Typically, how long will gunshot residue (GSR) remain on the shooter's hand?

Gunshot residue (GSR) is a byproduct produced when a firearm is discharged, and it can provide crucial evidence in criminal investigations. Typically, GSR can remain detectable on a person’s hand for a period of around six hours after they have discharged a weapon. This timeframe is influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, activities the individual engages in afterward, and the type of firearm used.

Understanding how long GSR persists is vital for forensic analysts as it helps determine the likelihood of someone’s involvement in a shooting incident. Within this timeframe, it is still possible to collect reliable GSR samples for analysis, which can indicate whether a suspect fired a weapon. Factors such as the method of shooting, type of ammunition, and how quickly after the shooting a hands-on test is conducted all play a role in GSR detection.

In essence, identifying the six-hour window is critical for determining the potential involvement of individuals in shooting incidents.