Comparative Study of Gunshot Residue and Gunshot Pattern...
Transcript of Comparative Study of Gunshot Residue and Gunshot Pattern...
Comparative Study of Gunshot Residue and
Gunshot Pattern of 12 Bore Standard and Country Made Firearm
Karen Isha Sahu 1*, Anubha Lal 2, Ashok kumar Gupta3, N.P. Waghmare4 1 Ph.D scholar, Department of Forensic Science
Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences.
Allahabad, India.
2 Senior Scientific Assistant Ballistics,
Forensic Science Laboratory, Delhi, India
3 Head, Department of Forensic Science
Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences.
Allahabad, India.
4 Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Goa, India.
ABSTRACT: The use of country-made gun for criminal activities is very alarming within India. Since they are available at low
cost, it’s easy for the criminals to procure and discard them after disruptive activates. Due to low persistence of GSR on
hands, sampling of a suspect’s clothing is needed in some cases. In this study pellet distribution, tattooing, entry-exit hole
diameter, GSR and characteristic pattern is substantiated at 200cm and 250cm from 12 Bore standard and Country Made
Pistol for a comparative study by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Gunshot patterns varied with increasing distance.
Singeing was seen in country made pistol whereas tattooing was absent with no spreading of pellets. For standard firearm the
amount of Sb increased with increasing range whereas for Country Made Pistol the amount of Sb, Pb and Ni is higher. The
amount of Cu and Ni are lesser than the control sample for both the distance.
Keywords: Country-made gun; Gunshot residue; Gunshot pattern; Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.
I. INTRODUCTION
The Firearm Act (Arms Act 1959) is the regulatory body of Firearms in India. However, the use of country-made gun for
criminal activities is very alarming within India. It is reported that a few years back about 88% of the gun-violence were
committed by illegal or unlicensed firearms [1].
The case to case study in the laboratory and the annual report of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), New Delhi, MHA,
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Govt. of India indicate that use of firearms particularly country made firearms are in increasing order in comparison to factory
made firearms [2][3].
As per National Crime Record Bureau’s annual report of the year 2011, number of victims murdered by unlicensed firearms is
7 times more than those killed by the licensed ones. 2964 persons were murdered by the unlicensed guns as against 404 by the
licensed [3].
Since these nonstandard firearms made of scarp materials and are low-cost, it makes it more popular for the criminals to
procure them for disruptive activates and discard them later leaving no trail for evidence of ownership behind and escape
detection of crime. In India persons are not allowed to possess firearms without police verification of antecedents likewise
ammunition without license. In most of the cases, the criminals are found to procure such firearms and ammunition by illegal
ways. Very few studies are available in the literature on the mechanism and features of country made firearm [4]-[9].
Scientist in firearms identification units are generally asked to compare the suspect firearm with discharged bullets or cartridge
cases. Range determination is one of the important tools to determine the distance a firearm was held from the target or
victim. When a firearm is discharged, it releases flame, smoke and burnt and unburnt powder particles along with bullet from
the muzzle. In addition, metallic lead and other elements contained in the bullet, casing, and primer are expelled from the
muzzle of the firearm [10]. These particles (GSR) create a circular pattern as they are far outward from the muzzle of firearm.
The estimation of firing distance is based on the appearance of bullet entrance shot hole and analysis of GSR pattern around
the periphery of shot hole [11].
Numbers of organic and inorganic compounds that may contribute to the composition of GSR have been stated [12]. There
are number of techniques used for collection of GSR sample from the skin, vehicle, windows, doors, clothing, and body part
surroundings of an incident. These include tape lifts [13], vacuum lifts [14], swabbing [15], glue lifts [16] and nasal collection
[17]. Color or spot tests are generally used for the identification of GSR Identification of inorganic GSR are performed by
number of analytical techniques which includes, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) [13,18].A study revealed that at 2ft
distance blackening and tattooing was seen and after 8ft distance spreading of the lead pellets took place [19].
