AFTE Store - Gunshot Proximity Testing: A Comprehensive Primer in the Background, Variables and Examination of Issues Regarding Muzzle-to-Target Distance Determinations

The purpose of this paper is to provide firearms examiners with a single, comprehensive resource for gunshot proximity testing. As such, this paper will address such issues as distance, caliber, ammunition type, chemical testing, and environmental effects as they relate to proximity testing for gunshot residues. Extensively referenced, this presentation will summarize the great bulk of the experimental data reported to date on this topic. This paper will not address shotguns and issues involving such firearms.