In a close-range gunshot wound, where are soot and gunshot residue (GSR) most likely found?

In a close-range gunshot wound, where are soot and gunshot residue (GSR) most likely found?

• A. On surrounding skin
• B. In the air
• C. In the clothing
• D. In the wound itself

Answer: (D)

When a gun is fired at very close range, the hot gases and burning powder are forced into the wound with enough energy to deposit soot and gunshot residue directly inside the wound tract. This creates a concentration of residues within the wound itself, making it the most likely place to find soot and GSR in close-range shots. Soot and GSR can also be present on surrounding skin or clothing, and tiny amounts may become airborne, but the wound cavity is where the residues are most likely to be found and most diagnostic for close-range firing.

When a gun is fired at very close range, the hot gases and burning powder are forced into the wound with enough energy to deposit soot and gunshot residue directly inside the wound tract. This creates a concentration of residues within the wound itself, making it the most likely place to find soot and GSR in close-range shots. Soot and GSR can also be present on surrounding skin or clothing, and tiny amounts may become airborne, but the wound cavity is where the residues are most likely to be found and most diagnostic for close-range firing.