A shored exit wound in firearms ballistics is characterised by which of the following?

• A A small, neat, punched-out circular defect with an abrasion collar — identical to the entry wound
• B A large, stellate, irregular tear caused by re-entry of the bullet after ricochet
• C An exit wound with a broad, irregular abraded margin due to the skin being supported against a firm surface at the moment of bullet exit ✓
• D An exit wound occurring when the bullet exits through a joint space with minimal soft tissue support

Explanation

A 'shored' exit wound occurs when the skin over the exit site is firmly supported (pressed) against a hard surface — such as a car seat, floor, or body armour — at the moment the bullet exits. Normally exit wounds are larger, irregular, and stellate without abrasion collar. When 'shored', the resistance of the hard surface behind the skin creates a broad, irregular abraded margin resembling an abrasion collar, sometimes mimicking an entry wound. Identifying a shored exit wound is important in reconstructing the victim's position at the time of shooting.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.