Gunshot Residue Article Index for
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Gunshot Residue




Through the 1990's the presence of two or more of these heavy elements was sufficient to conclude the the chemicals were the result of a gunshot. New, more rigorous standards for gunshot residue testing are now being required by many courts. The trend is toward a standard that requires the presence of at least one Pb-Ba-Sb particle (lead-barium-antimony) exhibiting characteristic GSR morphology and supported by a sufficient number of atomically identified GSR supporting particles in the remaining particle population.

Investigators may test a suspect's hands, arms and face for particles of gunshot residue as evidence of having recently handled or fired a gun. Additionally, the pattern of gunshot residue on the target can determine how close the firearm was when it was fired.


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