contact vs Long range Entry wound - These are the distances stated from the book of Dr. Pedro Solis, but you **can't make an accurate estimation of the range of fire** when it comes to gunshot wounds due to shotgun fire **unless you have the shotgun and the shell that was used**, and you try to test it to see how much pellets would scatter relative to a specific shotgun and shell.  **Figure 14.** Billiard ball ricochet effect - **LONG RANGE FIRE** - **Billiard ball ricochet effect** where the shots striking one another causes changes in the course of the individual shots. - The **further away** from the muzzle of the shotgun, **the wider** the spreading or scattering of the individual pellets. VIII.SUICIDAL GUNSHOT WOUNDS {#viii.suicidal-gunshot-wounds.TransOutline} ============================ - When trying to make an opinion about the manner of death due to gunshot wounds, we follow the usual rules applied in blunt and sharp trauma or injuries. If there are multiple wounds, scattered, various angles, we are looking at a homicidal manner of death. The same applied to gunshot wounds. - If there is a site of election, they tend to expose the site they want or they have areas they want to wound like their **neck, wrist, and chest**. Likely a suicidal manner of death. - Weapons may be **covered with pillows or bedding** because there is an attempt to muffle the sound of the gunshot in case of suicide. - **Contact fire or short-range fire** - Unlikely to be medium-range fire because they want to be **sure to hit themselves**. - Site of election - Temple - Roof of mouth - Precordial or epigastric region - **Gunshot residue (GSR) in the hand** - The fingerprint of the victim can be detected at the **butt of the gun** A. GUNSHOT RESIDUE {#a.-gunshot-residue.TransSubtopic1} ------------------ - Presence **indicates the distance from the firearm** on discharge is within 60 cm (2 ft) away from the muzzle of the gun - The site where GSR is found may be evidence of circumstances surrounding the firing  - If he/she shoots him/herself, GSR is likely seen in the webs of the fingers.   - If the GSR is seen in the **palm of the victim**, it may be an indication of **self-defense or can be suicide**.  - Tests:  - Gross examination with a hand lens  - Microscopic exam  - Chemical tests  - **Paraffin test** (for skin) - used in PH* * - dermal nitrate test" "diphenylamine test/DPA test" "Lung's test" or "Gonzales test"  - **If (+) GSR, it will be embedded in the paraffin cast ** - Lung's reagent **turns nitrite/ nitrate blue (+)** - Maybe (+) even after light washing for days  - If it was done a **week or 2 weeks later, it would turn out negative**.  - False (+): **fertilizers, cosmetics, cigarettes, urine**  - False (-): gun is well constructed  - **Walker's test** (for clothing)  B. HOMICIDE VS SUICIDE {#b.-homicide-vs-suicide.TransSubtopic1} ---------------------- **Table 4.** Characteristics of Homicide vs Suicide ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ **Characteristics** **Suicidal** **Homicidal** Multiple GSW  Presumptive Area of injury  Areas are **readily accessible or  position not  awkwar**d; aim for  **vital parts of the  body** = immediate  death Any part of the body Distance from the target to the  muzzle Contact, or loose, or near contact Intermediate or distant Trajectory of the projectile Commonly straight, may be angular Either (straight or angular) Presence or absence of weapon Blood splatter on hands or on the weapon Soot on hands SUMMARY {#summary-1.TransOutline} ======= - Ballistics is the study of physical forces acting on projectiles, we are concerned about medical ballistics which is a branch of terminal ballistics that refers to when the target is a person. - **Firearms and ammunition ** - Revolver  - Pistol  - Rifle  - Shotgun  - It has wadding, and the projectile might not be a single projectile, it could be multiple pellets or shots.  - **Gunshot wounds ** - **Factors that affect the extent of gunshot injury** - How far away is the victim from the muzzle?  - How much kinetic energy does the bullet bring as it comes into contact with the body?  - Nature of the target (Vital or dense organ) -  **Mechanism of gunshot injury ** - Permanent cavity created by the bullet and secondary missiles  - Shockwave  - Hydrostatic force  - Infection to sepsis to death  - **Entry vs Exit wounds ** - Entry wounds: Generally, circular oval appearance, contuso-abraded collar, inverted edges  - F irm contact wound: Might look like an exit wound  - Loose contact wound: Possible muzzle imprint  - Short-range or near contact range  - No muzzle imprint and no cherry-red   tissue/blood discoloration  - Effects the flame: singeing, burning  - Medium range/intermediate range fire -- 6 inches to 2 feet  - Peppering, stippling, tattooing (scattered) - *Distant range fire/ indeterminate range fire * - *No accurate (exact number, measurement) distance * - Shored exit wounds  - **Suicidal Gunshot Wounds ** - Muffling of the sounds of the gunfire  - The site of election would be the precordial region, epigastric region, the roof of the mouth, or the temple ▪ (+) GSR in the hand  - Cadaveric spasms  - The weapon should be at the scene of the incident - **GSR residue:** Paraffin test  - Subject to Lung's reagent; (+): blue coloration - Deduction: he/she fired the gun or within the vicinity of the gun of no more than 2 feet  GUIDE QUESTIONS {#guide-questions.TransOutline} =============== 1. What is ballistics and its branches? - Study of physical forces reacting on projectiles or missiles - Interior Ballistics (Internal Ballistics) - Exterior Ballistics - Terminal Ballistics - Medical Ballistics 2. What are the basic parts of handguns, rifles, and shotguns? What is the average muzzle velocity of each type? - Revolver (500-600 fps) - Pistol (1000-1200 fps) - Rifle (1500-5000fps) - Shotgun (1200fps) 3. What are the basic components of ammunition? - Casing - Primer - Gunpowder/Propellant - Bullet 4. What are the factors that affect the extent of gunshot injuries? - What reached the target? - Inherent in the bullet - Nature of the target 5. How does a gunshot cause injury to the body? - Laceration and permanent cavity in bullet trajectory - Secondary Missiles (radial dissipation or displacement of soft tissues) - Temporary cavity  - Hydrostatic force  - Shock wave  - Fragmentation of hard brittle objects in the trajectory  - Muzzle blast  - Infection   6. How are gunshot entry wounds distinguished from gunshot exit wounds? +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **ENTRY WOUND** | **EXIT WOUND** | +===================================+===================================+ | Bigger the caliber bigger the | Stellate, slit-like, cruciform, | | entry wound | markedly lacerated | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Angle: oval | (+) abrasion collar | | | | | Perpendicular/right angle: | | | circular | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | oval or circular | everted | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Inverted edges | Larger than entry wound | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | edges inverted | Shored exit wound | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Contuse-abraded collar | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Smaller than exit wound | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ 7. Why do gunshot entry and exit wounds appear the way they typically do? - In the case of entry wounds: the bullet enters the skin, the skin is stretched before the penetration, and the rubbing of the bullet against the skin as it enters causes the contuse-abraded collar or marginal abrasion collar. - As it penetrates the skin, it inverts that part of the skin. - As the bullet enter the tissue, the elasticity of the skin causes the defect to retract. The skin defect may be smaller than the caliber of the bullet. - Compare that to an exit wounds, as it exits the body, it rubs against the inside of the skin, that's why you don't appreciate an abrasion. - Naturally as it exits, it causes the tissues or edge of the wound to be everted. - If there is shoring, if the skin is supported by a wall or backrest of the chair, tight clothing, etc., then the tendency is that area to be rubbed against that structure and that causes an abrasion at the margins of the shored exit wound. 8. How can one estimate the range of fire (muzzle-to-skin distance) from the morphology of the gunshot wound? **MEDIUM RANGE** **DISTANT RANGE** --------------------------------- --------------------------------- 15-60 cm (6 inches -- 2 feet) \>60 cm (2 feet) "Intermediate **range**" "Indeterminate **fire**" oval or circular oval or circular (+) abrasion collar (+) abrasion collar edges inverted edges inverted (-) burns (-) burns (-) burns (-) burns **(+/-) smudging** (-) smudging **(+) tattooing (scattered)** (-) tattooing (-) muzzle imprint (-) muzzle imprint (-) cherry red tissue and blood (-) cherry red tissue and blood +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | **FIRM CONTACT** | **LOOSE CONTACT** | **SHORT RANGE** | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | "Pressed contact" | | "Near contact | | | | | | "Hard contact" | | "Close range" | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | **Star-shaped, large | Oval or circular | | | or circular** | | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | **(-) Abrasion | (+) abrasion collar | (+) abrasion collar | | collar** | | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Edges may be | Edges inverted | Edges inverted | | **everted** | | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | (+) Burns, singeing | (+) burns, singeing | **(+/-) burns, | | | of hair | singeing of hair** | | of hair | | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | (+) Smudging | (+) Smudging | (+) Smudging | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | (+) Tattooing (dense) | (+) Tattooing (dense) | (+) Tattooing (dense) | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | (+) Muzzle imprint | **(+/-) Muzzle | **(-) Muzzle | | | imprint** | imprint** | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | (+) Cherry red tissue | (+) Cherry red tissue | **(-) Cherry red | | | | tissue** | | and blood | and blood | | | | | **and blood** | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ 9. What may explain instances when the number of gunshot entry and exit wounds are not the same? - **Entry \> Exit wounds ** - The bullet is lodged in the body  - Exit through a natural orifice  - Multiple bullets entered the body then through a common  exit wound  - **Entry \< Exit wounds ** - Bullet fragmentation  - Entry through in natural orifice  - Multiple bullets through common entry wound - **No exit wound, no bullet in the body ** - Exit through natural orifice  - Near fire with blank cartridge  - Bullet deflected by bone, exiting through entry wound  10. How are suicidal, homicidal and accidental gunshot wounds distinguished? **Table 4.** Characteristics of Homicide vs Suicide ----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ **Characteristics ** **Suicidal ** **Homicidal** Multiple GSW  Presumptive Area of injury  Areas are readily accessible or  position not  awkward; aim for  vital parts of the  body = immediate  death Any part of the body Distance from the target to the  muzzle Contact, or loose, or near contact Intermediate or distant Trajectory of the projectile Commonly straight, may be angular Either (straight or angular) Presence or absence of weapon Blood splatter on hands or on the weapon Soot on hands 11. What forensic conclusions may be drawn from gunshot residue on the body? Distance, manner of shooting, suicide, or homicide (see above) 12. What are the tests used to detect gunshot residue, and the limitations thereof? - Tests:  - Gross examination with a hand lens  - Microscopic exam  - Chemical tests  - **Paraffin test** (for skin) - **Walker's test** (for clothing)  \[BATCH 2025 LIVE DISCUSSION\] ============================== +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | | **Exit wound** | | | | | | - Stellate | | | | | | - Everted | | | | | | **Reasons why it is an exit | | | wound:** | | | | | | - (-) Fouling | | | | | | - (-) Tattooing | | | | | | - (-) Singeing | | | | | | - (-) Muzzle imprint | +===================================+===================================+ |  | **Shored Exit Wound** | | | | | | - **RECALL: Shored exit wounds | | | look similar to entry | | | wounds.** | | | | | | - There is a marginal abrasion | | | that is characteristic of an | | | entry wound. | | | | | | - The abrasion is due to the | | | crushing of the skin and not | | | due to the bullet. | | | | | | - Wound is irregular | | | | | | - But there are shored exit | | | wounds that look circular | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | | - (+) Fouling | | | | | | - (+) Muzzle imprint | | | | | | - Firing distance: firm contact | | | | | | - (+) Irregular borders: | | | stellat | | | | | | - Cherry red tissue | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ |  | - (+) Muzzle imprint | | | | | | - Firm contact | | | | | | - Circular and regular | | | | | | - (+) Close contact fire | | | | | | - The wound is in some part of | | | the body where there is no | | | bone, that's why the wound | | | doesn't appear like the | | | previous picture where the | | | wound is found in the skull. | | | | | | - There is the ironing effect | | | on the wound. | | | | | | - The fouling, you can just | | | wipe it away, but if it is a | | | contact fire, the heat coming | | | out of the gun tend to iron | | | the soot on to the skin. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | | Entry Wound | | | | | | - (+) Fouling/ Smudging | | | | | | - Distance: Near contact/ Short | | | range/ Close range | | | | | | - 6 inches at the most away | | | from the muzzle of the gun | | | | | | - If there is a cherry red | | | tissue present then would | | | have been a loose contact | | | fire. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ |  | | | | - Circular | | | | | | - Classic look of scattered | | | tattooing. | | | | | | - It is automatically | | | intermediate or medium range | | | fire. | | | | | | - Bullet entered in a | | | perpendicular angle because | | | the marginal abrasion is | | | evenly distributed. | | | | | | - If the marginal abrasion is | | | not evenly distributed, it | | | tells you where the bullet is | | | coming from at least upon | | | entry to the skin. | | | | | | - To get a better trajectory, | | | you have to track the bullet | | | inside the body. