Forensic Science

Approximately 70%–75% of homicides are committed with firearms. Write 4–5 pages that answer the following questions:

4-5 Pages

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?