What is gunshot residue (GSR)?
Q: What is gunshot residue (GSR)?
A: Gunshot residue (GSR) is a byproduct of firing a gun that includes burned and unburned particles of gunpowder, as well as traces of metal from the firearm, ammunition, and primer, including lead, barium, and antimony.
Q: Where is GSR typically found?
A: GSR is typically found on the skin and clothing of the person who fired the gun.
Q: Can GSR be found in the entrance wound of a victim?
A: Yes, GSR may also be found in the entrance wound of the victim, depending on how close the victim was to the gun when it was fired.
Q: What are the signature components of GSR?
A: The signature components of GSR are lead, barium, and antimony.
Q: What gases accompany a bullet when it leaves the barrel of a firearm?
A: When a bullet leaves the barrel of a firearm, it is accompanied by gases that include both burned and unburned particles of gunpowder.
Q: What contributes to GSR?
A: Traces of metal from the firearm, ammunition, and primer including the signature components of GSR: lead, barium and antimony contribute to GSR.
Q: Is GSR only found on the skin and clothing of the shooter?
A: No, GSR may also be found in the entrance wound of the victim.
