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Modified blank ammunition injuries
Forensic Science International 193 (2009) 112–117
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Forensic Science International journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/forsciint
Modified blank ammunition injuries Gokhan I. Ogunc a,*, M. Tahir Ozer b, Kagan Coskun b, Ali Ihsan Uzar b a b
Turkish National Police Department of Criminal Police Laboratories, 06100 Anittepe-C¸ankaya, Ankara, Turkey Gulhane Military Medical Academy Department of General Surgery, Division of War Surgery, 06018 Etlik, Ankara, Turkey
A R T I C L E I N F O
A B S T R A C T
Article history: Received 23 May 2009 Received in revised form 25 September 2009 Accepted 29 September 2009 Available online 29 October 2009
Blank firing weapons are designed only for discharging blank ammunition cartridges. Because they are cost-effective, are easily accessible and can be modified to live firearms plus their unclear legal situation in Turkish Law makes them very popular in Turkey. 2004 through 2008, a total of 1115 modified blank weapons were seized in Turkey. Blank firing weapons are easily modified by owners, making them suitable for discharging live firearm ammunition or modified blank ammunitions. Two common methods are used for modification of blank weapons. After the modification, these weapons can discharge the live ammunition. However, due to compositional durability problems with these types of weapons; the main trend is to use the modified blank ammunitions rather than live firearm ammunition fired from modified blank firing weapons. In this study, two types of modified blank weapons and two types of modified blank cartridges were tested on three different target models. Each of the models’ shooting side was coated with 1.3 2 mm thickness chrome tanned cowhide as a skin simulant. The first model was only coated with skin simulant. The second model was coated with skin simulant and 100% cotton police shirt. The third model was coated with skin simulant and jean denim. After the literature evaluation four high risky anatomic locations (the neck area; the eyes; the thorax area and inguinal area) were pointed out for the steel and lead projectiles are discharged from the modified blank weapons especially in close range (0–50 cm). The target models were designed for these anatomic locations. For the target models six Transparent Ballistic Candle blocks (TCB) were prepared and divided into two test groups. The first group tests were performed with lead projectiles and second group with steel projectile. The shortest penetration depth (lead projectile: 4.358 cm; steel projectile 8.032 cm) was recorded in the skin simulant and jean denim coated block for both groups. In both groups, the longest penetration depth (lead projectile: 6.434 cm; steel projectile 8.608 cm) was recorded in the only skin simulant coated block. And the penetration depth of skin simulant and 100% cotton police shirt coated model was 5.870 cm for lead projectile; 8.440 cm for steel projectile. According to penetration results, national and international legislations and production standards should be re-evaluated in order to prevent the modification of blank weapons and ammunitions. There are three methods for preventing modification of blank weapons: completely closed barrel structure; intersected restrain pieces application; eccentric barrel structure. ß 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Blank weapons Modified blank weapons Modified blank ammunitions Gunshot injuries
1. Introduction Blank weapons are designed and produced for entertainment industries and sports only for discharging blank ammunition and tear gas cartridges. Besides these production purposes, they have become very popular in society and amongst criminals. Their low price, easy accessibility, easy modification to firearms and their
* Corresponding author. E-mail address: [email protected] (G.I. Ogunc). 0379-0738/$ – see front matter ß 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.09.021
unclear legal situation are the main reasons of this type of weapons’ popularity. In most of the countries, a license is not required for the blank weapons. In order to prevent the discharging of live firearm projectiles from blank weapons firing and the conversion of blank firing weapons to live firearms, the fundamental safety measurements and standards are defined in the Permanent International Commission for the Proof of Small arms (C.I.P.) documents. Technical specifications of any blank weapons in the market should be compatible to definition (article 5.4.1.1 and 5.4.1.2.) of CIP standard [1].
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Picture 1. Blank weapons barrel profiles.
The blank weapons are made from Zinc and alloy elements of Aluminium, Magnesium and Copper (ZAMaK, acronym of German names of the alloys). The blank weapons are produced in four different barrel profiles (Picture 1). There are two structures in the blank weapon barrels. The first structure is the ‘‘restraint piece’’. This piece is used for preventing the discharging of firearm projectiles. The second structure is the ‘‘gas distribution and separation piece’’. This piece has two purposes: (1) controlling the gas pressure and (2) separation of the gases from the barrel. The gas distribution and separation piece is mounted to the barrel with screw. Modified blank weapons are very common in crime organizations. In the last five years, 1115 modified blank weapons were seized by the Turkish Police, Department of Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime (Graph 1) [2]. But, after the new legislation [3] on Blank Weapons in 2008, there is a decrease in the number of seized modified blank weapons in Turkey. After the new blank weapon Act (Act No.: 5729), the percentage of seized modified blank weapons has decreased to 8%. In 2006, this number was 19% and in 2007 it was 18%. 1.1. Modification of blank weapons For modification of blank firing weapons, two different methods are followed in clandestine gunsmith workshops [4]. In the first
Graph 1. Seized modified blank weapons between 2004 and 2008 [3].
