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Revision as of 00:51, 2 November 2006 by 69.174.17.12 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)In forensics, a Contact shot is defined as a gunshot wound incurred whilst the muzzle is in direct contact with the body at the moment of discharge. Such a wound is incredibly devastating, as the body absorbs the entire discharge of the cartridge (i.e., projectile, burning gasses, unburned propellant). This will cause far more trauma than a round fired at point-blank or longer range. In many cases, the body's absorption of the muzzle blast will act as a suppressor, muffling or silencing the report.
This type of gunshot wound if fired from a weapon with a rifled barrel, will leave a star shaped "tatoo". Tatoo means burn mark. Photos of these wounds are obtainable, but, THEY ARE VERY DISTURBING AND NOTHING LIKE ON TV, SO IF YOU SCARE EASY DO NOT LOOK AT THEM!