Nowadays, equipment of SEM/ EDX offers a GSR automatic search. This search system is easier than a manual search, but
may spend many hours of analysis per sample. The most conventional bulk method is atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)
[20]. Trace evidence detection from firearms is commonly used to determine whether a person fired a gun. Trace evidence
usually is not detectable by the naked eye. Gunshot residue (GSR) is one of the most common and most extensively
scrutinized sources of trace evidence examined in violent crime investigations [21]. In 2010, the American Society of Testing
and Materials (ASTM) stated that particles that are ‘‘characteristic of GSR’’ must contain Pb, Ba, and Sb, and possibly one or
more of the following elements: Al, Si, P, S (trace), Cl, K, Ca, Fe (trace), Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, and Sn [22].
The collection of samples from gun shots is typically performed by swabbing technique on the spot of event by police officers,
so that sampling must be done easily, fast and accurately. It is
well known that the efficiency of sampling is affected by interferences coming from the field of firing conditions and time,
type of weapon, human activities of firing person (sweat, saliva etc.), personal hygiene and biometrics [23]-[25]. Sampling is
important for both to get accurate, repeatable results and not to damage the hands of suspected person. In early times, nitric
acid solution was used as a GSR’s collector [26]. Because of the low persistence of GSR on hands, sampling of a suspect’s
clothing is needed in some cases. The persistence of GSR on clothes is reported to be greater than that on the hands or face
[27].
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Determination of distance based on pellets distribution or powder residue pattern may be a very crucial investigative tool
because powder residue pattern may vary significantly. Powder residue pattern not only depends on length of barrel and
caliber but also change with changes in primer, powder type and type of propellant [28]. This happens because ammunition
manufacturer use different techniques and compounds during their manufacturing processes. When a gun is fired, a number of
particles and gases are discharged and deposited or condensed on all surfaces near the weapon [29]. There were recent
developments in methods of analysis in investigations of GSR [30].
The role of forensic ballistics experts is preeminent in firearm cases. Some firearm experts have studied various types of
country made/improvised firearms such as pistol, revolver, pipe gun and shot gun seized in different crime cases [4]-[6].
Waghmare et al. [4] studied some smooth bore improvised .315 inch caliber and 12 bore pistols. Jain et al. [5] also reported
some country made pistols which were capable to chamber and fire .315 and .303 inch rifle cartridges and some can fire 12
bore shotgun cartridges. It has been observed that 12 bore country made firearms, also known as its common name “Desi-
katta’s” in India, were used frequently in crime. Gunshot pattern plays a vital role for the range as well as pattern analysis but
very little credible research was done on the same.
The country made pistols examined in this paper is crudely made from scrap materials endangering human life. The
ammunition used in such firearms is mostly standard ammunition collected adopting various illegal ways by the antisocial.
The aim of the present study is to explore the characteristic features, such as design, dimension, working mechanism, materials
used in their making and ammunition fitted in such illegal firearms. This paper also investigates the presence of Sb, Ba, Cu, Pb
and Ni deposited on the target cotton cloth, through sample analysis by AAS. In addition, non-shooters sample (control
sample) was taken in the same way for analysis for a comparative study. It also seeks to establish a comparison of GSR
obtained in licensed 12 bore weapon with GSR results obtained from country made pistol; in order to complement both
sampling procedures. Finally, the variation of the GSR concentration is studied along with external diameter of pellet
distribution on the cotton cloth and the hole diameter of the entry and exit sides from two different distance.
In recent years, public interest in forensic sciences has gained popularity in India as well as in the world. Therefore this paper
will help in further reference in investigations for the ballistics expert related to 12Bore firearms and fired cartridges as well
police in the interpretation of their findings in the court of law.
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1 Collection of data
The test shots were undertaken at the Ballistic Laboratory of the Forensic Science Laboratory, Delhi in order to evaluate the
proposed method for GSR detection in both the weapons. The shot tests were executed with 12 Bore country made Pistol as
well as DBBL shot gun obtained from police apprehensions. Scientific analysis along with comparative study of the physical
parameters was done further.
