THE EFFECT OF MUZZLE DEVICES ON SETTING THE FIRING DISTANCE
Journal: FORENSIC EXAMINATION
№ 4
, 2025
Authors:
1.
Russian Federation
2.
Kikotya Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
(weapons science and tracology, docent)
employee from 01.01.2021 until now
employee from 01.01.2021 until now
Type:
Article
Pages:
from 102
to 109
Status:
Published
Received:
18.09.2025
Accepted:
12.10.2025
Published:
23.12.2025
Subject area:
UDC 343.983.2
UDC 343.983.22
UDC 343.983.22
Language:
Russian
Keywords:
MUZZLE DEVICES, SILENCER, MUZZLE BRAKE COMPENSATOR, FLAME ARRESTOR, FIRING DISTANCE, FIRING FACTORS, POWDER GASES, WEAPONS, FORENSIC BALLISTICS
Abstract:
In the modern world, firearms remain one of the most common means of committing serious and especially serious crimes, including high-profile ones. The injuries caused by the shot contain important evidentiary information and are often the objects of expert research. Based on the traces of shot products that traditionally accompany gunshot damage, it is possible, for example, to solve a situational problem such as determining the distance of a shot. However, the introduction of changes to the design of weapons, in particular, the use of special muzzle devices, significantly change the nature of the traces of the shot on the obstacle. The purpose of the article is to study the effect of muzzle devices (muzzle suppressor, muzzle compensator brake, flame arrestor) on the display of traces of shot products and the determination of the firing distance with their help. The research methodology includes conducting a series of experimental shots using the listed types of devices and analyzing the traces resulting from the shot. The results of the study showed that muzzle devices significantly change the distribution of powder gases and microparticles, reducing the intensity and changing the nature of the traces, which makes it difficult to determine the firing distance according to the classical algorithm. The scientific significance of the work lies in the systematization of data on the effect of a shot silencer, a muzzle compensator brake, and a flame arrestor on the traces of a shot, which expands the theoretical basis of forensic ballistics. The practical significance of the study is to develop recommendations for specialists, processualists, and ballistics experts, including the need for proper documentary and material support for the examination, consideration of the design capabilities of the weapon itself, and consideration of the possibility of using muzzle devices when analyzing gunshot marks to improve the accuracy of expert opinions.
In the modern world, firearms remain one of the most common means of committing serious and especially serious crimes, including high-profile ones. The injuries caused by the shot contain important evidentiary information and are often the objects of expert research. Based on the traces of shot products that traditionally accompany gunshot damage, it is possible, for example, to solve a situational problem such as determining the distance of a shot. However, the introduction of changes to the design of weapons, in particular, the use of special muzzle devices, significantly change the nature of the traces of the shot on the obstacle. The purpose of the article is to study the effect of muzzle devices (muzzle suppressor, muzzle compensator brake, flame arrestor) on the display of traces of shot products and the determination of the firing distance with their help. The research methodology includes conducting a series of experimental shots using the listed types of devices and analyzing the traces resulting from the shot. The results of the study showed that muzzle devices significantly change the distribution of powder gases and microparticles, reducing the intensity and changing the nature of the traces, which makes it difficult to determine the firing distance according to the classical algorithm. The scientific significance of the work lies in the systematization of data on the effect of a shot silencer, a muzzle compensator brake, and a flame arrestor on the traces of a shot, which expands the theoretical basis of forensic ballistics. The practical significance of the study is to develop recommendations for specialists, processualists, and ballistics experts, including the need for proper documentary and material support for the examination, consideration of the design capabilities of the weapon itself, and consideration of the possibility of using muzzle devices when analyzing gunshot marks to improve the accuracy of expert opinions.
Keywords:
MUZZLE DEVICES, SILENCER, MUZZLE BRAKE COMPENSATOR, FLAME ARRESTOR, FIRING DISTANCE, FIRING FACTORS, POWDER GASES, WEAPONS, FORENSIC BALLISTICS
MUZZLE DEVICES, SILENCER, MUZZLE BRAKE COMPENSATOR, FLAME ARRESTOR, FIRING DISTANCE, FIRING FACTORS, POWDER GASES, WEAPONS, FORENSIC BALLISTICS
1. Latyshov I. V. Forensic ballistic examination. A course of lectures. Gen. ed. of V. A. Ruchkin, I. A. Chulkov. Volgograd: Volgograd Academy of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia; 2018: 416. (In Russ.).
2. Kokin A. V., Yarmak K. V. Forensic ballistics and forensic ballistics examination. Textbook. Moscow: Kikot Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia; 2018: 353. (In Russ.).
3. Lisitsyn A. F. Forensic medical examination for damage from hunting smoothbore weapons. Moscow: Medicine; 1968: 236. (In Russ.).
