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?