2.2 Physical examination & Photography
Photography of the firearms (F1-F2) along with the ammunition (C3-C4, after firing) was done in the laboratory. Physical
parameters of both the firearms were examined in details. The barrel length, overall length, breech diameter and muzzle
diameter are measured along with ammunitions with measuring tape and an electronic venire caliper (Mitutoyo, Japan) in the
laboratory.
2.3 Firing
The test shots were undertaken at the Ballistic Laboratory firing range of the Forensic Science Laboratory, Delhi in order to
evaluate the GSR detection and study of the patterns. The shot tests were executed by a 12 Bore Country Made Pistol as well
as D.B.B.L shot gun obtained from police apprehensions. The shooting distance selected were 200cm and 250cm (muzzle to
target) for firing on a cotton cloth of 34cm*25cm which was fixed on a paper file. Firearm F1 was used to fire cartridges C1-
C2 whereas F2 was used for firing C3- C4 cartridges.
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2.4 Photography& Preservation
After the firing was done, the pattern of the GSR produced was photographed before subjected to further test. The cotton
cloth sheet was preserved and kept in a zipper pouch to elude contamination and were labeled accordingly.
2.5 Sample generation and sample preparation for Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
After visual examination of the patterns, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was applied to determine the deposition of
GSR to evaluate the muzzle to target distance.
The following samples were prepared for AAS analysis.
1. A1 - 200CM (R-Right side barrel) (muzzle to target distance)
2. A2 - 250CM (L- Left side barrel) (muzzle to target distance)
3. B1 - 200CM (muzzle to target distance)
4. B2 - 250CM (muzzle to target distance)
5. S-C – ‘Control Sample’ which was taken from a cotton cloth which was not used for firing.
The samples were soaked overnight in 300ml solution of 5% nitric acid in separate beakers and covered well with foil sheet.
Later the beaker was heated in a water bath at 60-70 degree for 10 minutes and left to cool down completely. Then the cloth
was gently dabbed with glass rod and filtered with Whatman filter paper and preserved in 300ml reagent bottle.
2.6 Quantitative GSR analysis
Quantitative analysis was done by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for the detection of Sb, Ba, Cu, Pb and Ni
(Antimony, Barium, Copper, Lead, Nickel) elements in the sample solution. The analysis of the sample solutions were carried
out by MAARC LABS PVT. LTD., Pune, India.
2.7 Experimental Conditions
Instrument name: Varian Model No. AA240
Lamp Current-
10mA - Sb and Pb
4mA – Ni and Cu
20mA – Ba
Lamp Frequency-
Sb – 217.6nm
Pb -217nm
Ni -232nm
Cu -324.8
Ba -553.6nm
Standard Solution: 100ppm solution which is prepared by using standard reference material by the laboratory.
III. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
3.1 Physical Examination of the firearms
The two firearms that were used for the examination are discussed below (Table 1):
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F1- Standard 12 Bore D.B.B.L (Double Barrel Shotgun):
Make: BHATI & CO.
Model: 2012
No. on the firearm: 21054 (R.H.S of the body, top of the barrel towards the breech end and on the forearm).
Proof mark: Ashoka Emblem (R.H.S & L.H.S underneath the barrel)
F2 (12 Bore Country Made Pistol/ C.M.P) : Pistol had a wooden handgrip, silver metallic body, barrel catch was attached in front
of the trigger, smooth bore and firing pin was not attached to the hammer.
Ammunition: The cartridges that are being used for firing are Standard 12 bore Shakitman cartridges and are labeled as
follow:
1. C1- 56.58 mm
2. C2-56.42 mm
3. C3-56.47 mm
4. C4-56.47 mm
Fig.1. R.H.S view of F1- double barrel shot gun.
Fig.2. L.H.S view of F1- double barrel shot gun.
Fig.3. R.H.S view of F2 -C.M.P.
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Fig.4. L.H.S view of F2 -C.M.P.
Fig.5. R.H.S view of F2 -C.M.P in open condition.
Fig.6. L.H.S view of F2 -C.M.P in open condition.
Fig.7. L.H.S view showing the barrel catch type
of F2- C.M.P.
Fig.8. Top barrel view showing smooth
bore/barrel of F2 -C.M.P.
