At autopsy after a fatal shotgun discharge, a circular bruised imprint matching the plastic shot cup is found within the wound. This finding indicates a range of fire of approximately:

• A Any range, since the wad travels with the pellets throughout flight
• B 3 to 4 metres
• C 5 to 7 metres
• D Less than 1 metre ✓

Explanation

In close range shotgun discharge, the plastic cup or felt wad leaves the muzzle along with the shot and can strike the skin, producing a characteristic circular contusion or imprint of the wad. Because the wad decelerates rapidly and falls away within about 1 to 2 metres, its presence as an imprint confines the range to under about 1 metre. At longer ranges the wad cannot reach the victim.

Reference: Knight's Forensic Pathology, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.