СHARACTERISTICS OF FIREARM INJURIES OF NON-BIOLOGICAL SIMULATORS, CAUSED BY SHOTS FROM A TRAUMATIC GUN MR‑341 “HOWDAH”

Objectives. Investigation of the injuries on biological simulators and topography of the gunshot residue after shots from the traumatic weapon MR-341 «Howdah» (a sawn-off shotgun of the smooth barrel gun IZH-43КN) using cartridges of 12/35 caliber at different distances (contact shot, 5 cm, 10 cm, then with increments of 10 cm to 100 cm inclusive, 125 cm, 150 cm and 175 cm).

Material and methods. Blocks of biological simulator (fragments of the chests of pigs) were used as the targets. After shots the targets were examined visually, in visible infrared rays, under the stereomicroscope and metrically.

Results. Morphology of the injuries and topography of the residue deposition has features that allow to consider the range and distance of the shot. Action of the flame and powder gases is manifested at the distance up to 5 cm inclusive; the zone of predominant deposition of the soot has an external border corresponding to the distance of the shot up to 20 cm; the zone of predominant action of the gunpowder has an additional morphology in the form of deposition of multiple rubber particles and continues at the distance of up to 80 cm from the muzzle end of the weapon. Additional features that allow to specify the zone of close range and the distance of the shot are established: after the shots from the distance of 10 cm traces of wad of semicircular and circular shape and gray color were revealed separate from the main gunshot injury; rubber particles were revealed on the target surface after the shots from the distance of up to 80 cm. The results of the study can be used in medico-legal practice to address the issues of the fact and distance of the shot from the traumatic weapon MR-341 “Howdah”.