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Fig.9. C3 and C4 cartridges which were
bursted during the firing from F2- C.M.P.
Fig.10. Firing pin marks on C3 and C4
cartridge case after firing from F2- C.M.P.
Fig.11. Entry side of A1 200cm (R) fired
by F1- double barrel shot gun.
Fig.12. Exit side of A1 200cm (R) fired
by F1- double barrel shot gun.
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Fig.13. Entry side of A2 250cm (L) fired
by F1- double barrel shot gun.
Fig.14. Exit side of A2 250cm (L) fired
by F1- double barrel shot gun.
Fig.15. Entry side of B1 200cm fired by F2- C.M.P.
Fig.16. Exit side of B1 200cm fired by
F2- C.M.P.
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Fig.17. Entry side of B2 250cm fired by F2- C.M.P.
Fig.18. Exit side of B2 250cm fired by F2- C.M.P.
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Table 1: Comparative features of standard 12 Bore D.B.B.L shotgun and 12 Bore Country Made Pistol.
S.No
Features 12 bore
Standard D.B.B.L Shotgun
(F1)
12 bore
Country Made Pistol
(F2)
1. Model 2012 Absent
2. Make Bhati & Co. Country made
3. Trigger guard Present Absent
4. Chamber Two One
5. Proof mark Ashoka emblem Absent
6. Number Present Absent
7. Barrel opening break-open action Trigger type
8. Cartridge Standard Standard
9. Safety catch Present Absent
10. Type of ammunition Rimmed Rimmed
11. Drag mark Present Absent
12. Firing pin marks Regular Irregular
13. Cartridge case
(After firing)
No Bulging Bulges
14. Breech face pattern Regular Irregular
15. Type of loading Breech Breech
16. Sling Present Absent
17. Handgrip Plastic Wooden
18. Trigger Two One
19. Action Hammered Hammered
The country made pistol is a breech loader firearm, the barrel is made up of single piece steel tubing, water pipe with a fine
finishing which is strong enough to chamber and fire standard 12 bore cartridges successfully.
The firearm has smooth bore and devoid of rifling marks inside the barrel. It has single barrel and opening lever is trigger type.
Firing pin is not attached to the hammer and is of circular shape. The action mechanism is based mainly on spring and trigger
and was organized by joining a number of metallic pieces. The hand grip was designed by wooden pieces and tightened by
metallic screws.
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For loading or unloading the ammunition an extractor was present. The firing pin comes in contact with the breech hole while
firing and the characteristic features of the firing pin deteriorates. The trigger is found to be of S-shape and made by
galvanized tin. There are no proof marks present on the firearm. The firearm is a single shot hammer action mechanism. The
Hammer is manually cocked with the thumb before every shot.
In standard 12 bore D.B.B.L, the barrel is a double barrel placed side-by-side with two trigger each for a barrel. Fore and back
sight are present. There was a particular number 054-5 present on the right and left inner side of the body (Table 1).
Table 2: Physical Parameters of Standard and Country Made firearm used in the Examination.
S.No
Firearms Total
length of
firearm
(cm)
Barrel
length
(cm)
Muzzle
diameter
(mm)
Breech
diameter
(mm)
1.
12 Bore
D.B.B.L
75 56
R -18.33
R -20.58
. (F1)
L -18.27
L -20.52
2.
12 Bore
C.M.P
(F2)
27.8 16 18.03 21.11
The effective range or pellet distribution on target depends upon the length of barrel. According to the law, the minimum and
maximum length of barrel of shotgun is 18"(45.72cm) and 34" (86.36cm) respectively [31].
The physical parameters of Country Made Pistol and standard shotgun are represented in Table 2. Data shows a vast
difference in the total length and barrel length of both the firearms. The barrel length for F2 was deliberated to be less than
the standard length as mentioned above. It was observed that a slight difference was there in the measurements of muzzle and
breech diameter of both the firearms.
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Table 3: Firing patterns observed on cotton sheet.
S.No
Firearm
Entry Exit
L
(cm)
W
(cm)
L
(cm)
W
(cm)
A1.
