A contribution to the discussion on the safety of air weapons

Forensic assessment of a life-threatening penetrating abdominal air gun injury

Air guns are considered mostly harmless by the public opinion, but projectiles shot from common air guns can penetrate skin and thus able to cause severe, even life-threatening injury. The prevalence of air gun injuries is constantly high, but severe injuries occur rarely. Forensic evaluation of air gun injuries can be challenging since the shot wound characteristics produced by combustion in case of firearm injuries are missing. Despite these difficulties, the topic of air gun injuries is mostly overlooked in forensic literature, and there are no guidelines available which can help the assessment of specific cases. A case of an air gun injury is reported, where the projectile penetrated the abdominal wall and created multiple bowel injury. The complex assessment of all available information (macroscopic and microscopic appearance of entrance wound, types of injuries, CT findings, and crime scene reconstruction) helped to uncover the truth about the circumstances of the injury.

Towards the investigation of shooting incidents: evaluation of fracture pattern on polymethylmethacrylate sheet made by .22″ and .177″caliber air rifle

Scientific examination of the physical evidence provides significant information beyond a reasonable doubt. Due to the increasing use of the glassy polymer i.e. polymethylmethacrylate instead of glass, the probability of the occurrence of the fractured polymethylmethacrylate sheet in a shooting incident cannot be ignored. Analysis of fracture pattern offers several analytical approaches that assist the forensic investigator. The use of air guns in criminal activities is increasing as well as these weapons have found to be fatal for living beings. This study was conducted to evaluate the fracture pattern on the polymethylmethacrylate by using an air rifle. The fracture pattern formed on polymethylmethacrylate sheets by the air guns shows some specific characteristics that may help to reconstruct the crime scene. The polymethylmethacrylate sheets were test-fired with Spring-Piston air rifles of .22″ (5.5 mm) and .177″ (4.5 mm). Data obtained from the measurements were then statistically analysed with the Chi-Square test. A consistency in hole diameter was observed. Analysis of fracture patterns may provide a lead to the investigator and may help to reconstruct a shooting incident. It can also distinguish between the standard firearm and air gun. The fracture on polymethylmethacrylate sheets gave significant findings that may efficaciously contribute to the forensic investigation of shooting incidences.

Brain death of an infant caused by a penetrating air gun injury

Air guns are shooting projectiles (pellets) from the expansion of compressed air without involving any chemical reactions. Air guns are often regarded as harmless by the public, but these weapons can produce severe, sometimes lethal injuries, especially in children. A case of a penetrating head injury of an eleven-month-old infant, caused by an ordinary air gun pellet, is presented. The air gun pellet created an exceptionally severe brain injury, and brain death. The factors influencing the severity of air gun injuries - muzzle velocity, muzzle energy, skull thickness - are discussed.

Empirical evaluation of spring powered air rifle storage and modifications on forensic practice and casework

Air weapons are commonly used by civilian populations across the world, particularly by those under 18, and discharges often result in desecration, criminal damage and animal abuse. Online forums and websites provide an accessible resource for civilians to access airgun modification methods proposing to increase muzzle velocity. However, there is limited published research that empirically evaluates the impact of air weapon modification and the potential to influence casework interpretation. Therefore, this paper aims to initiate such research by quantifying the effect of storage conditions (mainspring compression and oil travel/dieseling) and two modifications (reduction of barrel length and preloading through addition of washers) encountered in casework on recorded muzzle velocities using a small number of break barrel, spring powered air rifles. Storing airguns vertically and/or cocked statistically effected the consistency of air pellet discharge and recorded muzzle velocities. Modifications typically resulted in significant variation in air rifle muzzle velocities, often with unfavourable side effects and/or to the detriment of the airgun. Deliberately reducing barrel length or incorporating preload demonstrated the greatest impact on muzzle velocity; however, the direction of muzzle velocity change could not be predicted by air rifle calibre, brand or model. This preliminary study reinforces the requirement for practitioners to undertake timely weapon examinations and interpret casework on a case-by-case basis, especially for modified airguns. In addition, this research strongly recommends the re-evaluation of current air weapon storage and/or testing procedures to ensure accurate and reliable interpretations are obtained for legal classification and casework.

Laparoscopic retrieval of an intra-abdominal air gun pellet

A 19-year-old man presented to the emergency department following an air gun pellet injury to the abdomen. He was clinically stable and underwent laparoscopic retrieval of the pellet, which was found embedded in the small bowel mesentery. He recovered fully and was discharged after 2 days. We further discuss air gun-related injuries.

Shot through the heart-firepower and potential lethality of air weapons

Although certain air weapons attain muzzle velocities comparable to some firearms, their successful use for committing suicide is rarely seen. Herein, we report a case of a young female died shortly after urgent admission to the hospital with penetrating gunshot wound to the chest. The autopsy revealed perforation of the pericardium and two perforative defects to the right heart ventricle. Injury was inflicted by a 0.177 caliber pellet, fired from an air rifle found near her body. Investigation ruled the death as suicide. The used air rifle fired the pellet with the energy density of 1.9 J/mm(2) , substantially above the threshold for inflicting injury. The pellet penetrated through two layers of cotton fabric and several layers of tissue to inflict fatal injury to the heart. In addition, we provide an insight into the wounding potential of air weapons, which illustrates the need for greater caution in handling those devices.