Environmental assessment of gunshot residue particles in the public domain of the United Kingdom.

Only limited data currently exists on the inadvertent transfer of gunshot residue (GSR), or GSR-like particles through contact with public places. In this study, an assessment occurrence of GSR in public environments in England, UK was undertaken. Utilizing a stubbing sampling technique over 260 samples were collected from areas accessible to the public, including buses, trains, taxis, and train stations.

Fate and Behavior of Gunshot Residue: Recreational Shooter Vehicle Distribution.

The susceptibility for recreational shooters to transfer gunshot residue (GSR) to both the interior and exterior of a vehicle is investigated. A comprehensive sampling protocol was used to assess the most likely areas of GSR transfer from recreational shooter contact, such as the steering wheel and the area, the firearms were stored (the trunk). Up to 315 characteristic GSR, particles were found in several locations throughout the interior of a vehicle.

Fate and Behavior of Gunshot Residue-A Review.

A review of the literature concerning the fate and behavior of gunshot residue (GSR) is presented. A number of concomitant parameters including firearm and ammunition type, plume and GSR material characteristics, travel distances, chemical composition and GSR morphology are critically discussed in relation to their effects on the distribution and deposition, transfer and persistence processes of GSR. The underlying mechanisms associated with such processes are also considered.

Stubs versus swabs? A comparison of gunshot residue collection techniques.

The collection efficiency of two widely used gunshot residue (GSR) collection techniques-carbon-coated adhesive stubs and alcohol swabs-has been compared by counting the number of characteristic GSR particles collected from the firing hand of a shooter after firing one round. Samples were analyzed with both scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-rays by an experienced GSR analyst, and the number of particles on each sample containing Pb, Ba, and Sb counted. The adhesive stubs showed a greater collection efficiency as all 24 samples gave positive results for GSR particles whereas the swabs gave only positive results for half of the 24 samples.