method, the blank weapon barrel is exchanged with a smooth or rifled barrel. After the modification, live firearms ammunition can be discharged. The drawback to this type of weapon modification is that continued firing of the weapon and the discharging pressure will eventually breakdown the weak compositional material of the firearm. The blank firing weapon has not only been used in simple offense or organized crimes, but also in an attempt to assassinate ˘ AN on December 2005 Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Tayyip ERDOG [5]. The assassination weapon was the modified blank semiautomatic handgun. In this case, the original barrel was replaced with a smooth barrel. The second method of blank weapon modification is removing the restraint piece and the gas distribution/separation piece from the barrel. In some models, the restraint and gas distribution/ separation pieces can easily be removed with a screwdriver by the owner. After this process, although the barrel profile is a smooth barrel, these weapons cannot fire live firearm ammunition; and only modified blank ammunitions are used [6]. The resistance piece (Picture 1) is not removable in some of the blank weapon models, only the gas distribution and separation piece can be removed. If the resistance piece is tried to remove from the barrel, the barrel and frame of firearm will be cracked. Therefore the only modified blank ammunitions with lead sphere projectiles can be fired from these types of weapons; neither regular live ammunition nor modified blank ammunitions with steel sphere projectiles. The lead sphere projectiles, once fired, are broken into two or more small pieces that are able to penetrate the skin and soft tissues in close range after discharging from an irremovable horizontal, vertical and semi-horizontal restraint piece profile barrels. The circle restraint piece is neither removable nor suitable for discharging regular firearm ammunition, and lead sphere projectiles can be fired without any damage to the barrel. Lead spheres take the shape of the restraint piece gap as they are forced through the barrel.
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Picture 2. (a) 8 mm modified blank cartridges with steel spheres and (b) 9 mm modified blank cartridges with lead spheres.
1.2. Modification of blank ammunitions The widespread method of blank ammunition modification is the removal of the plastic wad and replacement with lead (Picture 2a) or steel (Picture 2b) spheres. The original blank ammunition or shotgun powder is used as a propellant. The source of the lead spheres is generally shotgun pellets and ball bearings for the steel spheres. The common size and weight of spheres are (1) 4 mm steel sphere 0.26 g, (2) 4.3 mm steel sphere 0.34 g, (3) 6 mm steel sphere 0.78 g, (4) 7.5 mm 1.70 g, and (5) 4 mm lead sphere 0.37 g. Lead spheres are typically sized at 4.5 mm weighing 0.53 g, or at 6 mm sphere weighing 1.43 g. In this study, the wounding potential of two lead and steel sphere projectiles, fired through a circle restraint piece and smooth barrel profile blank weapon, at close range is examined. The circle restraint piece barrel profile was produced within the CIP standards. 2. Materials and methods This experimental study was conducted by Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GMMA) and Department of Criminal Police Laboratories (KPL). All of the tests were performed in the KPL Bomb Disposal and Investigation Unit Polygon. Two different caliber blank weapons, a 9 mm with circle restraint piece barrel profile (Pictures 1c and 3a) and an 8 mm with smooth barrel profile (Picture 3b), were used in the tests. The gas distribution and separation pieces were removed before the tests. Two different modified cartridges were used in this study. The first cartridge was modified with a 4 mm diameter and 0.37 g lead sphere (Picture 3) for the 9 mm blank weapon. The second cartridge was modified with a 4 mm diameter and 0.26 g steel sphere (Picture 2) for the 8 mm blank weapon. The modified blank cartridges are typically produced in clandestine gunsmith workshops with little regard to standard or stable velocity. In order to obtain the minimum variation in muzzle velocity, the fifteen modified cartridge samples were prepared by the Ballistics Examination Section of KPL for both calibers.
Because the modified blank weapon injuries are generally caused in the contact and intermediate contact ranges (0–50 cm), all of the shots were within the 50 cm range. Six Transparent Ballistic Candle blocks were prepared as an artificial soft tissue test media. The blocks were prepared by boiling and melting Kraton RTM G1 (15%) in liquid paraffin, placing the Kraton RTM G1 in 20 cm 15 cm 15 cm molds and cooling in a +4 8C temperature conditioned room for 24 h [7]. In order to ensure the calibration, the penetration depth of 4.5 mm airgun pellet in 10% Ordnance Gelatin block and in 15% Ballistic Candle block is compared [8]. 4.5 mm airgun pellet (velocity: 154 m/s) penetration depth in the 10% Ordnance Gelatin block was 6.9 0.2 cm and in the Ballistic Candle was 7 0.3 cm [7]. For each block one calibration shot was performed with Feinwerkbau Model 65 airgun. Mean velocity of calibration shots was 152 m/s (standard deviation is 3.05) and mean penetration depth of the calibration shots was 7.02 cm (standard deviation is 0.20). According to these results, 15% Ballistic Candle blocks was accepted for tests. All of the blocks were coated with 1.3 2 mm thickness chrome tanned cowhide as a skin simulant [9]. The six Ballistic Candle blocks were divided into two equal groups. For both groups, one block’s shooting side was coated with 100% cotton police shirt and skin simulant, and one block’s shooting side was coated with jean denim and skin simulant. And rest of the blocks’ shooting sides was coated only with skin simulant. The first group of Ballistic Candle blocks was tested with lead sphere projectiles and a circle restraint piece barrel (Picture 1c). The second group was tested with steel sphere projectiles and a smooth barrel.
3. Results In the first group, 4 mm diameter and 0.37 g weight lead sphere projectiles were discharged from a circle restraint piece barrel profile weapon (Picture 3a). Soft, solid material made projectiles, like lead sphere, can take the shape of the restraint piece gap (Picture 1c) when discharged from the weapon barrel. While the projectile is passing into the restraint piece gap, the projectile material loses its original form and transforms to the cylinder shape. And the projectiles diameter was changed to 3.5 mm. The transformation of the projectile shape decreases the ballistic coefficient and increases the tendency of the projectile
Picture 3. (a) 9 mm blank weapon with circle restraint piece barrel and (b) 8 mm blank weapon with smooth barrel.