(F1)
200cm
(R)
T-10.7 T-8.5
8.9
6.0
P-6.2 P-4.9
H- 3.2 H-2.4
A2.
(F1)
250cm
(L)
T-11.0 T-22.2
8.0
6.1
P-7.4 P-6.1
H-3.5 H-3.5
B1. (F2) 200cm 1.4 2.6 1.2 1.0
B2. (F2) 250cm 2.6 1.2 1.0 1.0
(T-Tattooing; P-Pellet distribution; H- Hole Measurement)
There were three characteristics of the patterns of GSR at different shooting distance which were estimated by direct and
visual examination of the cloth target i.e; Tattooing, pettet distribution and hole measurements. Fig11-18 shows the
appearances of the patterns on cotton cloth using D.B.B.L shot gun and country made pistol at two different ranges.
Table 3 shows difference in length and width of both entry and exit sides of the cloth target at different range. It shows the
difference in the tattooing pattern. It was perceived that with increasing range the length and width of tattooing for A2 was
greater than A1.
Fig 11-18 shows the GSRs and pellet distribution pattern generated on cotton target by using 12 Bore standard shotgun and
country made pistol (Table 3). The descriptive statistical study shows that the external diameter of pellets distribution
increased in its spread (length-width) with increasing distance for A1 and A2 (Fig. 19-20). The bullet entry hole increased with
length (L) and decreased with width (W). Further for the exit hole it was observed that the length of A1 and B1 was greater
and width of A2 increased but for B1 and B2 it was constant.
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Fig. 19 Firing Patterns for Length
Fig. 20 Firing Patterns for Widht
10.7
6.2
3.2
11
7.4
3.5
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
T P H
len
gth
(cm
)
ENTRY SIDE
FIRING PATTERNS FOR LENGTH
[A1]- 200cm(R)
[A2]- 250cm(L)
8.5
4.92.4
22.2
6.1
3.5
0
5
10
15
20
25
T P H
len
gth
(cm
)
ENTRY SIDE
FIRING PATTERNS FOR WIDHT
[A1]- 200cm(R)
[A2]- 250cm (L)
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Fig. 21 Firing Patterns for Length And Widht
Fig. 22. Firing Patterns for Length And Widht
Table 4: GSR of 12 Bore D.B.B.L Shotgun.
S.No Element Conc. (mg/L)
Control (A1) (A2)
1. Antimony 0.119 0.71 0.84
2. Barium 0.0075 0.77 0.08
3. Copper 0.47 0.041 0.027
4. Lead 0.0565 1.37 1.32
5. Nickel 0.315 0.011 0.02
1.4
2.62.6
1.2
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
[B1]- 200cm [B2]- 250cm
Len
gth
-W
idth
(cm
)
HOLE ENTRY SIDE
FIRING PATTERNS FOR LENGTH AND WIDHT
L (cm)
W(cm)
8.9
6
8
6.1
1.2 11 1
0
2
4
6
8
10
L(cm) W(cm)
Len
gth
-Wid
th (
cm)
EXIT SIDE
FIRING PATTERNS FOR LENGTH AND WIDHT
[A1]- 200cm(R)[A2]- 250cm(L)[B1]- 200cm
[B2]- 250cm
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Fig. 23. GSR Result of 12 Bore D.B.B.L.
Table 4 and Fig 23: Amount of lead was the highest in A1-A2 among all the elements. With increasing distance only the
amount of antimony increased. The quantity of copper was lesser than the control for bot A1-A2.
Table 5: GSR of 12 Bore Country Made Pistol.
S.No Element Conc. (mg/L)
Control (B1) (B2)
1. Antimony 0.119 0.33 0.40
2. Barium 0.0075 0 0
3. Copper 0.47 0.036 0.034
4. Lead 0.0565 0.73 2.40
5. Nickel 0.315 0.014 0.0165
Fig. 24. GSR Result of 12 Bore Country Made Pistol.
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
Antimony Barium Copper Lead Nickel
mg/
L
ELEMENTS
GSR RESULT OF 12 BORE D.B.B.L.
