Indicators of the temporary cavity during shots from non-lethal firearms: an experimental study using the «Fort 9R» and «Fort 17R» pistols

Abstract

The effect of non-lethal firearms on the human body with or without clothing is one of the least researched issues in forensic ballistics, which requires a controlled experimental study. The aim of the study – to determine the characteristics of the indicators of the temporal cavity on naked or clothed non-biological simulators of the human body when fired from different distances using “Fort 9R” and “Fort 17R” pistols. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on 120 gelatin blocks, which were left bare or covered with one of the types of fabrics: cotton fabric, denim fabric, leatherette, after which shooting was carried out using “Fort 9R” (1st group – 60 blocks) or “Fort 17R” (2nd group – 60 blocks). Shots were fired from contact range, 25 and 50 cm. Subsequently, sections of the blocks were made perpendicular to the wound channel. Each section was examined according to generally accepted methods in order to assess the dimensions of the temporal cavity. Results. The analysis of the obtained data revealed numerous reliable differences in the investigated parameters of the temporal cavity both between the “Fort 9R” and “Fort 17R” pistols and the investigated samples of clothing that covered the blocks. When comparing pistols, in most cases significantly higher values (p<0.05-0.01) of temporary cavity indicators were established for the “Fort 9R” pistol. When comparing the protective properties of different types of clothing, significantly lower values (p<0.05-0.01) of the indicators of the temporary cavity when fired with “Fort 9R” were obtained when studying blocks covered with cotton fabric; when firing from “Fort 17R” clothing, significantly lower values (p<0.05–0.01) of the indicators of the temporary cavity were obtained when analyzing the data of the blocks covered with leather substitute