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Graph 2. 4 mm (3.5 mm), 0.37 g lead sphere test results.
to tumble [10]. Because of the transformation, projectiles will lose more kinetic energy and the temporary cavity diameter will be greater, but the length of the cavity will be shorter than untransformed projectiles [11]. The penetration is dependent to energy density of projectile (a certain amount of energy per area unit). The increase of energy density will give increased penetration capability of projectile [12]. For that reason, during the evaluation of test results, correlation between energy density and penetration depth was considered. The first test results of firing a 4 mm diameter (after the transformation diameter: 3.5 mm) and 0.37 g weight lead sphere projectile are as follows (Graph 2): a. Bare Ballistic Candle block with skin simulant: Mean velocity of five shots is 148.4 m/s (standard deviation is 2.408). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 4.072 J (standard deviation is 0.132). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.422 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.137). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 6.434 cm (standard deviation is 0.255) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 2A). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2-tailed). b. 100% cotton police shirt and skin simulant coated block: Mean velocity of five shots is 148 m/s (standard deviation is 2.915). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 4.055 J (standard deviation is 0.160). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.421 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.165). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 5.870 cm (standard deviation is 0.320) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 2B). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2-tailed). c. Jean denim and skin simulant coated block: Mean velocity of five shots is 147.2 m/s (standard deviation is 2.774). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 4.011 J (standard deviation is 0.150). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.416 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.155). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 4.358 cm (standard deviation is 0.229) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 2C). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2tailed). In the second test, 4 mm diameter and 0.26 g weight steel sphere projectiles were discharged from a smooth barrel profile weapon (Picture 3b). The smooth-barrelled weapon is not suitable for discharging ordinary firearms ammunition, but the modified
blank ammunitions, with steel sphere projectiles, are easily discharged from the smooth barrels. The second test results of the 4 mm diameter and 0.26 g weight steel sphere projectile shots are as follows (Graph 3): a. Bare Ballistic Candle block with skin simulant: Mean velocity of five shots is 176 m/s (standard deviation is 4.949). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 4.260 J (standard deviation is 0.226). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.320 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.182). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 8.608 cm (standard deviation is 0.526) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 3A). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2tailed). b. 100% cotton police shirt and skin simulant coated block: Mean velocity of five shots is 175.4 m/s (standard deviation is 5.770). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 4.004 J (standard deviation is 0.262). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.318 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.020). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 8.440 cm (standard deviation is 0.606) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 3B). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2-tailed). c. Jean denim and skin simulant coated block: Mean velocity of five shots is 173.2 m/s (standard deviation is 3.033). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 3.901 J (standard deviation is 0.136). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.310 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.011). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 8.032 cm (standard deviation is 0.314) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 3C). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2tailed). 4. Discussion According to CIP standards, blank weapons should be designed and produced for firing only blank ammunitions and should not be suitable for discharging any solid projectiles. Because of the inferior durability of blank firing weapons, the conversion of blank weapons to fire regular live firearm ammunition is not common. The blank weapons with circle restraint piece barrels appear to be the preferred weapon, which are compatible to CIP standards. After small modifications, such as removing the restraint piece, blank firing weapons will be suitable for discharging the modified blank ammunitions. In order to provide the maximum effect on the
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Graph 3. 4 mm, 0.26 g steel sphere test results.
target, clandestine gunsmiths produce the smooth barrel blank weapons for discharging the steel sphere projectiles. Both types of modified blank weapons are very common in Turkey [4]. In this study, the wounding potential of modified blank cartridges with lead and steel sphere projectiles which are fired from circle restraint piece and smooth barrel profile blank weapon, are experimentally examined. The velocity and weight of modified blank cartridge projectiles and airgun projectiles are close [12,13]. Therefore the modified blank weapon injuries are similar with the airgun injuries. And for estimating the potential fatality of modified blank weapons, the airgun injury literatures were evaluated. After the literature evaluation four anatomic locations were pointed out as the high potential areas, the neck, the eyes (the orbital area), the thorax and inguinal area, for modified blank weapons’ fatal injury. The neck area has a high potential of the big vessel injury via damage of arteria corotis. According to test results the lead and steel projectiles have enough penetration depth within the skin simulant + TBC test model (mean penetration depth for lead projectile was 6.434 cm and for steel projectile was 8.608 cm). According to these penetration test results, the lead and steel projectiles were able to create the fatal injuries by perforating the eyes, orbital bones and damaging the brain. In the literature it seems that the cavity specifications of the airgun injuries at the neck area [14,15] and at the eyes [16,17] are similar with modified blank cartridge projectiles cavity in the TCB. For the lethal thorax injury, the penetration depth of lead and steel projectiles in within the 100% cotton police shirt + skin simulant + TBC test model (mean penetration depth for lead projectile was 5.870 cm and for steel projectile was 8.440 cm) was enough if the projectiles pass into the intercostal gaps. In the airgun injury literature, same kinds of injuries are seen [18]. The other important anatomic location is inguinal area. In order to simulate the injuries at this area, skin simulant + jean denim + TBC test model. The penetration depth of lead and steel projectiles was (mean penetration depth for lead projectile was 4.358 cm and for steel projectile was 8.032 cm) enough for generating the big vessel injury via damage of arteries femoralis, as in the airgun injuries [19].
the standards should be re-evaluated. The regulations should focus not only on blank weapons, but also on blank ammunitions. The manufacturers can follow three methods for preventing the blank weapon modification. The first one, the blank weapons are produced with completely closed (blockaded) barrel. The blockade piece and barrel should be produced together as one piece, and the blockade piece should not be removable. Once the blockade piece removed, the whole barrel should break off. In order to discharge the combustion gas, a gas discharge gap will be open with 308 angle to front sight (Picture 4). Some of the manufacturers have already produced their blank weapons with the completely closed barrel profiles. With the new regulations this production method should be compulsory for others. The completely closed barrel profile blank weapons are not similar to real firearms. For that reason this type of blank weapon is not preferred by the customers. So the manufactures mount the ‘‘restraint piece’’ to inside the barrel with different forms (Picture 1). According to test results, these types of restraint piece applications do not work as desired; lead projectiles can be discharged from the barrel. For preventing the discharge of any solid projectiles, restraint piece application methods should be changed as follows. Barrel and weapon frame should be produced together with ZAMaK. And at least 63 HRC stainless steel restraint pieces should be mounted to barrel at the same step. In order to prevent the discharging of projectiles, intersected restraint pieces application method should be used. In this method restraint pieces are placed in the same axes with different angles (Picture 5).
