Citation

Wetli CV, Krivosta G, Sturiano JV. Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. 2002; 23(3): 229-233.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/00000433-200209000-00004

PMID

12198346

Abstract

Revolvers with an open cylinder were found at three death scenes of apparently self-inflicted gunshot wounds. All three handguns were Smith & Wesson.38 or.357 revolvers. Investigation revealed that firing the gun with the thumb on the cylinder release latch could disengage the cylinder. A combination of gravity and recoil impact against the thumb would open the cylinder and even allow the casing and the unspent cartridges to fall from the gun, creating a confusing death scene.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Cause of Death; Firearms; Forensic Medicine; Gravitation; Homicide; Humans; Suicide; Wounds, Gunshot