S-C
[A1] 200 cm(R)
[A2]- 250 cm(L)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
Antimony Barium Copper Lead Nickel
mg/
L
ELEMENTS
GSR RESULT OF 12 BORE COUNTRY MADE PISTOL
S-C
[B1] -200 cm
[B2] -250 cm
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Table 5 and Fig 24: Amount of lead was the highest in B1-B2 among all the elements. With increasing distance only the
amount of antimony and lead increased. The quantity of barium, copper and nickel was lesser than the control for both B1-B2.
Barium was not present at all.
Table 6: GSR comparison fired from 200cm.
S.No Element Conc. (mg/L)
Control (A1) (B1)
1. Antimony 0.119 0.71 0.33
2. Barium 0.0075 0.77 0
3. Copper 0.47 0.041 0.036
4. Lead 0.0565 1.37 0.73
5. Nickel 0.315 0.011 0.014
Fig. 25. GSR comparison fired from 200cm.
Table 7: GSR comparison fired from 250cm.
S.No Element Conc. (mg/L)
Control (A2) (B2)
1. Antimony 0.119 0.84 0.40
2. Barium 0.0075 0.08 0
3. Copper 0.47 0.027 0.034
4. Lead 0.0565 1.32 2.40
5. Nickel 0.315 0.02 0.0165
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
Antimony Barium Copper Lead Nickel
mg/
L
ELEMENTS
GSR COMPARISON FIRED FROM 200cm
S-C
[A1]
[B1]
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Fig. 26. GSR comparison fired from 250cm.
The comparative study of both the firearms fired from common distance (200cm- 250cm) indicated that antimony, barium,
copper and lead was higher for standard shot gun- A1 fired from 200cm distance [Table 6 & Fig.25] whereas, the amount of
copper and lead was higher for country made pistol- B2 fired from 250cm distance [Table 7 & Fig.26].
Lead over powered the other elements. It was also observed that the amount of copper and nickel were found to be lesser
than the control sample for both the distance.
The amount of GSR particle present in the samples is represented in Table 4-7 respectively. The GSR particle amount shows
difference due to different manufacturing process of firearms and different mechanism involved in formation of GSR particles
in barrel of country made pistol [32].
There is no spreading of pellet in country made pistol used in the research whereas standard firearm showed intensification in
the distribution of pellets. Some characteristics found on the pattern are singeing that was seen on B1-B2 entry and exit side of
the hole on the file. Tattooing was found in A1-A2 entry sides of the holes on the cloth along with pellet holes.
IV. CONCLUSION
In this study determination of muzzle to target distance based on the pellet distribution, tattooing and entry and exit hole
diameter along with GSR pattern and characteristic pattern is substantiated. The test firing was carried out at 200cm and
250cm from standard and country made pistol for a comparative study. The GSRs was analyzed by Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy.
In this study, the country made firearm used was unique with its unique physical characters and features. With different length
of firearm and barrel length and with increasing distance the gun shot patterns varied for standard and country made pistol.
Singeing was seen in country made pistol whereas tattooing was absent with no spreading of pellets.
Gunshot residue it was seen that out of all the five elements (Sb,Ba,Cu,Pb and Ni), only the amount of Sb, is increased with
increasing range in standard whereas for country made pistol the amount of Sb, Pb and Ni is higher. The amount of copper
and nickel are lesser than the control sample for both the distance.
As deliberated above, such type of country made pistol are recurrently used in most of the crime cases and hence the data will
be supportive for solving cases in future. This experimental study can be used for determining the firing distance from muzzle
to target on a cotton cloth by reconstructing shooting test.
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
Antimony Barium Copper Lead Nickel
mg/
L
ELEMENTS
GSR COMPARISON FIRED FROM 250cm
S-C
[A2]
[B2]
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Author would like to thank Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Delhi for permission and also the personnel for their kind
help for executing of experiments in the shooting. Dr.N.P.Waghmare, Director Forensic Science Laboratory, Goa, MHA, for
his valuable suggestions and guidance and Dr. Vaibhav Saran, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, SHUATS,
Allahabad , for his unfailing support. Author also acknowledges MAARC LABS PVT. LTD., Pune for the sample analysis.
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