5. Conclusions According to test results, the injury potential of modified blank weapon should not be disregarded. In order to prevent the modifications, national and international legislations, as well as
Picture 4. Completely closed blank weapon barrel profile.
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Picture 5. The intersected restraint pieces application.
The Blank Weapons Legislation [20] nor national and international standards. These legislations and standards are only about blank weapons. This situation creates a legal and technical gap, so the new amendment with considering the blank ammunition modification methods is needed. References
Picture 6. The application eccentric barrel structure.
The third method is eccentric barrel structure. In this method, the barrel when produced has two or three parts. These parts are mounted in the eccentric axes. This structure only allows discharging the combustion gas from the muzzle, not solid projectiles (Picture 6). The new regulations on blank weapons per se cannot prevent the blank weapon modifications, the preventing methods of the blank ammunition modifications to live rounds also should be considered. Blank ammunitions that are not suitable for modification to live rounds should be designed for both automatic and revolver blank weapons. The modification of blank ammunitions can be prevented in two phases. In the first phase, the powder capacity of blank ammunitions should be decreased with shortened length of cartridge case. With this application, there would not be enough space for projectile (steel or lead sphere) and required amount powder for discharging. And as a second phase, the crimp of cartridge case should be gathered like revolver blank ammunitions, instead of closing with plastic wad. The gathered crimp cartridge case is not suitable for modification with the steel or lead sphere. There is not any regulation on the modification of blank ammunition neither in the new Turkish Blank Weapons Act [3] and
[1] Permanent International Commission for the Proof of Small Arms Edition, Liege, Belgium, 2005. [2] Turkish National Police Department of Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Annual Reports (2004 to 2008), Ankara, 2008. [3] Blank Weapon Act (Turkish Act No. 5729, official gazette date: 12.02.2008, number: 26785). [4] V. Vero, A modified ‘‘Bruny’’ alarm pistol, AFTE Journal 21 (January (1)) (1989) 89. [5] SABAH 12.09.2005 ‘‘Erdog˘ana Suikast Giris¸imi’’ (Assassination Attempt to Erdog˘an) http://arsiv.sabah.com.tr/2005/09/12/gnd98.html. [6] A. Yalcin Saribey, A. Inan, C. Tarimci, The modification methods and legality of blank pistols, in: 5th Anatolia Forensic Science Congress, Samsun, 8–10 September, 2006. [7] A.I. Uzar, M. Dakak, T. Ozer, G. Ogunc, T. Yigit, C. Kayahan, et al., A new ballistic simulant ‘‘Transparent Gel Candle’’(experimental study), Turkish Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 9 (2003) 104–106. [8] J. Jussila, Wound Ballistic Simulation: Assessment of the Legitimacy of Law Enforcement Firearms Ammunition by Means of Wound Ballistic Simulation, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Helsinki, 2005. [9] J. Jussila, A. Leppaniemi, M. Paronen, E. Kulomaki, Ballistic skin simulant, Forensic Science International 150 (May (1)) (2005), 63(9). [10] R.A. Rinker, Understanding Firearm Ballistics, 6th edition, Mulberry House Publishing, 2008. [11] D. MacPherson, Bullet Penetration, Modelling the Dynamics and the Incapacitation Resulting from Wound Trauma, Ballistic Publication, 1994. [12] K.G. Sellier, B.P. Kneubuehl, Wound Ballistics and The Scientific Background, Elsevier, 1994. [13] V.J.M. Di Maio, Gunshot Wounds: Practical Aspects of Firearms, Ballistics, and Forensic Techniques, 2nd edition, CRC Press, 1999. [14] O. Young, K. Watters, P. Sheahan, J. Hughes, Penetrating air gun wound in the neck, Auris Nasus Larynx 35 (2008) 426–428. [15] A. Khan, G.T. Drugas, Airgun pellet embolization to the right heart: case report and review of the literature, The Journal of Trauma 54 (2003) 1239–1241. [16] W.N. Wykes, A 10-year survey of penetrating eye injuries in Gwent, 1976–85, British Journal of Ophthalmology 72 (1988) 607–611. [17] A. Buller, P. Tesha, M.J. Menage, Attempted suicide by air rifle, CME Journal Ophthalmology 5 (3) (2001) 86. [18] K.V. Alejandro, J.A. Acosta, P.A. Rodrı´guez, Air gun pellet cardiac injuries: case report and review of the literature, Journal of Trauma 54 (2003) 1242–1244. [19] J.D. Langley, R.N. Norton, J.C. Alsop, S.W. Marshall, Airgun injuries in New Zealand, 1979–92, Injury Prevention 2 (1996) 114–117. [20] Blank Weapon Legislation (Reference Act No. 5729, official gazette date: 02.05.2008, number: 26864).
