Increased damage from rifle wounds of the chest caused by bullets striking commonly carried military equipment.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the fragmentation effect of the bullet that passes through the radio or ammunition magazine, which are essential pieces of equipment for a soldier, in thoracic gunshot injuries.

Methods: Twelve adult pigs were used. The pigs were separated into three groups (each group contained four pigs). The first group was shot without any obstacle between muzzle and subject. The second group was shot through a cartridge magazine placed in front of the subject's thoracic cage. The third group was shot with a radio in front of the subject's thoracic cage.

Results: It was observed that there was a large bullet entrance and fragmentation in the pigs that were shot with a radio or magazine placed over them, and there was no fragmentation in those that were shot without any obstacle.

Conclusion: Metal equipment that soldiers carry causes bullet fragmentation. Fragmented bullets may cause excessive tissue disruption of intrathoracic vital organs.