Injuries and traces on hands of a shooter caused by a firearm shot

Aim of the study
1) evaluation of the frequency of occurrence of traces and injuries on hands of persons firing firearms, 2) detailed description of types of traces and injuries as mentioned above, 3) detailed evaluation of the mechanism of their arising in respect to types of firearms and ammunition, and the way of holding firearms during shooting.

Material and methods
The material consisted of 8 cases in which traces or injuries were found on the upper limbs of the person firing the shot. A total of 217 firearms, including 68 pneumatic firearms, were tested during the period under investigation, with approximately 1100 sample test shots.

Results
Traces and injuries were only revealed in about 5% of all shots fired from a particular type of firearm. They were not found in the case of pneumatic firearms. The lesions took the form of singeing, gunpowder tattooing, and various shapes of epidermal abrasions and superficial wounds caused by moving elements of firearms (lock, hammer). Some of them reflected the design of the moving parts of the firearms.

Conclusions
In criminal and forensic medical practice, detailed knowledge of the type and mechanism of traces and injuries on the shooter’s hands may have significant evidential value in cases concerning the use of firearms. The results of this analysis confirm the need for further study and observation in this area.