[Unusual wound morphology after textile penetration by the automatic rifle (StG) 58. A case report]

Abstract

Technical characteristics of the used fire-arm and ammunition, the firing range and the shot through garments of the victim are essential factors, that exercise an influence on the appearance of gunshot injuries. An exemplary case-report shall emphasize the importance of these factors. It deals with a suicidal double-shot fired from an automatic rifle by a young soldier. The wounds were localized in the left chest region and the adjacent skin was blackened by soot in a remarkable geometrical pattern, although an ammunition with a smokeless charge has been used. By means of comparative shots we have good reasons to suppose this phenomenon to be caused by rests of gun powder and pressure of the explosion gas leaved in the barrel after the first shot. The second projectile pushed out this explosion gas to the skin that had been uncovered in a star-shaped way by the first shot.