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Forensic Science International journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/forsciint
Modified blank ammunition injuries Gokhan I. Ogunc a,*, M. Tahir Ozer b, Kagan Coskun b, Ali Ihsan Uzar b a b
Turkish National Police Department of Criminal Police Laboratories, 06100 Anittepe-C¸ankaya, Ankara, Turkey Gulhane Military Medical Academy Department of General Surgery, Division of War Surgery, 06018 Etlik, Ankara, Turkey
A R T I C L E I N F O
A B S T R A C T
Article history: Received 23 May 2009 Received in revised form 25 September 2009 Accepted 29 September 2009 Available online 29 October 2009
Blank firing weapons are designed only for discharging blank ammunition cartridges. Because they are cost-effective, are easily accessible and can be modified to live firearms plus their unclear legal situation in Turkish Law makes them very popular in Turkey. 2004 through 2008, a total of 1115 modified blank weapons were seized in Turkey. Blank firing weapons are easily modified by owners, making them suitable for discharging live firearm ammunition or modified blank ammunitions. Two common methods are used for modification of blank weapons. After the modification, these weapons can discharge the live ammunition. However, due to compositional durability problems with these types of weapons; the main trend is to use the modified blank ammunitions rather than live firearm ammunition fired from modified blank firing weapons. In this study, two types of modified blank weapons and two types of modified blank cartridges were tested on three different target models. Each of the models’ shooting side was coated with 1.3 2 mm thickness chrome tanned cowhide as a skin simulant. The first model was only coated with skin simulant. The second model was coated with skin simulant and 100% cotton police shirt. The third model was coated with skin simulant and jean denim. After the literature evaluation four high risky anatomic locations (the neck area; the eyes; the thorax area and inguinal area) were pointed out for the steel and lead projectiles are discharged from the modified blank weapons especially in close range (0–50 cm). The target models were designed for these anatomic locations. For the target models six Transparent Ballistic Candle blocks (TCB) were prepared and divided into two test groups. The first group tests were performed with lead projectiles and second group with steel projectile. The shortest penetration depth (lead projectile: 4.358 cm; steel projectile 8.032 cm) was recorded in the skin simulant and jean denim coated block for both groups. In both groups, the longest penetration depth (lead projectile: 6.434 cm; steel projectile 8.608 cm) was recorded in the only skin simulant coated block. And the penetration depth of skin simulant and 100% cotton police shirt coated model was 5.870 cm for lead projectile; 8.440 cm for steel projectile. According to penetration results, national and international legislations and production standards should be re-evaluated in order to prevent the modification of blank weapons and ammunitions. There are three methods for preventing modification of blank weapons: completely closed barrel structure; intersected restrain pieces application; eccentric barrel structure. ß 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Blank weapons Modified blank weapons Modified blank ammunitions Gunshot injuries
1. Introduction Blank weapons are designed and produced for entertainment industries and sports only for discharging blank ammunition and tear gas cartridges. Besides these production purposes, they have become very popular in society and amongst criminals. Their low price, easy accessibility, easy modification to firearms and their
* Corresponding author. E-mail address: [email protected] (G.I. Ogunc). 0379-0738/$ – see front matter ß 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.09.021
unclear legal situation are the main reasons of this type of weapons’ popularity. In most of the countries, a license is not required for the blank weapons. In order to prevent the discharging of live firearm projectiles from blank weapons firing and the conversion of blank firing weapons to live firearms, the fundamental safety measurements and standards are defined in the Permanent International Commission for the Proof of Small arms (C.I.P.) documents. Technical specifications of any blank weapons in the market should be compatible to definition (article 5.4.1.1 and 5.4.1.2.) of CIP standard [1].
G.I. Ogunc et al. / Forensic Science International 193 (2009) 112–117
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Picture 1. Blank weapons barrel profiles.
The blank weapons are made from Zinc and alloy elements of Aluminium, Magnesium and Copper (ZAMaK, acronym of German names of the alloys). The blank weapons are produced in four different barrel profiles (Picture 1). There are two structures in the blank weapon barrels. The first structure is the ‘‘restraint piece’’. This piece is used for preventing the discharging of firearm projectiles. The second structure is the ‘‘gas distribution and separation piece’’. This piece has two purposes: (1) controlling the gas pressure and (2) separation of the gases from the barrel. The gas distribution and separation piece is mounted to the barrel with screw. Modified blank weapons are very common in crime organizations. In the last five years, 1115 modified blank weapons were seized by the Turkish Police, Department of Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime (Graph 1) [2]. But, after the new legislation [3] on Blank Weapons in 2008, there is a decrease in the number of seized modified blank weapons in Turkey. After the new blank weapon Act (Act No.: 5729), the percentage of seized modified blank weapons has decreased to 8%. In 2006, this number was 19% and in 2007 it was 18%. 1.1. Modification of blank weapons For modification of blank firing weapons, two different methods are followed in clandestine gunsmith workshops [4]. In the first
Graph 1. Seized modified blank weapons between 2004 and 2008 [3].
