Comparative evaluation of gunshot residue collection techniques: A preliminary study Parmar A1,*, Parvathy H2, Maity P2, Babu RG1 1Ballistic Research Centre and Testing Range, National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar 2School of Engineering and Technology, National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar *Corresponding Author, Abhijit A Parmar (Scientific Assistant), Email: abhiparmar57@gmail.com
Online Published on 2 January, 2024. Abstract The collection and evaluation of GSR distributed in a firearm-related scene is crucial in the resolution of most crime cases involving firearm. The study was conducted in an indoor firing range (Ballistic Research Centre and Testing Range) with a controlled room temperature and humidity of 30°C and 56% respectively. Firing was performed using three different long range firearms; AK-47 rifle (7.62 × 39mm calibre), Self-Loading Rifle-SLR (7.62 × 51mm calibre) and Carbine rifle (9 × 19mm calibre). Atotal of 60 rounds comprising 20 shots each from AK-47, SLR and 9mm Carbine rifle were performed. Samples were further subjected to qualitative and quantitative examination using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Florescence (EDXRF-7000, Shimadzu) and Mass Spectroscopy. The results of the study analysis indicated that, the best collection technique that may enhance quantification of enough GSR deposit was in the order of; barrel was > hand swab> GSR at an angle of 90°> GSR at an angle of 45°. The simultaneous presence of Pb, Ba, and Sb which serves as a requirement to fix the identity of GSR is most likely to be sufficiently detected in GSR samples collected through barrel wash relative to hand swab of the shooter. Top Keywords Gunshot residue, EDXRF, 9mm Carbine, AK-47, Self loading Rifle (SLR), Mass spectroscopy. Top |