When shooting a shotgun, which distance may leave an abrasion on the victim’s skin?

When shooting a shotgun, which distance may leave an abrasion on the victim’s skin?

• A. Less than 10 feet
• B. 10-20 feet
• C. 20-30 feet
• D. 30-50 feet

Answer: (B)

When shooting a shotgun at a distance of 10-20 feet, there is a significant likelihood that an abrasion may occur on the victim's skin. This is primarily due to the nature of shotgun pellets and the spread pattern they create when fired. At closer distances, the wadding and the pellets can strike the skin with enough force to cause abrasions or other types of injuries. As the distance increases, the effectiveness of the shot in causing such abrasions diminishes. While less than 10 feet can potentially cause abrasions as well, the distinct spread of muscle tissue and skin damage can be more pronounced at the 10-20 feet range where the projectiles have yet to fully disperse. Beyond this range, the abrasions become less common as the shot pattern spreads out, and the energy diminishes, leading to less direct impact on any single point of skin. This understanding of distance and the resulting effect of a shotgun blast is crucial for forensic analysis in shooting incidents.

When shooting a shotgun at a distance of 10-20 feet, there is a significant likelihood that an abrasion may occur on the victim's skin. This is primarily due to the nature of shotgun pellets and the spread pattern they create when fired. At closer distances, the wadding and the pellets can strike the skin with enough force to cause abrasions or other types of injuries.

As the distance increases, the effectiveness of the shot in causing such abrasions diminishes. While less than 10 feet can potentially cause abrasions as well, the distinct spread of muscle tissue and skin damage can be more pronounced at the 10-20 feet range where the projectiles have yet to fully disperse. Beyond this range, the abrasions become less common as the shot pattern spreads out, and the energy diminishes, leading to less direct impact on any single point of skin. This understanding of distance and the resulting effect of a shotgun blast is crucial for forensic analysis in shooting incidents.