Questions

Approximately 70%–75% of homicides are committed with firearms. Write 4–5 pages that answer the following questions:

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?

o contact to near contact

o close range

o medium range

o 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 of a death scene?

Cite all references using APA citation format.

The following guidelines will be used for grading:

55%	Part 1: The students answer all questions posed and supports their answers.
40%	Part 2: The students answer all questions posed and supports their answers.
5%	The students use APA references and citations to support their research.