method, the blank weapon barrel is exchanged with a smooth or rifled barrel. After the modification, live firearms ammunition can be discharged. The drawback to this type of weapon modification is that continued firing of the weapon and the discharging pressure will eventually breakdown the weak compositional material of the firearm. The blank firing weapon has not only been used in simple offense or organized crimes, but also in an attempt to assassinate ˘ AN on December 2005 Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Tayyip ERDOG [5]. The assassination weapon was the modified blank semiautomatic handgun. In this case, the original barrel was replaced with a smooth barrel. The second method of blank weapon modification is removing the restraint piece and the gas distribution/separation piece from the barrel. In some models, the restraint and gas distribution/ separation pieces can easily be removed with a screwdriver by the owner. After this process, although the barrel profile is a smooth barrel, these weapons cannot fire live firearm ammunition; and only modified blank ammunitions are used [6]. The resistance piece (Picture 1) is not removable in some of the blank weapon models, only the gas distribution and separation piece can be removed. If the resistance piece is tried to remove from the barrel, the barrel and frame of firearm will be cracked. Therefore the only modified blank ammunitions with lead sphere projectiles can be fired from these types of weapons; neither regular live ammunition nor modified blank ammunitions with steel sphere projectiles. The lead sphere projectiles, once fired, are broken into two or more small pieces that are able to penetrate the skin and soft tissues in close range after discharging from an irremovable horizontal, vertical and semi-horizontal restraint piece profile barrels. The circle restraint piece is neither removable nor suitable for discharging regular firearm ammunition, and lead sphere projectiles can be fired without any damage to the barrel. Lead spheres take the shape of the restraint piece gap as they are forced through the barrel.
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Picture 2. (a) 8 mm modified blank cartridges with steel spheres and (b) 9 mm modified blank cartridges with lead spheres.
1.2. Modification of blank ammunitions The widespread method of blank ammunition modification is the removal of the plastic wad and replacement with lead (Picture 2a) or steel (Picture 2b) spheres. The original blank ammunition or shotgun powder is used as a propellant. The source of the lead spheres is generally shotgun pellets and ball bearings for the steel spheres. The common size and weight of spheres are (1) 4 mm steel sphere 0.26 g, (2) 4.3 mm steel sphere 0.34 g, (3) 6 mm steel sphere 0.78 g, (4) 7.5 mm 1.70 g, and (5) 4 mm lead sphere 0.37 g. Lead spheres are typically sized at 4.5 mm weighing 0.53 g, or at 6 mm sphere weighing 1.43 g. In this study, the wounding potential of two lead and steel sphere projectiles, fired through a circle restraint piece and smooth barrel profile blank weapon, at close range is examined. The circle restraint piece barrel profile was produced within the CIP standards. 2. Materials and methods This experimental study was conducted by Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GMMA) and Department of Criminal Police Laboratories (KPL). All of the tests were performed in the KPL Bomb Disposal and Investigation Unit Polygon. Two different caliber blank weapons, a 9 mm with circle restraint piece barrel profile (Pictures 1c and 3a) and an 8 mm with smooth barrel profile (Picture 3b), were used in the tests. The gas distribution and separation pieces were removed before the tests. Two different modified cartridges were used in this study. The first cartridge was modified with a 4 mm diameter and 0.37 g lead sphere (Picture 3) for the 9 mm blank weapon. The second cartridge was modified with a 4 mm diameter and 0.26 g steel sphere (Picture 2) for the 8 mm blank weapon. The modified blank cartridges are typically produced in clandestine gunsmith workshops with little regard to standard or stable velocity. In order to obtain the minimum variation in muzzle velocity, the fifteen modified cartridge samples were prepared by the Ballistics Examination Section of KPL for both calibers.
Because the modified blank weapon injuries are generally caused in the contact and intermediate contact ranges (0–50 cm), all of the shots were within the 50 cm range. Six Transparent Ballistic Candle blocks were prepared as an artificial soft tissue test media. The blocks were prepared by boiling and melting Kraton RTM G1 (15%) in liquid paraffin, placing the Kraton RTM G1 in 20 cm 15 cm 15 cm molds and cooling in a +4 8C temperature conditioned room for 24 h [7]. In order to ensure the calibration, the penetration depth of 4.5 mm airgun pellet in 10% Ordnance Gelatin block and in 15% Ballistic Candle block is compared [8]. 4.5 mm airgun pellet (velocity: 154 m/s) penetration depth in the 10% Ordnance Gelatin block was 6.9 0.2 cm and in the Ballistic Candle was 7 0.3 cm [7]. For each block one calibration shot was performed with Feinwerkbau Model 65 airgun. Mean velocity of calibration shots was 152 m/s (standard deviation is 3.05) and mean penetration depth of the calibration shots was 7.02 cm (standard deviation is 0.20). According to these results, 15% Ballistic Candle blocks was accepted for tests. All of the blocks were coated with 1.3 2 mm thickness chrome tanned cowhide as a skin simulant [9]. The six Ballistic Candle blocks were divided into two equal groups. For both groups, one block’s shooting side was coated with 100% cotton police shirt and skin simulant, and one block’s shooting side was coated with jean denim and skin simulant. And rest of the blocks’ shooting sides was coated only with skin simulant. The first group of Ballistic Candle blocks was tested with lead sphere projectiles and a circle restraint piece barrel (Picture 1c). The second group was tested with steel sphere projectiles and a smooth barrel.
3. Results In the first group, 4 mm diameter and 0.37 g weight lead sphere projectiles were discharged from a circle restraint piece barrel profile weapon (Picture 3a). Soft, solid material made projectiles, like lead sphere, can take the shape of the restraint piece gap (Picture 1c) when discharged from the weapon barrel. While the projectile is passing into the restraint piece gap, the projectile material loses its original form and transforms to the cylinder shape. And the projectiles diameter was changed to 3.5 mm. The transformation of the projectile shape decreases the ballistic coefficient and increases the tendency of the projectile
Picture 3. (a) 9 mm blank weapon with circle restraint piece barrel and (b) 8 mm blank weapon with smooth barrel.
