Approximately 70-75% Of Homicides Are Committed With Firearm

Approximately 70-75% Of Homicides Are Committed With Firearms

Approximately 70%–75% of homicides are committed with firearms. Write 4–5 pages that answer the following questions: Title and reference page do not count in page amount. 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 at a death scene? Cite all references using APA citation format.

Paper For Above instruction

The prevalence of firearm-related homicides, accounting for approximately 70% to 75% of all murders, underscores the critical importance of understanding firearm mechanics, forensic identification, and crime scene analysis. This paper explores the manufacturing of handguns, focusing on the barrel's bore and rifling, compares different handgun types, explains caliber determination, and discusses forensic examination techniques related to gunshot wounds and muzzle-to-target distance estimation. The comprehensive understanding of these aspects is vital for criminal investigations involving firearms and for formulating effective policies aimed at reducing gun violence.

Manufacturing of Handguns and the Role of Rifling

A handgun is a portable firearm designed for one-handed operation, manufactured through a complex process involving several stages including forging, machining, assembly, and finishing. The bore of the barrel is a crucial component, as it directly influences the firearm’s accuracy and performance. The bore is typically drilled and rifled during manufacturing. Rifling entails the addition of helical grooves cut into the interior surface of the barrel, which imparts a spin to the projectile, stabilizing it in flight for improved accuracy. Rifling is present to ensure the projectile maintains a straight trajectory, minimizing wobbling and tumbling, thus enhancing precision. The rate of twist—the degree of the rifling's spiral—varies depending on the caliber and intended use of the firearm.

Revolvers and semiautomatic handguns differ significantly in design and operation. A revolver contains a rotating cylinder holding multiple chambers for ammunition, which aligns with the barrel sequentially to fire. It is renowned for its simplicity and reliability. Conversely, a semiautomatic handgun uses the energy of the fired cartridge to cycle the slide and eject the spent casing, chambering a new round automatically. While revolvers are generally more straightforward, semiautomatics tend to have higher ammo capacity and faster firing rates, making them more common in modern law enforcement and civilian contexts.

Determining Caliber and Forensic Examination of Firearms

Caliber refers to the internal diameter of the barrel or the diameter of the projectile it fires. It is typically measured in millimeters or inches, such as 9mm or .45 caliber. The caliber is determined during manufacturing by measuring the bore diameter, which directly correlates with the size of the bullet or projectile used. A bullet is the actual projectile propelled by the firearm, while a shell casing is the metallic container that holds the powder charge and primer; the projectile is seated within it. When examining firearms and related evidence, class characteristics include observable features like caliber, rifling pattern, and manufacturer marks, which generally identify the firearm’s make and model. Individual characteristics are unique marks created during manufacturing or use—such as tool marks from the firing pin, breech face, or barrel—to link a specific firearm to a bullet or casing.

Perforating gunshot wounds occur when the projectile completely penetrates the body, causing an exit wound, while penetrating wounds involve only partial penetration or superficial entry without exiting. Entrance wounds typically exhibit specific features—such as a small, clean perforation with soot or stippling—whereas exit wounds tend to be larger, irregular, and may show tearing or tissue disruption. The difference in wound characteristics aids forensic pathologists in reconstructing shooting trajectories and determining the nature of the gunshot.

Determining Muzzle-to-Target Distance and Crime Scene Evidence

Establishing the muzzle-to-target distance is essential for reconstructing shooting incidents. The four ranges include contact, close contact, medium range, and distant range. At contact range, the firearm's muzzle touches or is in direct contact with the skin, which often results in stippling, powder tattoos, and sometimes soot deposits around the wound. Close-range shootings produce stippling and powder stippling, whereas medium-range shootings show less stippling and more diffusion of gunshot residue. At distant ranges, gunpowder residues and stippling are typically absent; instead, the wound may be characterized by an irregular entry point, abrasions, or soot deposition depending on environmental factors. Evidence collected from a handgun at a death scene includes cartridge casings, bullets, gunshot residue patterns, and firearm markings such as rifling grooves. Proper documentation of these items is crucial for forensic analysis and establishing the shooter’s distance and position during the incident.

Conclusion

Understanding the manufacturing, forensic characteristics, and shooting dynamics of handguns plays a pivotal role in criminal investigations related to firearm homicides. By analyzing the rifling patterns, bullet trajectory, wound characteristics, and firearm marks, investigators can reconstruct shooting events with precision. The high prevalence of firearm-related homicides emphasizes the importance of continued research and forensic advancements to help law enforcement agencies solve gun crimes and develop effective prevention strategies.

References

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