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | A picture containing text, | - This is from a **distant fire | | picture frame Description | range** because it has a | | automatically generated | **clean entry wound**. | | | | | | - Remember that **fouling can | | | easily be wiped** (unless it | | | is seared into place by the | | | gun because it is a contact | | | fire), but in | | | **stippling/tattooing, you | | | can't wash that off.** | | | | | | - Even if you try to clean the | | | entry wound from a medium | | | range fire, you can\'t remove | | | the stippling, because these | | | are abrasions, it is an | | | injury, it is a punctuate | | | abrasion brought about by the | | | hot/warm (mainit) particles | | | of gunshot residue being | | | spewed out by the muzzle of | | | the gun | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ |  | - The distance between the | | | muzzle and the skin is around | | | 10 feet. | | | | | | - Degree of scattering of the | | | pellet: Variable. | | | | | | - It depends on the gun. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | A close-up of a scar Description | Exit wound | | automatically generated | | | | - Slit-like shape | | | | | | - No abrasion collar | | | | | | - No muzzle imprint | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ |  | **Distant range fire** | | | | | | - **Shotgun**: has pellets as | | | projectile (ammunition can | | | either be a slug but in a lot | | | of instances it's a birdshot | | | or buck- shot type of shotgun | | | shell. You have pellets/shots | | | as the projectile.) | | | | | | - Distance: **Around 6 or so | | | feet.** | | | | | | - (+) scallop appearance | | | | | | - (+) singular hole | | | | | | - (+) satellite entry wounds | | | | | | - Circle: **Abrasion due to | | | plastic** | | | | | | - When you fire a shotgun all | | | the projectile exits the gun. | | | What exits the gun would be | | | the wadding/wad column/shot | | | cup. | | | | | | - It is typically made of | | | plastic and it holds the | | | projectiles in place inside | | | the casing of the shotgun | | | shell. It's the one that | | | caused the abrasion. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | | Entry wound | | | | | | - Short range fire | | | | | | - Distance: within 6 inches | | | | | | - (+) Abrasion collar | | | | | | - (+) Burning = singeing of the | | | hair so that's within 6 | | | inches | | | | | | - Not firm/loose contact | | | because you can't see | | | cherry-red discoloration | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ |  | Exit wounds | | | | | | - No presence of soot, | | | tattooing, hair doesn't seem | | | to be singed or burnt. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | | **Shotgun wound** | | | | | | - **Very distinct abrasion** | | | caused **by petals of the wad | | | column.** | | | | | | - The victim must have been | | | close | | | | | | - If we say that this is 5 to 6 | | | feet away, then the gunshot | | | wound should have rathole | | | appearance. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ |  | Grazed wound | | | | | | - Exception to the appearance | | | of an entry wound, you won't | | | appreciate circular and oval | | | appearance of entry wounds. | | | | | | - The direction of the bullet | | | begins from the left side to | | | the right side. | | | | | | - Hinatak ng bullet yung balat | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | | **Re-entry wound** | | | | | | - The gunshot originally enters | | | through the arm of the person | | | | | | - When the bullet passes the | | | arm then into the chest. | | | | | | - Has an irregular margin and | | | you might think of an exit | | | wound because of **bullet | | | deforming** that causes the | | | irregular margin. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ REFERENCES {#references.TransOutline} ========== - Solis, P. (1987). Legal Medicine. 903 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City: R.P. Garcia Publishing Co. - Knight, B. (2004). Knight's Forensic Pathology. 