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Graph 2. 4 mm (3.5 mm), 0.37 g lead sphere test results.
to tumble [10]. Because of the transformation, projectiles will lose more kinetic energy and the temporary cavity diameter will be greater, but the length of the cavity will be shorter than untransformed projectiles [11]. The penetration is dependent to energy density of projectile (a certain amount of energy per area unit). The increase of energy density will give increased penetration capability of projectile [12]. For that reason, during the evaluation of test results, correlation between energy density and penetration depth was considered. The first test results of firing a 4 mm diameter (after the transformation diameter: 3.5 mm) and 0.37 g weight lead sphere projectile are as follows (Graph 2): a. Bare Ballistic Candle block with skin simulant: Mean velocity of five shots is 148.4 m/s (standard deviation is 2.408). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 4.072 J (standard deviation is 0.132). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.422 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.137). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 6.434 cm (standard deviation is 0.255) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 2A). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2-tailed). b. 100% cotton police shirt and skin simulant coated block: Mean velocity of five shots is 148 m/s (standard deviation is 2.915). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 4.055 J (standard deviation is 0.160). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.421 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.165). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 5.870 cm (standard deviation is 0.320) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 2B). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2-tailed). c. Jean denim and skin simulant coated block: Mean velocity of five shots is 147.2 m/s (standard deviation is 2.774). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 4.011 J (standard deviation is 0.150). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.416 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.155). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 4.358 cm (standard deviation is 0.229) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 2C). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2tailed). In the second test, 4 mm diameter and 0.26 g weight steel sphere projectiles were discharged from a smooth barrel profile weapon (Picture 3b). The smooth-barrelled weapon is not suitable for discharging ordinary firearms ammunition, but the modified
blank ammunitions, with steel sphere projectiles, are easily discharged from the smooth barrels. The second test results of the 4 mm diameter and 0.26 g weight steel sphere projectile shots are as follows (Graph 3): a. Bare Ballistic Candle block with skin simulant: Mean velocity of five shots is 176 m/s (standard deviation is 4.949). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 4.260 J (standard deviation is 0.226). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.320 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.182). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 8.608 cm (standard deviation is 0.526) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 3A). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2tailed). b. 100% cotton police shirt and skin simulant coated block: Mean velocity of five shots is 175.4 m/s (standard deviation is 5.770). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 4.004 J (standard deviation is 0.262). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.318 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.020). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 8.440 cm (standard deviation is 0.606) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 3B). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2-tailed). c. Jean denim and skin simulant coated block: Mean velocity of five shots is 173.2 m/s (standard deviation is 3.033). Mean kinetic energy of five shots is 3.901 J (standard deviation is 0.136). Mean kinetic energy density of five shots is 0.310 J/mm2 (standard deviation is 0.011). Mean penetration depth of five shots is 8.032 cm (standard deviation is 0.314) and all of the projectiles were in the block (Graph 3C). The correlation of kinetic energy density and penetration depth is significant at P = 0.01 level (2tailed). 4. Discussion According to CIP standards, blank weapons should be designed and produced for firing only blank ammunitions and should not be suitable for discharging any solid projectiles. Because of the inferior durability of blank firing weapons, the conversion of blank weapons to fire regular live firearm ammunition is not common. The blank weapons with circle restraint piece barrels appear to be the preferred weapon, which are compatible to CIP standards. After small modifications, such as removing the restraint piece, blank firing weapons will be suitable for discharging the modified blank ammunitions. In order to provide the maximum effect on the
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Graph 3. 4 mm, 0.26 g steel sphere test results.
target, clandestine gunsmiths produce the smooth barrel blank weapons for discharging the steel sphere projectiles. Both types of modified blank weapons are very common in Turkey [4]. In this study, the wounding potential of modified blank cartridges with lead and steel sphere projectiles which are fired from circle restraint piece and smooth barrel profile blank weapon, are experimentally examined. The velocity and weight of modified blank cartridge projectiles and airgun projectiles are close [12,13]. Therefore the modified blank weapon injuries are similar with the airgun injuries. And for estimating the potential fatality of modified blank weapons, the airgun injury literatures were evaluated. After the literature evaluation four anatomic locations were pointed out as the high potential areas, the neck, the eyes (the orbital area), the thorax and inguinal area, for modified blank weapons’ fatal injury. The neck area has a high potential of the big vessel injury via damage of arteria corotis. According to test results the lead and steel projectiles have enough penetration depth within the skin simulant + TBC test model (mean penetration depth for lead projectile was 6.434 cm and for steel projectile was 8.608 cm). According to these penetration test results, the lead and steel projectiles were able to create the fatal injuries by perforating the eyes, orbital bones and damaging the brain. In the literature it seems that the cavity specifications of the airgun injuries at the neck area [14,15] and at the eyes [16,17] are similar with modified blank cartridge projectiles cavity in the TCB. For the lethal thorax injury, the penetration depth of lead and steel projectiles in within the 100% cotton police shirt + skin simulant + TBC test model (mean penetration depth for lead projectile was 5.870 cm and for steel projectile was 8.440 cm) was enough if the projectiles pass into the intercostal gaps. In the airgun injury literature, same kinds of injuries are seen [18]. The other important anatomic location is inguinal area. In order to simulate the injuries at this area, skin simulant + jean denim + TBC test model. The penetration depth of lead and steel projectiles was (mean penetration depth for lead projectile was 4.358 cm and for steel projectile was 8.032 cm) enough for generating the big vessel injury via damage of arteries femoralis, as in the airgun injuries [19].
