An unusual entrance wound associated with rimfire rifles. |
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Authors: | V J Di Maio J A Kaplan |
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Affiliation: | Medical Examiner's Office of Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas 78207. |
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Abstract: | In many cases of self-inflicted contact wounds of the head with rimfire rifles, we have noted that the entrance wound appears unusual: in 50% of cases studied, a pencil-like extension or zone of blackened and seared skin extends downward from the entrance. The most probable cause for the appearance of this wound is a momentary break in contact between the muzzle and skin as the victim reaches for the trigger with resultant escape of a jet of hot sooty gas. Whereas not unique for rimfire rifles, such a wound from a handgun is uncommon. |
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