Determination of firing range of firearm by Dispersion pattern of GSR

Abstract

Gun Shot residue plays a very important role in forensics ballistics cases and the dispersion of GSR particles helps in the estimation of range of firing. Gun shot residue particles are found in close range because of light weight particles, they spread in air, when firing was done from long distance. Therefore GSR plays a very crucial role in solving the cases, when firing was done from the close range. The aim of this study is to determine the shooting distance and firearm fired from close range i.e. 4”, 8” and 12”. This study consists of two types of firearm 7.65mm amd.315”/8mm caiber of countrymade pistol. The samples were collected from the ballistics division of CFSL/CBI/New Delhi on cotton cloth target. The ammunition and firearms were used in this study were received in the cases of ballistics division/CFSL/CBI/New Delhi. Total 180 samples were collected.The samples were analysed under three steps: Visual examination, SEM analysis and EDX analysis. The samples were analyzed under SEM/EDX at IARI, pusa road, Delhi. The result of this study shows, difference in dispersion pattern of GSR, morphology of GSR and elemental composition of GSR. This research study may be helpful in forensic examination of firearm cases.