What is a key characteristic of an entrance wound from a contact shot?

A key characteristic of an entrance wound from a contact shot is the presence of blackening around the entry point. This phenomenon occurs because when a gun is discharged at close range, the hot gases and burnt powder from the firing of the weapon are expelled from the muzzle and can leave soot and particulate matter deposited on the skin or clothing surrounding the wound.

This blackening is an important forensic indicator as it helps to establish that the shot was fired at very close range, typically touching or nearly touching the skin. The presence of tattooing or stippling, which are similar to the blackening but involve tiny particles that may penetrate the skin, can also be a result of this close-range discharge, further confirming the circumstances of the shooting.

In contrast, small round holes might characterize shots fired from a distance or with different ballistic properties, while large irregular openings might suggest different types of firearm injury, such as from a shotgun or high-caliber weapon fired from a distance. The absence of a visible entry point might occur in cases where the bullet did not penetrate but caused a different type of injury or in body areas that are not easily visible. Thus, the specific characteristic of blackening around the entry point is distinctly linked to the nature of contact shots and highlights the critical