338 Euston Road, London NW1 3BH. Hodder Arnold. - Apostol, K. (2024). Ballistics. - Previous Trans: Batch 2025 lecture transcription. REVIEW QUESTIONS {#review-questions.TransOutline} ================ A gunshot entry wound from pistol may be markedly lacerated True False +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **RATIONALE** | | | | - Markedly lacerated injuries are commonly found on *exit* wounds | | or on *entry* wounds where *bone is superficial,* and varies | | based on deformation of the bullet | | | | - The wound of entrance, as a general rule, is oval or circular | | with inverted edges, except in near shot or in grazing or slap | | wound. | | | | - The wound of exit is usually larger than the wound of entrance. | | It may be stellate, slit-like, cruciform, or markedly lacerated. | | | | ANSWER: False | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ The appearance of the gunshot entry wound may indicate rifle fire at a muzzle-to-skin distance of 5 feet as opposed to one at 10 feet True False +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **RATIONALE** | | | | - **Short range: \ | | | | - One of the more distinct differences between the entry and exit | | wounds. Sometimes this is called **marginal abrasion or abrasion | | collar** only. | | | | - Marginal abrasions are only seen in entry wounds. | | | | ANSWER: False | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ **4. It is possible to estimate the speed of impact from the nature of the injuries.** a. **True** b. **False** +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **RATIONALE** | | | | - **Inherent in the bullet** | | | | | | | | - Kinetic energy carried by the bullet (speed and size) | | | | | | | | - *Would be the **major factor that would affect the extent of the | | gunshot injury**. Between the mass, size, and speed of the | | bullet, it is the **speed** that would have greater influence in | | its destructive force.* | | | | ANSWER: True | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ 5\. What distinguishes the entrance wound from the exit wound caused by a gunshot? a. The entrance wound has no definite shape while the exit wound is usually circular b. The entrance wound is smaller than the exit wound c. There is contusion collar in the exit wound and none in the entrance wound d. The edges are everted in the entrance wound and inverted in the exit wound +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **RATIONALE** | | | | - In the case of **entry wounds:** the bullet enters the skin, the | | skin is stretched before the penetration, the rubbing of the | | bullet against the skin as it enters causes the **contuso-abraded | | collar or marginal abrasion collar.** | | | | | | | | - As it penetrates the skin, it **inverts** that part of the skin. | | | | - As the bullet enter the tissue, the elasticity of the skin causes | | the defect to retract. **The skin defect may be smaller than the | | caliber of the bullet.** | | | | | | | | - Compare that to an **exit wounds,** as it **exits the body,** it | | rubs against the inside of the skin, that's why you **don't | | appreciate an abrasion.** | | | | | | | | - Naturally as it exits, it causes the tissues or edge of the wound | | to be **everted.** | | | | ANSWER: B | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ 6\. A firm contact GSW to the head will cause an iron-like effect on the skin called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ a. Muzzle imprint b. Tattooing c. Peppering d. Marginal Abrasion +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **RATIONALE** | | | | - *Big difference between short range or close range or near | | contact fire and actual contact fire is **muzzle imprint**. **If | | you can see a muzzle imprint, then you can make the deduction | | that it is a contact fire** because you don't have a muzzle | | imprint unless the muzzle is in contact with the skin. Muzzle | | imprint is the ironing **effect of the very hot muzzle coming in | | contact with the skin**.* | | | | ANSWER: A | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ 7\. The absence of smoke soiling, burning or powder tattooing is suggestive of this type of gunshot wound: a. Distant range GSW b. Loose contact range GSW c. Intermediate range GSW d. Contact range GSW +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **RATIONALE** | | | | see table 2 | | | | ANSWER: A | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ 8\. Stippling is caused by a. Smoke b. Bullet c. Gunpowder residue d. Flame +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **RATIONALE** | | | | ANSWER: C | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ 9\. Tattooing is also known as a. Sooting b. Stippling c. Fouling d. Smudging +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **RATIONALE** | | | | ANSWER: B | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ 10\. This type of firearm consists of multiple projectiles that disperse a short distance from the muzzle, leading to more extensive damage. a. Pistol b. Shotgun c. Assault rifle d. Armalite +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **RATIONALE** | | | | ANSWER: B | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ APPENDIX ======== - No appendices