the standards should be re-evaluated. The regulations should focus not only on blank weapons, but also on blank ammunitions. The manufacturers can follow three methods for preventing the blank weapon modification. The first one, the blank weapons are produced with completely closed (blockaded) barrel. The blockade piece and barrel should be produced together as one piece, and the blockade piece should not be removable. Once the blockade piece removed, the whole barrel should break off. In order to discharge the combustion gas, a gas discharge gap will be open with 308 angle to front sight (Picture 4). Some of the manufacturers have already produced their blank weapons with the completely closed barrel profiles. With the new regulations this production method should be compulsory for others. The completely closed barrel profile blank weapons are not similar to real firearms. For that reason this type of blank weapon is not preferred by the customers. So the manufactures mount the ‘‘restraint piece’’ to inside the barrel with different forms (Picture 1). According to test results, these types of restraint piece applications do not work as desired; lead projectiles can be discharged from the barrel. For preventing the discharge of any solid projectiles, restraint piece application methods should be changed as follows. Barrel and weapon frame should be produced together with ZAMaK. And at least 63 HRC stainless steel restraint pieces should be mounted to barrel at the same step. In order to prevent the discharging of projectiles, intersected restraint pieces application method should be used. In this method restraint pieces are placed in the same axes with different angles (Picture 5).
5. Conclusions According to test results, the injury potential of modified blank weapon should not be disregarded. In order to prevent the modifications, national and international legislations, as well as
Picture 4. Completely closed blank weapon barrel profile.
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Picture 5. The intersected restraint pieces application.
The Blank Weapons Legislation [20] nor national and international standards. These legislations and standards are only about blank weapons. This situation creates a legal and technical gap, so the new amendment with considering the blank ammunition modification methods is needed. References
Picture 6. The application eccentric barrel structure.
The third method is eccentric barrel structure. In this method, the barrel when produced has two or three parts. These parts are mounted in the eccentric axes. This structure only allows discharging the combustion gas from the muzzle, not solid projectiles (Picture 6). The new regulations on blank weapons per se cannot prevent the blank weapon modifications, the preventing methods of the blank ammunition modifications to live rounds also should be considered. Blank ammunitions that are not suitable for modification to live rounds should be designed for both automatic and revolver blank weapons. The modification of blank ammunitions can be prevented in two phases. In the first phase, the powder capacity of blank ammunitions should be decreased with shortened length of cartridge case. With this application, there would not be enough space for projectile (steel or lead sphere) and required amount powder for discharging. And as a second phase, the crimp of cartridge case should be gathered like revolver blank ammunitions, instead of closing with plastic wad. The gathered crimp cartridge case is not suitable for modification with the steel or lead sphere. There is not any regulation on the modification of blank ammunition neither in the new Turkish Blank Weapons Act [3] and
[1] Permanent International Commission for the Proof of Small Arms Edition, Liege, Belgium, 2005. [2] Turkish National Police Department of Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Annual Reports (2004 to 2008), Ankara, 2008. [3] Blank Weapon Act (Turkish Act No. 5729, official gazette date: 12.02.2008, number: 26785). [4] V. Vero, A modified ‘‘Bruny’’ alarm pistol, AFTE Journal 21 (January (1)) (1989) 89. [5] SABAH 12.09.2005 ‘‘Erdog˘ana Suikast Giris¸imi’’ (Assassination Attempt to Erdog˘an) http://arsiv.sabah.com.tr/2005/09/12/gnd98.html. [6] A. Yalcin Saribey, A. Inan, C. Tarimci, The modification methods and legality of blank pistols, in: 5th Anatolia Forensic Science Congress, Samsun, 8–10 September, 2006. [7] A.I. Uzar, M. Dakak, T. Ozer, G. Ogunc, T. Yigit, C. Kayahan, et al., A new ballistic simulant ‘‘Transparent Gel Candle’’(experimental study), Turkish Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 9 (2003) 104–106. [8] J. Jussila, Wound Ballistic Simulation: Assessment of the Legitimacy of Law Enforcement Firearms Ammunition by Means of Wound Ballistic Simulation, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Helsinki, 2005. [9] J. Jussila, A. Leppaniemi, M. Paronen, E. Kulomaki, Ballistic skin simulant, Forensic Science International 150 (May (1)) (2005), 63(9). [10] R.A. Rinker, Understanding Firearm Ballistics, 6th edition, Mulberry House Publishing, 2008. [11] D. MacPherson, Bullet Penetration, Modelling the Dynamics and the Incapacitation Resulting from Wound Trauma, Ballistic Publication, 1994. [12] K.G. Sellier, B.P. Kneubuehl, Wound Ballistics and The Scientific Background, Elsevier, 1994. [13] V.J.M. Di Maio, Gunshot Wounds: Practical Aspects of Firearms, Ballistics, and Forensic Techniques, 2nd edition, CRC Press, 1999. [14] O. Young, K. Watters, P. Sheahan, J. Hughes, Penetrating air gun wound in the neck, Auris Nasus Larynx 35 (2008) 426–428. [15] A. Khan, G.T. Drugas, Airgun pellet embolization to the right heart: case report and review of the literature, The Journal of Trauma 54 (2003) 1239–1241. [16] W.N. Wykes, A 10-year survey of penetrating eye injuries in Gwent, 1976–85, British Journal of Ophthalmology 72 (1988) 607–611. [17] A. Buller, P. Tesha, M.J. Menage, Attempted suicide by air rifle, CME Journal Ophthalmology 5 (3) (2001) 86. [18] K.V. Alejandro, J.A. Acosta, P.A. Rodrı´guez, Air gun pellet cardiac injuries: case report and review of the literature, Journal of Trauma 54 (2003) 1242–1244. [19] J.D. Langley, R.N. Norton, J.C. Alsop, S.W. Marshall, Airgun injuries in New Zealand, 1979–92, Injury Prevention 2 (1996) 114–117. [20] Blank Weapon Legislation (Reference Act No. 5729, official gazette date: 02.05.2008, number: 26864).