Ballistic studies and lethal potential of tear gas pen guns firing fixed metallic ammunition

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Ballistics
• Firearms Analysis

Background:

• Illicitly manufactured and older model firearms, such as tear gas pen guns, pose significant public safety risks.
• These weapons can be modified to fire standard ammunition, circumventing regulatory controls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the ballistics and forensic characteristics of ammunition fired from illegal pen guns.
• To assess the performance and potential hazards associated with these improvised firearms.

Main Methods:

• Testing of illegal pen guns (older, foreign, and illicitly manufactured) using various calibers (.22, .25, .32, .38, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, .270).
• Measurement of bullet velocity, accuracy range, kinetic energy, and gelatin penetration.
• Examination of recovered bullets, casings, and firing pin impressions.

Main Results:

• Detailed ballistics data including velocity, accuracy, and penetration capabilities were recorded for each caliber.
• Distinctive characteristics of fired evidence (bullets, casings, firing pin marks) were documented for forensic comparison.
• Analysis revealed significant kinetic energy and penetrative potential, posing serious risks.

Conclusions:

• Illegal pen guns modified to fire various cartridges present substantial ballistic capabilities.
• The forensic evidence generated is crucial for identifying and prosecuting the use of such illegal firearms.
• These weapons pose severe hazards to both users and potential victims due to their unpredictable nature and ballistics.