Example of suicidal gunshot wound to the head with a blank actuated projectile shot from Keseru-type revolver as an example of danger connected with use of firearms replicas that can be bought without license

Abstract

In January 2011 a body of 56-year old man was sent to Wrocław Forensic Medicine Department. He was supposed to shoot himself with a noisemaker revolver. During the forensic autopsy a wound to the right temporal area was found, furthermore a hole in right temporal bone and a gunshot wound canal leading from right to left, slightly to the back and up. A deformed, metallic, 5.5 mm BB shot was found in the canal. The revolver found alongside the body was also examined. It was capable of projecting rubber or metal BB shots actuated by a blank cartridge discharge. Test shots were measured in the chronograph (5.5 mm metal BB shots). Peak initial velocity of the projectile reached around 120 m/s. This revolver does not require any license to buy and own. It is also not necessary to register it. Authors highlight the dangers connected with the use of such firearms as well as not sufficient legal regulations concerning this type of weapons.

Keywords

• separately loaded weapon
• pyrotechnic airgun
• license free firearms