Incidence of Transient Particulate Gunshot Primer Residue in Oregon and Washington Bow Hunters

• NCJ Number: 140911
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1993) Pages: 23-27
• Author(s): M-J Mann; E O Espinoza
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The interpretation of gunshot residue (GSR) results in an alleged firearm violation of bow hunting regulations may be complicated by the theoretical presence of contaminant GSR from prior legitimate shooting incidents.

Abstract

To analyze the presence of particulate GSR, 120 samples were obtained from 30 bow hunters in Oregon and Washington. Each sample was searched manually using backscattered imaging for 10 to 15 minutes prior to initiating the automated search program. Of the bow hunters sampled, 50 percent said they shoot guns. At the time of GSR field collection, 80 percent said they were wearing the same outer clothing or driving the same vehicle, or both, when they last handled and fired a weapon. Analysis of the 120 samples resulted in the detection of one tricomponent particle of GSR. It is concluded that, even though the behavior of recreational shooters and the persistence of particulate GSR in fabric and on static surfaces can facilitate the transfer of transient GSR particulates, the actual incidence of secondary transfers is low. 7 references and 2 tables